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Material (Wood, Brick, Vinyl, aluminum, engineered materials, etc.)
- Locations of each (some homes have multiple stairs, and multiple wall
and trim materials)
- General condition, installation, and maintenance observations
- Deterioration, rot, or other damage
- Settling, cracking, and improper wood to earth contact (which is conducive
to termite infestation)
The exterior surfaces of your home are designed to keep water and pests
out, and keep your family safe and dry. Damage often indicates settling,
whether past or present, as well as the potential for rain water and
pests to enter the home or foundation.
Chimney
- Number and location(s) if more than one is present
- Materials used (Brick, cinderblock, siding)
- Deterioration and damage of the brick, mortar, or siding materials
- Flashing at roof joints, settling, separation from home
- Spark screens, rain caps, and ash dump doors installed
Whether wood or gas burning, chimneys are designed to vent superheated
combustion gases, soot and smoke out of your fireplace. Damage and deterioration
of your chimney and flue can result in costly repairs, or worse, chimney
fires. Chimney fires have the potential to become whole house fires,
so chimney and flue maintenance is a must.
Hose Faucets
- Functioning or inoperative
- Corroded, Missing, broken, or leaking handles
- Are they winterized (during winter)
- Have anti-siphon valves been added to prevent backflow of water?
Outdoor faucets are something we take for granted and think should always
work. But it can be a real nuisance when they're difficult to operate,
or don't work at all. We make sure your home and its systems work properly,
not just half-way.
Gutters and Downspouts
- Full or partial gutters installed (or none)
- Deterioration, damage, or faulty installation
- Debris-filled or blocked
- Rusted or leaking
- Improperly discharging water at the foundation
The phrase to keep in mind is "Drain the Rain." Water is responsible
for the majority of damage to homes, and is also a major cause of settling.
Properly diverting water from the home is critical to keeping your home
healthy.
