Inspecting Exterior Systems

Over-All Observation While outside, stand back and take a look at the over-all home and site. Is ridgeline straight and level? Are windows/doors square and symmetrically placed? Exterior concrete OK? Landscaping overgrown? Grading acceptable?

Objective: Identify Major Deficiencies in Condition of Exterior Components Required to inspect: Wall claddings, flashing & trim Entryway doors and windows Garage door Decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches Eaves, soffits, fascias Vegetation, grading, drainage, driveways, patios, walkways and retaining walls

Inspecting Wood Siding: Fastening Problem With Fasteners: Not holding Working out of siding Corroded nails & unputtied = rust streaks

Wood Siding: Finish Blistering or peeling paint excess moisture penetrating siding excess moisture present INSIDE

Wood Siding: Miscellaneous Should end 6-8” above soil line Warping or buckling may indicate foundation settlement

Composition Board Siding Compressed wood fiber with paper coating Likely to absorb moisture and warp/bubble Delamination Does not hold paint well Expands when wet and becomes spongy May result in a wavy appearance

Delamination from substrate Excessive moisture Fungal growth

Vinyl Siding Most problem are installation based: Improper fastening will show as wavy appearance due to large sections detaching Mold & mildew is common on northerly walls or other shaded areas.

Exterior Masonry Observe and note: Step cracks due to settlement Cracks above wall openings may indicate rotted or failing lintel Bowing or leaning may indicate detachment of veneer from framing or settlement of foundation

Other Siding Slate shingles ( ) Nails rust through & can causing slippage Fiber cement siding Portland cement with fibrous material added

Paint Problems

Trim Common problems: Wood rot due to moisture penetration Detachment or splitting Missing pieces

Windows Inspect for: Damaged or missing glass Rotted framing Are windows level and plumb? Are storm windows or screens present?

Doors Inspect ALL doors for operation. Are they level & plumb? Is framing rotted? Is there “stop” moulding all the way around? Is there a threshold to keep weather out?

Steps, Stoops & Porches Inspect for settlement Are risers (7-8”) and treads (9-11”) consistent? Is platform or floor sound? Are handrails present and solid? Do railings have balusters 4” apart?

Decks & Balconies Observe & note: Structural soundness Watch for wood rot Railing soundness & baluster spacing Note entry/exit with NO deck or balcony!

Grading & Landscaping Check window well for standing water and debris Report on reverse grading Report overgrown landscaping that may cause damage to house Vines like to grow behind siding

Inspecting Garage All aspects of inspection apply to garage. Check that attached garages have drywall on BOTH sides of the framed wall between house and garage. Passage doors should be solid core wood or steel clad

Inspecting Garage Note settling or cracking of the slab Drains should have a negative slope to them Inspect operation of door and check for safety reverse on automatic systems.

ALWAYS COMMENT: Garage Safety Hazards Absence of fire wall and/or fire rated door Garage floor must be 4” below home floor Reverse feature on auto door not working

Foundation near garage pedestrian door

Asphalt shingles at end of useful life

Missing shingles: New construction

You tell me….

Damage to facia

What’s missing?

Interior garage wall

Comment?

What would you say about the driveway?

What’s missing?

Flat roof over garage is pitched toward wall