How can you tell if an attic has condensation problems, and to an exacting degree?

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How can you tell if an attic has condensation problems, and to an exacting degree?
Home Buyers Sellers Sample Report Pictures FAQs Email Us		Assume that it is the middle of the summer, knowing that there can be no condensation in an attic. A simple knowledge of physics is needed to easily understand this issue. The warmer the air, the greater ability it has to retain moisture. The colder the air, the less ability it has to retain moisture. During the summer months, an attic can get very warm. The warm air will eliminate the formation of condensation. During the winter months, attics can get very cold, especially in colder climates. Note: Homes in warmer southern states will usually not experience winter condensation. Clue # 1: Since roofing nails are usually galvanized steel and are in direct contact with the exterior, and because their density will communicate the cold, the nails are the first place where moisture vapors turn to liquid. Rust forming on the nails is your first indication. This is very minor, and action is not necessary. Clue # 2: Since the nails are the first place where moisture forms, the wood sheathing adjacent to the nails will absorb the water and dark stains will appear. This is still minor, however, a recommendation to improve the ventilation is appropriate. Clue # 3: Depending on the amount of water that forms on the nails, stains may be apparent on the flooring (or holes/erosions in the insulation if there is no flooring). This would receive the same recommendation as clue #2. Clue # 4 - This is the first clue that will require action to reduce or eliminate condensation. The roof sheathing closest to the eaves on the northerly side of the house will start to form a light gray fungus/mold. Clue # 5 - The fungus will get darker and form at points higher on the northerly side. This condition should be addressed as soon as possible. Clue # 6 - The fungus starts to form on the southerly side of the roof sheathing and becomes even darker on the northerly side. This is a serious issue and the sheathing, especially on the north side, will soon begin to delaminate. Clue # 7 - The sheathing becomes worse and worse until most or all of the sheathing is black, wet and delaminated. When conditions are this extreme, there is a good possibility that the sheathing will have to be replaced. This will require the roofing to be replaced as well.

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Understanding a Home Inspection is designed as a guide for consumers as well as home inspectors. Use of the guide should promote a better understanding of inspected systems and components while creating a consistency of inspection quality. It is not designed to teach inspection techniques, however, it can be useful in leading anyone through the inspection process.

Within this guide a home is divided into thirteen sections. Each section is then broken down into individual systems and components, 116 areas of inspection in all.

Each of the 116 listed areas of inspection contains a stand alone set of guidelines. When assembled together, these guidelines are the essentials that lay the foundation for home inspection.

Sample checklist home inspection report pages have been included. The design of the checklist report fits well with this guide of basic information.

Reading this guide will not make you a home inspector, but should give you a better understanding of home inspection.

Home Sellers and Home Buyers will use this guide in determining the condition of a home.

Home Inspectors will use this guide to achieve a better understanding of the essentials of home inspection.

You may use this guide as an aid in Understanding A Home Inspection

Interior layout and cover design by Florian Valentine Publishing

Who can do home inspections?

Can Do Home Inspections, AZ Home Inspectors performing AZ Home Inspections.