What Is A Water Intrusion Inspection And Do You Need One?

As a homeowner, getting ready for some water problems that may arise in your home is essential. One of these issues is the so-called water intrusion. It refers to the uncontrolled movement of water or water vapor into specific areas in your home. Like other home issues, water intrusion can be a serious concern as it can significantly damage your building’s structure and finished surfaces and environmental hazards.

Moreover, occupants in your home with this kind of problem may experience several health issues. For that reason, it’s essential to determine the defects in your building elements to identify the issues and remediate them as soon as possible to minimize the adverse effects. This is where a water intrusion inspection comes into play.

Continue reading this article to learn what a water intrusion inspection is and if you need one.

What Is A Water Intrusion Inspection?

Essentially, a water intrusion inspection refers to a home inspection intended to determine the presence of any defects in your building’s exterior elements that cause leaks, including their source and severity. Many certified water damage restoration service providers perform interior and exterior inspections to know how the water enters your premises. For instance, specialists from Moisture Master Pros restoration company and other service providers use cutting-edge technologies like thermal imaging and calibrated water testing to locate the source of the water problem in a more precise way.

In most cases, water intrusion inspectors will inspect the following areas:

• Roofing system, including the flashing, gaskets, and sealants;
• Plumbing fixtures and distribution pipes;
• Exhaust fan in the bathroom;
• Bathroom sink;
• Bathtubs and showers;
• Water heater, including its essential components like the electrical systems;
• Different parts of the cooling system, such as the filters, ductwork, and vents;
• Chimney and plumbing vents located in the attic;
• Areas of the insulation in the attic;
• Recessed lights in the attic
• Foundation Walls

Signs You Need A Water Intrusion Inspection

Now that you know what a water intrusion inspection is, it’s time to familiarize yourself with the signs you need an assessment. Generally, you need someone to inspect your premises for water intrusion problems when the following circumstances are present:

1. Discolorations Or Stains: If you notice discoloration or dark stains on some building materials, such as ceilings, floors, drywalls, and wood, these are signs that water has already seeped through, thereby causing significant water damage. When this happens, your home’s structural integrity is also at risk.
2. Mold Growth: When the water enters your building materials, the molds will begin to grow. However, excessive mold growth inside your home may cause some health issues. It also brings a musty odor, which is also an underlying sign of a significant water intrusion on your premises.
3. Water Dripping Sounds: If you hear noises of water drips, they can be an indicator of water intrusion inside your home.
4. Damage To Wall Finishes: When the water seeps through your wall, the moisture starts to build up, which causes saturation of your building material. Unfortunately, when this happens, the wall finishes will begin to crack, chip, or peel.
5. Sagging Ceilings: Water intrusion can also cause your ceilings to sag. Since they’re oversaturated with water, the surfaces will be deformed. This deformation can become a major safety hazard as it can cause the ceilings to collapse and affect the structural integrity of your premises.
6. Water Leaks In Windows: During colder months, it’s normal to see some water leaks on your windows. But if the leaks occur during the summer season, it can signify a water intrusion issue. This means the water is entering your house, and you don’t know where it comes from.
7. Unexplained High-Water Bills: Your water bills are generally computed based on your monthly consumption. However, if you don’t use too much water but still get high water bills, it may be due to a water intrusion. To know if there are leaks, turn off all the water resources and check if the water meter is still running. If it’s the case, you may have a water leak somewhere in your house. Unfortunately, even if you’re not using the water, you still have to pay your bill.

Indeed, the signs mentioned above may warrant a water intrusion inspection. Hence, if you notice any of these signs, hire a restoration service provider for water damage to help you with the inspection as quickly as possible. With an assessment, you can determine the causes and find effective solutions to protect your property.

Final Thoughts

Water intrusion may cause damage to your property and other related problems. For instance, it can adversely affect your home’s foundation and put you and your family at risk for some health problems. Because of this, you should never take water intrusion for granted. As a homeowner, it’s best to conduct an inspection as soon as possible to address water intrusion issues. Fortunately, by keeping the information mentioned above in mind, you’ll get familiar with how the water intrusion inspection works and when and why you need one.