Exterior Defects

Home inspector finds a stone wall not properly attached to a newer home. It's so important to get a home inspection on new home. This defect is a safety hazard and should be fixed immediately

Caulking is usually the last thing that gets put on, on the outer perimeter of your new windows. Caulking is also the first barrier of protection between the outside elements and the inside of your walls and avoid leaks and damage to the wood frame and walls

Grading is a key component in any house to avoid water penetration and damage into the living areas or any mechanical components in the house

Balconies employ joists, or lateral piece of wood, that run between the primary support beams of the structure. Joists support the floor of the balcony while reinforcing the beams. When adding a balcony to the exterior of a building, you must securely fasten it to the building while providing weight support. Deck and balconies need to be review every year to avoid personal injuries, replace any damage wood at stairs, railing or floor

Property owners should learn the causes of such damage and work with professional restoration contractors to remedy the problem. Moisture Penetration. One of the biggest threats to a masonry structure is moisture. Cracking. Cracks are a common problem with masonry construction. * Staining. * Bond Failure. * Displacement. * Spalling.

A common find in a home inspection is deteriorated caulking. Used to seal transitions and joints between exterior cladding materials and around windows, doors, and trim, this small and mighty component can play a key role in protecting your home from the elements. Most exterior sealants last 5-10 years, some commercial grade brands may exceed that. They are especially vulnerable to the sun or sitting water. A good practice as you do a spring #walkaboutinspiration is to check on the quality of these joints. If degraded, this can be a #diyproject if you are confident removing all old caulk and reapplying. Otherwise, call a professional. Sometimes there is a #bettersolution. This picture is below the back patio door of a Kanata Home. This metal trim caulked to brick has been acting as part of the door kick. It is subject to standing water, sun, and the potential for physical interaction. Converting this to a solid, purposely designed door kick will protect the brick below, the door frame and your toes.

Dryer vents can be obstructed by a number of things including a crushed pipe, animals, debris or, as in this case, lint from the dryer. This is usually mitigated with regular dryer lint cleaning and periodic monitoring. A blockage may cause poor dryer performance, moisture building and even pose a dryer risk. Regular cleaning by a professional is recommended.