When performing home inspections in New Jersey one of the important flashing details that New Jersey home inspectors will look for is kick-out flashings. Kickout flashing, also known as diverter flashing, is a unique type of flashing that diverts rainwater away from the exterior siding and into the gutter. Kickout flashings are particularity important when there is stucco or EIFS installed on the home. The idea being to help keep water from running against the exterior siding. In the case of stucco or EIFS water behind the stucco can cause significant problems such as rotting and mold growth. Once water enters the area behind the exterior siding it gets trapped. (more…)

Recently poured concrete develops tensile stresses as differences in temperature and moisture content develop in the drying concrete. These stresses are relieved by cracking. A number of factors can factor into the advancement of these stresses.

Control of Crack Locations
Control joints or cracks are sometimes cut into the cement pad in order to determine the areas where cement will crack. Control joints are grooves pressed into the concrete during the final poring and finish process. The cement slab is thinner and weaker at these cut and grooved areas, it tends to crack in these grooves first.

Sometimes cracks in cement floors can develop in other areas besides in the control joists. (more…)

Mold
The most significant problem of an improper Bathroom ventilation is the potential growth of mold in attics. Mold may appear to be several colors but can never be identified with certainty without being tested by a professional lab. Health issues caused by mold are most times related to high concentrations of mold spores in the indoor air. Mold release these spores when they reproduce. Every home has mold in some form or another. Moisture contents of about 20% or more in surfaces will cause mold to propagate. Inhaling spores can cause health issues in those with asthma or allergies, and can cause significant health problems in those with respiratory issues or compromised immune systems. (more…)

Bathroom vent fans are designed to discharge moist air to the home’s exterior. Typical systems consist of a ceiling fan unit connected to a duct that terminates at the roof line.

Fan Function
The fan may be controlled in one of several ways:
- Most bathroom vent fans are operated by a conventional wall switch.
- Sometimes a timer type switch may be use to operate the fan.
- A humidistat can be installed to turn the fan on and off if high levels of bathroom humidity are detected. (more…)