(Under Construction Still) - Block Home Inspections€¦ · Copyright © Block Home Inspections LLC. All rights reserved. Painting Vinyl Siding •Painting vinyl siding in ideal conditions

Copyright © Block Home Inspections LLC. All rights reserved.

(Under Construction Still)


Exterior Pg. 3 - 36Plumbing Pg. 37 - 50HVAC Pg. 51 - 60Electrical Pg. 61 - 70Interior Pg. 71 - 80Crawlspaces Pg. 81 - 90Attic Spaces Pg. 91 - 100Kitchen Pg. 101 - 110Bathroom Pg. 111 - 120

TABLE OF CONTENTS


• Siding MaintenanceEIFSCompositionMasonryStuccoVinylMetalFiber CementWood Shingles

• Windows and Doors• Electrical

FixturesOutletsWiringElectric MeterOverhead Power Line

• GroundsConcreteDecksHandrails and GuardrailsGradingVegetationWindow WellsWater Spigots

• Inground Sprinkler System• Roof

CompositionTileMetalWoodRoof PenetrationsRoof VentilationGuttering/Downspouts

EXTERIOR


Your siding should be one of the first places you begin for maintenance and repairs. Moistureintrusion at the siding can lead to all sorts of problems with the siding, windows and theinternal components of the home. This can add up to enormous repair costs.

Proper painting and maintenance is critical to ensure the weather tightness of the siding. Ingeneral, most commercial painters will not properly paint your siding in accordance with sidingmanufacturer recommendations and industry best practices.

The typical painting company will spray your siding vs brush and roller which provides asuperior application. This can work but special attention needs to be paid to ensure the edgesand the grooves of the siding get good coverage. These are the areas that are mostvulnerable. Spraying and then back rolling and bushing is preferred.

Definitely do research before hiring a company to repair wood rot and painting. Not allcompanies are created equal. In this area of home maintenance, you should expect to paymore for this service as the end product will last longer and protect your investment better.

SIDING


• Have regular inspections by aqualified EIFS repair/inspectioncompany.

• Sealant needs to be intact andproperly sealing all penetrations toprevent moisture intrusion.

• The sealant used for EIFS is specificto the manufacturer of the sidingmaterial and should only be installedby a qualified contractor.

• The siding should be inspected forphysical damage or cracking. Thistype of siding is easily repairable byqualified contractors.

• EIFS siding materials should never be in direct contact with roofing, concrete surfaces orthe ground. Ideally there would be 2” clearance from the roof, there would be sealantjoints at concrete surfaces and 8” of clearance from the ground.

• To clean the siding, you can use a mild detergent and a low-pressure power washer.• Keep all vegetation trimmed away from the siding to prevent damage.

Proper Sealant Physical Damage

EIFS SIDING


• Proper care for composition siding starts with proper caulking and painting.• All seams, trim boards, nail heads and penetrations in the siding need to be properly

caulked.• The caulking should be evaluated yearly

and replaced as needed.• A proper paint job should include using a

roller and a paint brush to get into all thegrooves and places that are hard to reachwith a sprayer.

• If you or your painter do decide to use asprayer, be sure to use a roller and brushas well to get full coverage at the edgesand grooves.

• The bottom edge of the siding and trim boards should be a priority area.Caulk All Seams and Nail Heads

If these areas are poorly painted, they will “wick”or absorb moisture into the material andeventually lead to damage. The damage to thesiding materials typically will begin on the backside of the siding before it becomes visible.Being proactive is important to prevent futuredamage.

Poor Caulking and Paint Resulted in Damage

• Many painters or non-qualified contractors will install a trim board at the bottom edgeof the siding to cover the damaged areas. This is not a proper repair for wood rot atsiding.

• The areas of siding with wood rot must be removed to prevent additional damage.• You should anticipate repainting the siding every 5 years. A proper paint job with

appropriate repairs to wood rot, caulking and above industry standard paint and properapplication can exceed 5 years.

COMPOSITION SIDING


Proper repair of siding with the damagebottom edge being removed, z-flashing andnew trim installed.

