Insulation and Venting Systems
Demand a Thorough Home Inspection in Montgomery
If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, you’ll want to know as much as possible about its insulation and ventilation. Lack of insulation and improper venting can cost you money on your utility bills, cause preventable moisture damage and mold growth in a home, and make your indoor environment unpleasant to say the least.
It’s important to understand what the insulation and ventilation portion of a home inspection entails, as well as its limitations. Here’s what you can expect from a certified home inspector, such as the professionals at A-Pro Home Inspection Montgomery:
Your home inspector will examine and report on insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces, such as attics, crawlspaces, and foundation areas; ventilation of attics and foundation areas; and mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry areas.
The home inspection report will describe insulation (type, depth, thickness, and condition) and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces, along with noting where insulation is absent. Your home inspector will record if insulation has been properly installed and if pipes and ducts have been appropriately wrapped.
Since we’re talking about visual-only home inspections, the home inspector will not inspect areas that are not readily accessible; disturb insulation; identify R-value or composition of insulation; or report on the adequacy of venting.
Insulation Problem Spots
Often during this part of the home inspection, the inspector will find insulation actually blocking attic soffit vents. Aging insulation, whether batt or poured in, will begin to settle and lose its effectiveness over time. Cellulose insulation may show signs of dust, dirt, and rodent damage, which will affect the home’s air quality as well as the effectiveness of the insulation. Paper-backed batt insulation can dry up, crack and tear due to normal aging.
Exhaust System Issues
Improperly installed exhaust systems will be reported by your home inspector. This part of the home inspection will demand great care since trouble areas can pose fire hazards. For example, your inspector will report on conditions such as crushed or kinked dryer transition ducts caused by the appliance being pushed too close to the wall; transition ducts which exceed recommended length; duct cracks that cause air leakage; sagging ducts, which can reduce airflow and venting effectiveness; and inwardly bent duct sleeve terminations.
Insulation and venting inspections are just two important parts of an A-Pro home inspection. To hire a certified local A-Pro home inspector Montgomery, visit here or call 1-334-694-1004.