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Categories Home Inspection

6 Top Cause of Water Damage REVEALED

gutters

It’s an area, homeowners often overlook or entirely ignore: gutters.

A bit of a funny question, but — when’s the last time you checked out your gutters?

When done correctly, gutter maintenance is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of preventing expensive water damage.

Regardless what condition your gutters are in, we’ve got a handy solution for you.

1. Clogged

It’s the most common problem of them all. Twigs, leaves, critters, rain — it all gets stuck, cramped and clogged in your drains. If you leave it unattended, it could lead to sagging gutters or breaking apart entirely.

When leaves and other items clog your gutters, your gutters are rendered entirely useless. 

So, aim to clean them out once or twice a year — perhaps more if your home is in proximity to trees.

Take caution after big storms and check your gutters for fallen or broken off debris. If clogged gutters is a chronic problem, consider getting them fitted for mesh screens, grates or porous foam.

2. Sagging

Whether a result of clogged gutter or the simple passage of time, sagging gutters can be dangerous.

The reason for sagging is typically a deterioration of the fasteners or hangers, or the fasteners are spread too far apart, and thus unable to support the weight of the gutter.

Not sure if your gutters are sagging? They should be completely straight, except for exceptionally long gutters which may have a peak in the middle to encourage water flow.

The solution is simple: new fasteners and hangers are easily accessible at most hardware stores for a few bucks.

3. Leaks and Holes

Even the tiniest of leaks can lead to massive water damage for your home. Try a simple tube of gutter sealant (about $5) for smaller holes and leaks.

Large gaps may require metal patching — luckily most hardware stores offer gutter “patching kits.”

4. Misaligned Pitching

In order for water to flow properly from your gutters, they must be pitched properly. The general rule of thumb is ¼ inch of sloping per every 10 feet.

So if you’re not sure if your gutters are sloped correctly, take a peak after it’s rained — standing water is a telltale sign of misaligned pitching.

Correcting the pitching can be a big project, potentially requiring you to remove and reattach parts of the gutter — it may be best to call in an expert to make sure the job is done to perfection.

5. Downspout Drainage

If your downspout is too close to your home, water will leak straight into your foundation and basement.

Ideally, downspouts should extend 4-5 feet from your home, and you can purchase them for roughly $20 each.

6. No Gutters At All

Think about investing in a gutter system to protect your home and its structure. Systems come in varying prices, depending on size and material.

However, aluminum is the typical go-to for residential properties. With routine maintenance and checkups, your gutters could prevent major repair costs (and headaches!) down the road.

We Can Help!

We cover gutter and drainage inspections for homeowners, buyers AND sellers — schedule an inspection today or get a quick quote.

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

Why You Should ALWAYS Have a Professional Home Inspection!

professional home inspection

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, 88% home buyers reported increased confidence in their purchase decision after a professional home inspection.

Some buyers still fall for the temptation to opt out of a home inspection, to save cost or because they believe they simply don’t need it.

At Elite Inspection Group, we believe home buyers should ALWAYS have a professional inspection; here’s why:

  1. A home is one of the most important and expensive purchases you’ll ever make.
  2. Home inspections are an inexpensive way to avoid costly repairs and make an informed purchase.
  3. Without a licensed professional, you may overlook certain damages.
  4. A home inspection offers the opportunity to settle needed repairs before closing the deal.
  5. A professional inspector can assess the home for potential repairs needed down the road.
  6. Home inspections increase buyer confidence!

Once you’ve made the wise decision to have your home inspected before making a purchase, there are several core areas; you’ll want the inspector to focus on:

Electrical

Inspectors should check the home for age and functionality of wiring, outlets, circuit interrupters and electrical panel. An oversight in these areas could lead to electrocution, fire hazard, electrical shock or burns.

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Ask your inspector to assess the age of the home’s furnace and air conditioning, as well as the need for repairs. Your inspector should also have a look at the home’s ducting, insulation and potential signs of asbestos.

Water Heater

Ask your inspector to confirm your plumber installed your water heater properly and is functional. Next, ask your inspector to assess its age, as well as remaining lifespan.

Kitchen Appliances

Inspectors do not always include kitchen appliances in an inspection, but if they are, check for general functionality, as well as age, to determine if/when they will need to be updated.

Laundry Room

Ask the inspector to confirm the laundry room is properly ventilated, as a faulty dryer exhaust system can be a dangerous fire hazard.

Fire Safety

Test the home’s fire detectors, as well as the garage to determine if it has an appropriate fire rating.

Bathrooms

Ask your inspector to check for leaks and proper ventilation in the bathrooms, as poor air flow can lead to mold or mildew. The inspector should also confirm all toilets and faucets are properly secured.

Extra Zones

Elite Inspection Group covers all the essential inspection zones, as well as a few extras:

  • Structure and foundation
    • Electrical systems
    • Plumbing systems
  • Roofs and attics
  • Basements and crawl spaces
  • Gutters and drainage points
  • Walls, floors and ceilings
  • Porches and patio decks
  • Property and grading
    • Furnaces in heating season
    • Air conditioning in cooling season
    • Plumbing fixtures in kitchens and baths
    • Water heaters (traditional and tankless)
  • Lights and receptacles
    • Built-in appliances
  • Indoor air quality testing
  • Termite Inspections
  • Wood destroying organisms
  • Swimming pool and spa inspection

Before you make one of the most important purchase decisions of your life, get in touch with Elite Inspection Group for a professional, convenient home inspection.