• Trim all vegetation away from the siding to allow a minimum of 12” of clearance.

Poorly Maintained Siding Has Led Damage and The Siding Needs Replacement


• Brick and Stone are long-lasting siding materials that require minimal maintenance.• Periodically pressure-wash the surface to remove debris and moss.• Make sure vegetation is not growing against the siding or on the siding.• Mortar in between bricks or

stone will shrink, crack anddeteriorate over time. Theold mortar will need to beremoved and replaced in aprocess called “tuckpointing”.

• Observe the condition of themortar annually andanticipate periodic repairs.

• Sills at windows are important toWater away from window andSiding to prevent moistureIntrusion.

• Windows and trim at windowsShould be properly sealed to theBrick/stone to prevent moistureIntrusion.

• The sills should be sloped properlyTo shed water away from theHouse.

• The mortar joints at the sills can becaulked with clear silicone sealant to help prevent moisture intrusion and extend the lifeof the materials.

MASONRY SIDING


• Spalling occurs whenmoisture infiltrates thebrick or stone andfreezing causing part ofthe brick or stone tofall off. The damagedbricks and stonesshould ultimately bereplaced.

• The stone and bricksiding materials shouldbe sealed every 4 to 5years or as directed bythe specific productsused to the siding materials to prevent moisture absorption.

Loose stones or bricksshould be replaced orrepaired.


• Stucco is a durable siding material that can last hundreds of years with minimalmaintenance.

• If the stucco is dirty, you use agarden hose to gently rinsethe debris off the siding. Apower sprayer should not beused to prevent physicaldamage to the stucco.

• The stucco should be annuallyevaluated for cracks andphysical damage.

• Small cracking can be repairedwith stucco repair materials.Large cracking should beevaluated by a stucco repairspecialist.

• All penetrationsin the stuccosiding should beevaluatedannually and thecondition of thesealant observedto ensuremoistureinfiltration doesnot occur.

• Peeling paintshould beremoved andrepainting done.

STUCCO SIDING


• Vinyl siding will require minimalmaintenance but regularinspections are needed to addressproblem areas that arise.

• Damage can occur from hail orimpacts.

• Be careful around the siding if itsold as the sun eventually willcause the siding to become brittle.

• Be cautious around the siding inthe winter as the siding will bemore susceptible to damage. Loose Section of Siding

• Be cautious using grills around thesiding with grills as the siding willmelt.

• The clean the siding, you can use astiff bristle brush and soapy water.You may want to clean it once ayear.

• Keep vegetation away from thesiding to prevent impact damage orthe vegetation growing under thesiding.

• Painting vinyl siding is an option butshould be left to a professional.

Melted Siding

VINYL SIDING


Mold on The Siding

Impact Damage


Painting Vinyl Siding• Painting vinyl siding in ideal conditions means waiting for mild temperatures, low

relative humidity, and an overcast sky. If the weather’s too hot, too sunny, or even toowindy, the paint may fail to go on properly.

• Proper paint will contain acrylic and urethane resins; these ingredients, whichaccommodate the expansion and contraction of vinyl, help the coating to stick.

• The color should be the same shade or lighter than the current color; darker colorsretain more heat and leave the siding vulnerable to premature warping.

• Surface Preparation. Cleaning is a critical first step. The goal is to remove all mold,mildew, chalky buildup, and debris from the surface.

• For best results, use a cleaning solution that contains:– 1/3 cup laundry detergent– 2/3 cup powdered household cleaner– 1 quart liquid laundry bleach– 1 gallon water

• Use a cloth or a soft-bristled brush to apply the cleaning solution then be sure to rinse offany remaining residue. Allow enough time for the siding to dry completely.

• Primer isn’t necessary unless the original color has completely worn away or hasbecome pitted or porous.

• Apply your chosen paint with a roller or paint sprayer, saving brushwork for corners andedges. Evenly coat the entire surface, taking care not to apply too much paint in any onesection. Allow the first coat to dry before applying the second coat.

• If the siding was properly cleaned prior to painting, expect the application to last 10years.


• Metal siding consists of Aluminum and Steel. This siding can be very durable withalmost no maintenance.

