Seeing the Building: Inside
In the living areas
Ceiling plaster is very susceptible to water
damage. Cracks, lifting tape, nail pops, sagging, tannin staining, and blown
out holes indicate sustained exposure to condensation or leaks. Discoloration
from mold growth and condensation indicates cold areas and wind washing.
As the surface is chilled, water and airborne dirt adhere creating dark
streaks that telegraph the framing. Mold growth around electrical boxes
mounted in exterior walls is common with a wet cellar.
In the cellar
This is the place to
look for the big moisture and pressure sources. They can often be found
together at the furnace: return plenum registers mounted right next to central
humidifiers. Panned over joists serving as return ducts and sometimes no
return ducts are seen. Wires and pipes are cut through the return ducts
with no attempt to repair the holes. Ducts contacting the band joists are
always suspicious and generally leakers.
Any house that has a moisture problem has a cellar problem. Multiple attempts at controlling the effusion of water vapor into the cellar can be seen in problem houses. Standing water is a good sign of trouble, but water stains, effervescence on the walls, and sumps are bad too. Many of these problem foundations are occluded by finished surfaces, but they can't hide from your nose.
A leaky hot air supply duct. |