Schedule your inspection today!

Image attribution.

Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Foundation Repair

4 Telltale Signs of Foundation Problems and How to Spot Them

Damaged or unstable foundations can quickly lead to costly and drawn-out repairs. Noticing early warning signs can save you thousands of dollars and valuable time.

Don’t let a small crack snowball into a full-on foundation nightmare!

Here are the 4 signs of foundation problems.

  1. The doors jam or stick.
  2. Cracks have formed in the wall, particularly above the windows, doorways and where the ceiling meets the wall.
  3. Windows won’t close or begin to stick.
  4. Cracks appear in vinyl or ceramic tiles.

Homes are much like people— they settle over time, get comfortable and occasionally begin to “crack.” Normal wear and tear is nothing to panic about, but being alert to potential symptoms of a bigger foundational problem never hurts!

Once you’ve spotted a potential problem, there are a few self-inspection measures you can take before calling in a professional.

Or, you can skip the above step altogether and schedule an inspection with Elite Inspection Group– we’re open 24/7 and promise to reply to your inquiry within 48 hours!

Look Outside

Step outside and have a look if your foundation is properly supporting your walls. From corner to corner, every wall should be straight, both vertically and horizontally. If you can’t spot a leaning wall with the naked eye, try a level.

Any bulging or curves could signal a shifting in your foundation, either due to the soil or cycles of expanding and contracting with the climate. As a result, additional pressure is put on your walls, causing cracks, “sticky doors” and so on.

Test Your Concrete

Run a quick test on your concrete for any signs of weakness; ideally, it should be too hard to be damaged.  Using a screwdriver, attempt to chip or break off a bit of concrete– if it breaks easily or is flaky, there could be a problem.

This is a common problem with older homes, specifically those built in the early 1900’s, as the concrete was in large part mixed with dirt and sand, or too much water. Unfortunately, in that case, the only solution may be an entirely new foundation.

Check Your Basement

Have a look at the posts or concrete supports in your basement– do they appear sturdy and straight? They should be supporting the weight of beams above.

However, puddles or excessive moisture could indicate a weakness in your foundation.

Another sign could be rotting wood or mold, due to water damage, poor drainage or a crack in the foundation, thus allowing in moisture.

There’s Only One Way to Know for Sure…

And, that’s with Elite Inspection Group. Our team of certified professionals will evaluate your home, and assess to what degree your foundation may be compromised.

Our online scheduling tool allows for easy scheduling, any day, any time. What’s more, we’re open 24/7 and guarantee a reply to your request within 48 hours!

Give us a call or schedule your inspection, today!

Image attribution.

Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Pest Control

8 Signs You Might Have Termites

termites

When it comes to termites, no one is safe. Nationwide, termites inflict an estimated $5 billion in damages per year.

The trick is early detection and knowing what to look for. With the right eye, you can avoid costly damages to your home and property; minimizing or avoiding the problem will only incur higher costs and further damage.

The first thing to understand is termites are not limited to a particular time of year or season— they’re a year-round nuisance.

Termites are sneaky, secretive and can live in your home for years without detection; spotting them can be challenging, so it’s important to know what to look for.

1. Swarmers

During the spring, termite colonies are prone to producing “Swarmers.” The small flying insect can be seen flying near your windows and leaving behind their “discarded” wings.

Typically spotted during the day time, Swarmers are an unfriendly reminder termites are present.

2. Floor Damage

Don’t be fooled– termites can damage laminate floors, as well as they can wood. Check for excessive blistering or sagging spots in your floor.

If a particular area feels “spongy” or “springy,” remove the floorboard to investigate further.

3. Wall Damage

A termite favorite is the cellulose found in timber– making your walls an especially tasty snack.

Check your walls for odd or unexplained cracks, as it may be a sign of an unseen termite colony.

4. Ceiling Damage

Wooden structures in the ceilings, beams, rafters or attic are all fair game for termites. As with your walls, check for cracks in the ceiling, corners and molding.

5. Sticking Doors and Windows

Termites like to tunnel and eat their way through doors and frames. As a consequence, doors or windows may become hard open or begin to “stick,” as the structure becomes misshapen and irregular.

6. Garden Damage

Outdoor structures such as your porch, deck, swing set, fence, wooden posts or trees could be at risk, especially as they’re exposed to greater moisture.

Treat your outdoor space, the same as you would your home– check for cracks, “spongy” or “springy” texture and excessive signs of decay. If gone untreated, termites could lead to collapse.

7. Damaged Roof Tiles

Damaged or waterlogged roof tiles are a prime termite gateway into your home. Termites are easily able to maneuver their way through even the tiniest of cracks and make themselves at home.

To avoid, have your roof inspected and replace any damaged, cracked or waterlogged tiles, right away.

8. Frass

Also known as termite droppings, frass is a clear sign of a colony. While droppings cause no harm, they’re an obvious indicator of termite eating. Frass is powdery and light in appearance, very similar to sawdust.

We Can Help!

Already noticed one or a few signs of termite damage in your home? Schedule a professional Termite Inspection with our knowledgeable team.

We guarantee an inspection of your home within 48 hours of calling– AND we’re open 7 days a week!

Schedule your inspection now or give us a call at 469.818.5500.

Image attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/animal-insect-termite-1299394/

Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
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