• Keep vegetation away from thesiding to prevent scraping anddenting.

• Impact damage is a concernwith metal siding but does nottypically affect its performance.

• As the siding ages, the colorwill fade.

• You can paint metal siding, butthis is best left to a professionalas its time consuming.

• Be on the look out for loosesections of siding.

Hail Damage

Loose Sections

METAL SIDING


Painting Aluminum Siding• Clean the siding. Use a power washer, angling the sprayer in a downward direction.

• With stubborn stains, try using a biodegradable laundry detergent by mixingapproximately ¼ cup detergent with 4 gallons of water.

• Rub your hand along the siding when it is dry to check for chalking. If a powderysubstance comes off, this is chalking, which is normal in paint made for aluminumsubstances. This powdery substance acts as a self-cleaner for the siding. Use a detergentcontaining TSP (trisodium phosphate) to remove the chalking.

• Repair damaged siding by banging or removing unrepairable sections.• Sand the siding. Always start with a rough sandpaper and finish with a fine. Give your

siding a sweep afterwards to ensure you remove the metal filings and any chipped paint.• Use rough sandpaper (80 grit) to start your sanding. Do a rough once over while making

sure to keep your motion in the same direction.• Use finer sandpaper (220 grit) and do a second pass over the siding.• Choose a primer. Use an acrylic primer which will act as a strong base while sticking to

metal and not reacting to any possibly-missed oxidation on the siding. Be cautious whenusing an acrylic primer, which can only be paired with acrylic paint.

• Avoid latex primer since it generally contains ammonia, which reacts over time withaluminum to form microscopic gas bubbles and can lead to premature failure of theprimer, removing the paint from the surface or the siding.

• Select a paint meant for aluminum that’s acrylic exterior grade paint. This is an all-seasonal paint, which will hold up better, cover better and is less likely to fade.

• Use eggshell or satin finish because it is more flattering for your home as it wears better.• Roll or spray the siding when the outside temperature is above 50 degrees with no rain in

the forecast for at least 24 hours.


• Fiber Cement Siding is a superior siding material. It comes in a variety styles andappearances and can be virtually indestructible.

• Painting the siding may only be necessary once during the ownership of your home• Physical damage is the only real concern with this type of siding.• Annual inspections of the caulking should be done and replace as needed.• If the home was built in 1978 or prior, the fiber cement siding may and probably does

contain asbestos materials. To be certain, you can send a quarter sized sample to a labfor analysis. (ProLab is one example of a testing lab). You should know the materialscontent prior to make repairs or removing the siding.

Siding May Contain Asbestos Siding May Contain Asbestos

Siding May Contain Asbestos

FIBER CEMENT SIDING


• Look for peeling paint ordeteriorated finishes on thewood shingles.

• Look for damaged or splitshingles and replace as needed

• Look for loose shingles andsecure as needed.

• Check all caulking fordeterioration and replace asneeded.

WOOD SHINGLE SIDING


• Each fall and spring you should check the doors and windows for damage.• Check for damaged or loose hardware.

• Loose Door Hinge Hack: Easilyrepair loose hinges due to stripped outholes with wood glue and tooth picks.Remove screws and hinge. Insert woodglue and tooth picks. Allow to dry thenbreak the tooth picks off flush with thesurface. Reinstall the hinge and screws.

Loose Door Hinge Hack

• Inspect the weather stripping and sweeps for damage or gaps.• Evaluate the caulking and replace as needed.• Check the trim, window sashes and door jambs for wood rot and peeling paint.• Check the storm windows and screens for damage.• You should consider installing storm doors at exterior doors exposed to direct rain.• Check the caulking at the metal wrap and replace as needed.

Metal Wrap Caulking

WINDOWS AND DOORS


• Inspect and repair glazing compound at single pane wood windows.

Window Glazing Compound

• Check for any loose screws and tighten as needed.• Lightly lubricate tracks with silicon spray• Check glass for any cracking. Evaluate double pane glass for fogging or moisture in

between the panes of glass.


