Before you buy your next home in Brooklyn, it is very important to make sure the basement is dry. When I perform a home inspection in and around Brooklyn, I spend a lot of time in the basement. It's there where water and moisture will accumulate and cause all kinds of problems that can become very expensive. Water and moisture can cause wood members such as floor joist, beams and studs to weaken and fail over time. A wet or damp basement can cause pipes and other metals to rust. Most important of all a wet basement can cause the growth of mold which can cause you to become ill.
How Would You Know ?
Your home inspector is trained to detect moisture in the walls, floors, and ceiling. You may be thinking that if there are wet stains present then it's obvious the basement has water issues. This is correct, however what if the home owner painted the walls and ceiling, how would you know? The fact is you wouldn't know , and lets face it there are people who will go to great length to cover up a problem , and pass it on to you.
What if you are buying a foreclosure? Perhaps the house has been empty for quite awhile. Under these circumstances it's very important to tell this to your home inspector so that during the inspection, the inspector will look for moisture throughout the entire house. When a house has been sitting for long periods of time unoccupied, it is under these conditions that moisture and water intrusion is likely to occur because of not being maintained. Also when air is not flowing through, condensation can develop and cause damage to the interior. So it is very important to know if the basement is dry before you buy.
Causes Of A Wet Basement
There are a number of causes for a wet basement , but the fact is most basements in Brooklyn are wet because of the roof. If the water that hits the roof isn't directed away from the foundation, water could end up in the basement. The drainage system which includes the gutters,scuppers, and downspouts must be in good condition because they collect water from the roof and move it properly to the ground and away from the foundation. Water from the roof, water hitting the sides of the home , and even water falling next to the home needs to be channeled away from the foundation.
The Value Of A Home Inspection
A home inspection for Brooklyn buyers is the best way to determine if the basement is dry. Your inspector has the needed tools and knowledge to tell where and how water or moisture is making its way through the walls , floors or ceiling. After the home inspection, you will have a clear understanding of how to keep the basement dry.
For more information on Home Inspections Visit:
www.abrooklynhomeinspector.com
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