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Drainage Issues Can kill A Real Estate Transaction PART 3

Real Estate Broker/Owner with CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments 521400, 1501015, 01795582

January 29, 2014 01:29 AM

Drainage Issues Can kill A Real Estate Transaction

PART 3

In Parts 1 & 2 we addressed the inherent drain issues that occur when inadequate or a lack of proper drainage is not provided under and around a structure be it a Manufactured or Site Built Home.

In Part 3 we are going to address roof related drainage issues i.e. the causes, effects and how to prevent and/or mitigate them once they have occurred.

One of the biggest contributors to drainage issues around and under a home actually starts on the roof. A roof without rain gutters is a drainage fiasco waiting to happen. Always install rain gutters and keep them free and clear of clogging.

The photo above shows the enormity of the trees that overhang thousands of homes everywhere in the World. Albeit trees do provide a beautiful landscape and shade they can also be our worst nightmare if not properly maintained. The branches as you can clearly see extend from ½ to ¾ over the rooftop in each direction of the home. In many instances they lay right on the roof.

The photo above is another pervasive, invasive and chronic problem for literally millions of homes be they Manufactured or Site Built. Year around fall of leaves and branches or wind blown leaves that fall onto the roof from these overhanging tree branches and into the rain gutters, on the awnings and carports and over the window and door trim will clog the rain gutters and allow the runoff to run down the side of and under the home creating and exacerbating inherent drainage issues all the more.

BROKEN OR MISSING ROOF FLASHING CAN ALSO CAUSE RUNOFF

Another common problem resulting in major drainage issues around and under a structure is damaged or missing flashing connecting appurtenances such as awnings, patio covers, carports, etc. to the home. If neglected this can lead to a chronic drainage issue. It is wise to periodically inspect your flashing; especially after a major storm, wind or seismic event just to make sure you do not have any damaged or missing flashing.

Home inspectors need to check flashing as well. I've been retained as an expert witness many times on issues like this and have yet to see the defendants be they RE professionals or Home Inspectors fare well in court to a homeowner sympathetic judge and jury.

Now that you have a better understanding of the effects of inadequate, improper or a lack of drainage can cause to a home we will discuss in our next post how the acute and chronic effects of roof damage and neglect can be as big of an enemy as a drainage issue. Look for that post tomorrow.