Fixtures, Outlets and Wiring• Check all light fixtures for loose or damaged components.• Check for burned out bulbs and replace as needed with exterior bulbs if not protected

from the elements.• All exterior outlets should be GFI protected and tested periodically by pressing and

resetting the test buttons.• Check all outlet waterproof covers for function

and damage and replace as needed.• Check outlets for cracks, damage and burn

marks and replace all damaged outlets.

Outlet Loose At The Wall

ELECTRICAL


• Make sure all exterior wiring is protected in metal or plastic conduit.• Make sure all conduit is in good condition and not separating.• All exterior wiring should

be rated for exterior use.The wiring will be grayand be labeled as“sunlight resistant”.

Electrical Meter and Overhead Service• Check the electrical meter on the side of

the house. Make sure the meter issecurely attached to the house.

• Make sure the electric meter is caulked tothe siding along the top and part waydown the sides.

• Check the power line coming to the meterfor proper anchoring to the house and fordamage or loose conduit.

• Check the overhead power line to makesure no tree branches are near it andcontact the service provider to trim asneeded.


• Check for proper safeclearance for the mainpower line.

• Your house may beolder and not meetthese guidelines butbe aware of thelocation of the line forsafety.


Concrete• Check all the concrete surfaces around the home and ensure they slope away from the

home to properly drain water away from the house. Water flowing towards the homecan lead tomoisture intrusion,mold and damage.

• Check all theconcrete surfacesfor cracking,spalling and pittingor salt damage.Sealing the cracksand applying asealant to theconcrete surfaceswill increase theirservice life.

Spalling Concrete Pitting Concrete

GROUNDS


Decks, Handrails and Guardrails• Loose at the condition of the deck finish.

You should anticipate refinishing yourdeck every 2 to 5 years depending onthe finish, building materials andexposure to the elements.

• While you can paint a deck, we do notrecommend it. The paint doesn’t absorbinto the decking materials, it promoteswater ponding, the paint will crack andpeel too quickly, trap moisture and leadto premature damage.

• Replace damaged or decayed deckingmaterials.

• Secure loose floor boards and stairtreads.

• Replace nails that pull up withscrews to prevent future repairs.

• Check for loose railings and secureas needed.

• Check stair stringers for crackingand repair as needed.

• Check for loose railing balusters.Railing balusters should be securedwith screws vs. nails. The balustersshould be installed 4” on center toeliminate safety hazards forchildren.


Screw vs Nail Railing Balusters

Replace Damaged Floor Boards


Grading• The first 10’ of yard

around the houseshould have a positiveslope away from thehouse to properlydrain water.

• In new construction,you should expect thesoil around thefoundation to settle inthe first few years.

• When regrading oradding soil around thefoundation, makesure to keep 6” ofclearance from thesiding to preventdamage to the siding.

• During excessively dry periods, you should “water” the foundation. It is preferredto keep the soil immediately around the foundation damp to keep the soil frompulling away from the foundation and retain its dimensional stability.


A gap at the foundation can allowwater to quickly reach the footingsand lead movement and waterinfiltration.

Vegetation• All vegetation should be

trimmed away from thesiding to provide at least 12”of clearance.

• Trees should definitely notbe within 10’ of the homesfoundation. Ideally, theywouldn’t be within 20’ of thefoundation. Removal oftrees too close to thefoundation is suggestedpreventive maintenance.


Window Wells• Window wells should be cleaned

out a couple times of year toensure drain tiles will properlydischarge water.

• Make sure the drain tile has acover and the cover is securelyattached to the drain tile.

• Check the window well fordeterioration, movement andensure the yard properly slopesaway from the foundation andwindow well.

• Make sure any ladders are in good condition and properly secured.• If you window well has a cover, make sure it is in good condition and properly secured.

Drain Tile Cover

Window Well Cover


Water Spigots• You should consider installing an insulated cover on

the exterior water spigots in the winter to preventfreezing and damage.

• If you have an interior shutoff valve for the exteriorwater spigots, shut it off in the winter and drain thewater from the line.

• If you don’t have a modern frost-proof, anti-siphonwater spigots, consider installing them.

