Unwanted Visitors! Mind The Gap!

At HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, we sometimes see gaps around the metal shrouds covering HVAC ducting that connects to exterior package units at homes and buildings.  We flag this every time because of the negative effects that can come from these gaps.  Gaps at the top of the shroud can allow in water and vegetation debris in such a way so as to create a "mold soup" that can cause mold to grow on or in the ductwork.  Gaps at the bottom of the shroud provide a path for moisture, insects, rodents and other critters such as squirrels, and snakes.  The first picture below shows the gap at the exterior and the second picture shows what is using the gap to get into the basement.  That is a molted snake skin for a 4-5' snake!  YIKES!  Worse yet, all we have is the skin.  Where is the snake?!!  There was also mold-like material on the duct work that may have been caused by the moisture that came in around gaps on the shroud.  Every effort should be made to close these gaps and maintain the integrity of the connection.  Mind the Gap!

Richard

www.habitecinspections.com

Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, and contributing members of the Active Rain Real Estate network, and are intended to educate and otherwise assist home owners, sellers and buyers, building owners, sellers and buyers, realtors, real estate investors, property managers, and lenders in the process of owning, buying or selling homes or commercial buildings.  HABITEC is a residential (home) and commercial building inspection company serving Middle Tennessee including Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Mt. Juliet, Hendersonville, Dickson, Belle Meade, Columbia, Spring Hill and more!  In addition to building inspections HABITEC offers Environmental Services for mold assessments, radon testing and water quality analysis.  Additional information about HABITEC can be found on our website at www.habitecinspections.com, or call 615-376-2753.