In investigative reporting, or trying to track racketeers, they always say: "follow the money." In Washington state, to be a competent structural pest inspector, one needs a similar philosophy and catch phrase. That catch phrase is "follow the water." Wood decay fungi or rot is common on wood with a moisture content of 20% or greater. It usually takes more like 30% moisture to get going, but once the rot is started, look out! I could not resist including the photo below because it is very illustrative of the way water flows, and how rot follows. Plus, to make it better, it is an interior view that even the inspector almost never gets. He or she is guessing what might be behind the siding at a vulnerable area. In this case, the homeowner knew of a problem and started pulling off siding. I am sure it seemed like a good idea at the time, but the small porch roof over the door was not flashed correctly. The arrows I drew show us "following the water." It ran down the sloped roof and right behind the siding. As a result, there was significant structural damage behind the siding at the wall.

Thanks for taking a look.

www.kingofthehouse.com

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham Home Inspector