• Check for drips or leaks at the spigots• Be sure to remove all garden hoses from the

exterior spigot in the winter to prevent damageto the spigot and hose.

Frost Proof Anti-Siphon


• Each fall, you should have a qualified sprinkler system contractor shut down the systemand blow the water out of the lines. Even if you have a gravity drain system, you shouldstill have the lines blown out.

• Each spring, you should have a qualified sprinkler system contractor check the back-flowpreventer, turn the water back on andcheck and adjust each sprinkler head.

• Once installed, sprinkler systems are easyto work on but do need to be properly shutdown and started back up.

• You should monitor for excessively dampareas in the yard as this may indicate abreak or leak in the water line.

Backflow Preventer• Get to know your control panel. You may want to read through the manual or have the

sprinkler system contractor review the function of the system to ensure you areproperly watering the lawn.

Sprinkler Control Panel

INGROUND SPRINKLER SYSTEM


• Roof maintenance is limited to your comfort level with accessing the roof.• As a general rule of thumb, roof maintenance should be left to qualified roofing

contractors.• From the ground, you should be able to spot some significant issues with the roofing

system.

Composition Roof• Look around the yard for any shingles that may have blown off the roof.• Check the roof on all sides for uplifted shingles, visible damage or anything that looks

unusual or out of place.• Always have a qualified roofing

contractor perform additionalinvestigations and repairs asneeded.

• Always walk around the house aftera storm to look for damage.

• If a hail storm occurs, always contactyour insurance provider to let themknow regardless of the size of hailyou observed.

Roof Needs Replacement

Missing Shingles

ROOF


Weather Damage

Uplifted Shingles Subject To Wind Damage/Nail Pops


Tile Roof• Look around the yard for any tiles that may have blown off the roof.• Check the roof on all sides for loose tiles, visible damage or anything that looks unusual

or out of place.• Always have a qualified

roofing contractorperform additionalinvestigations and repairsas needed.

• Always walk around thehouse after a storm tolook for damage.

• If a hail storm occurs,always contact yourinsurance provider to letthem know regardless ofthe size of hail you observed. Missing Tiles

Damaged Tiles Missing Tiles


Call A Roofer

Metal Roof

Congratulations for having a superior roofing system that requires very littlemaintenance. Under normal conditions, a metal roof properly installed will outlastalmost any other material. But, there are always things you can do to make sure yourroofing system stays looking good and performing like it should.

• Perform annual observations ofthe roof and observations aftersevere storms to be on thelookout for stains, scratches,grease or dirt. Also look for anyobvious seam separation.

• If dirt or stains remain after aperiod of rainfall, gently washyour metal roof with a well-soakedcloth, sponge, soft-bristled brush, or low pressure sprayer and one of thefollowing solutions.

- One cup of detergent containing less than 0.5% phosphate mixedthoroughly with five gallons of lukewarm water.


- Cleaners that contain solvents, such as Formula 409, Fantastic, or StarBrite Instant Black Streak Remover

- If mildew or fungal growth becomes a problem, mix one cup householdbleach and one cup mild dish soap with five gallons of water.

• Remove any metal chips, shavings,or random particles that you findloose or lightly embedded in thecoating. Exposed steel will oxidizequickly and be a source of ugly ruststains.

• Promptly cover any scratched orabraded areas with a manufacturer-approved bottle-brush touch up paint.

• Keep tree branches clear of the roofby at least six feet to avoid scratchesand excess debris. Damage

• Keep valleys and gutters clear of leaves and debris. Perform a cleaning twice ayear, or more often if there are many trees near your home.

• DON’T use scouring powders or industrial solvents, which may damage the filmor facilitate the accumulation of dirt.

• DON’T allow different types of metal to come in contact on your roof as chemicalreactions between different materials can lead to corrosion.

Hail Damage


Wood Roof

A wood roof is the least desirable of roofing materials. They require the most amount ofmaintenance and have the shortest life expectancy in or a

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(Under Construction Still) - Block Home Inspections€¦ · Copyright © Block Home Inspections LLC. All rights reserved. Painting Vinyl Siding •Painting vinyl siding in ideal conditions