As part of your pre purchase building inspection we will check for signs of water damage. Water is among a building inspector’s top concerns when looking at a property. As well as causing significant aesthetic damage, moisture can lead to the growth of mould as well as serious structural problems. It’s a particular risk for homes located in places where high humidity, tropical rainfall or snow is a factor.

Whether it’s the sudden onslaught from a storm or the slow effects of rising damp, water can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to your home and even put you and your family in danger.

Causes

Moisture in the home can come from a range of sources, including:

• Damage to the roof
• Poorly sealed windows, doors and vents
• Broken or faulty appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines
• Sink and dishwasher overflows
• Clogged toilets
• Leaking pipes
• Weather – floods, snow and rain
• A broken or faulty damp-proof course

Potential Dangers

Water can cause unsightly damage to your property, with crumbling masonry, stained walls, peeling wallpaper, bubbling paint and sagging ceilings among the aesthetic casualties. But more than that, it can lead to serious hazards Black mould and  associated  structural damage. Moisture can also encourage infestation by timber pests like termites, which further compromises the structural soundness of the building and decreases the value of your home. Finally, rising damp in walls can lead to mould, which can cause health problems such as respiratory illnesses, allergic reactions, and asthma attacks.

How an Inspection Can Help

The best way to avoid the expense of water damage is by protecting your home right from the start with a professional building inspection. A qualified inspector can check your home for signs of existing damage and assess your home’s vulnerability to moisture in the future. They’ll pay particularly close attention to wetter areas like the kitchen, bathroom and laundry.

An inspection may include checks for:

• Leaking toilets, taps and pipes
• Damage to flooring
• Damage to roofing (holes, slipped tiles)
• Leaking air conditioners and skylights
• Poorly sealed vents
• Sagging ceilings
• Stained walls

Contact Casey Building Inspections today to help make sure your home is watertight.