At all
doorway entries. Tap subfloor, probe when possible & listen
for soft or delaminating sheathing. At door entries on decks or
concrete stoops where door threshold is within inches of the sur
face. Water and snow can back up and seep under the threshold. Check
toe kick, subfloor, and other trims. Lack of drip caps over wood
trim, windows or doors. These areas are susceptible to water infiltration.
Vertical trim that runs to the ground or
concrete where the capillaries of the wood can absorb the water.
This is referred to as wicking and is very common at garage doors
and entry doors. Any siding or trim that is close to or touching
the ground or concrete. This can cause damage to wood siding as
well as to the sheathing and framing in the wall.
Termites may create an undetectable path
as well. Columns or post resting on concrete without a pad, can
soak water into the capillaries, and may rot. Roof sheathing due
to; ice damming, leaves clogging and where there is no drip edge
at the gutters. Tongue and groove porch flooring at the end grain.
Closed in porches with the flooring is still exposed to the outside.
In the attic, at the gable ends and at the bottom near the soffits
look for water stains or rotting at the sheathing from the end grain.
In the attic sheathing at plumbing vents,
around chimneys, skylights and other roof penetrations. Wood exposed
to the south side or a lot of direct sun. Any wood exposed to continuous
dampness. Damp or wet crawl spaces can promote fungus, mildew and
lead to rot. Any wood trim especially at the end grains. Exterior
trims which are not back-primed or sealed at the end grain.
Any plywood used outside for paneling or
trim that is not marine grade, back primed or sealed at the end
grains.. Foundation sill plates which are untreated Floor sheathing
at toilet drain and other plumbing floor penetrations. Wooden window
sills. Windows in shower stalls All tub and shower wall penetration,
such as spigot and mixer valves. Any failing tile grout at floors,
shower pans and walls. Floor adjacent to the tub or shower.
Any exterior trim or J-Channel which sticks
out past the siding, window, doors, etc. that could allow water
infiltration. Where any exterior caulking is missing, failing, or
blown out. Where any paint is visibly peeling of cracking. On the
roof near all chimneys, plumbing vents around the perimeter, skylights
and ventilation.
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