What you need to know about water intrusion, pt. II
February 28, 2017
As we demonstrated in our first installment of this series, the Northwest’s climate is cause for home and commercial building owners to pay attention to signs that water penetration has begun. In part one we discussed the first 3 issues: gapping or cracking of sealants and coatings, rusting metals, flashings or fasteners, and crushing, bowing or shrinking (click here to read).In part two, we add the following 3 key signs that trouble is at hand:
Organic Growth. Moss on roofing or siding can be an indicator of problems - or can create problems. Moss can grow on a roof without creating a leak. However, left unchecked, moss can cause water to backup into the roof and cause damage. Moss growing on siding or at the corners of windows tends to be a more significant indication of immediate issues. Water should be shedding off the siding in these areas. The presence of organic growth often indicates that water is seeping behind the siding causing the building to remain wet long enough to stimulate growth.
Odors, humidity, and dampness. If something doesn’t smell right, it usually isn’t. Excess moisture on the interior of a home does not take long to create an odor – and damage. Mold will grow very quickly in the right circumstances and can create a health risk for some people. Pay special attention to these indicators. Drywall should not be soft or damp to the touch as this is a common sign of issues on the other side of the wall - or within the wall. Excessive humidity or a sudden spike in humidity often occurs with a leak which will create more condensation than normal on windows during colder seasons. Such conditions should be checked by a professional right away.
Interior damage, cracking, swelling, or discoloration. Proper construction is designed to expand, contract, and move. Wood-framed structures are expected to have a minor amount of settlement as the wood dries out and shrinks. Therefore, not all cracking indicates major problems, yet they are worth further evaluation. While typical cracking will occur within the first few years of a building’s existence, new cracks popping up years later can be a sign that something has changed. As mentioned in our last email, our unique Pacific Northwest weather can quickly take a toll if issues are not identified and corrected. Because Charter Construction has performed millions of dollars’ worth of repairs, remediation and renovation, and new construction, we have a compelling and positive record helping homeowners maintain and repair structures. In each case, our goal is to limit or correct the unique stresses created by our climate. If you have any questions regarding the integrity of your home or building, please call us. As ever, our Team is available to inspect any area of concern and, if needed, to repair the damage. Call 206-382-1900 in Seattle or 503-546-2600 in Portland.
