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Dissimilar materials
Multiple dissimilar materials typically are used for drain pipes at the sinks (e.g., brass, chrome, copper, and/or plastic connecting to each other). While common, the condition does create a maintenance concern simply because different materials expand and contract at different rates when exposed to hot and cold water, causing loose connections with age and use. It is those loose connections which result in leaks, which can cause major property damage if not detected immediately. Caulking and grouting Caulking and grouting is typically found in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area at connections between the toilet and floor; the bathtub, floor, and wall; the shower, floor, and wall; and sink and countertop. Deteriorated, damaged, or cracked caulking or grouting can allow moisture to penetrate into the structural framing, causing water damage or promoting mold growth (click here for helpful information concerning mold and mold remediation). It is impossible to tell how long deteriorated grouting or caulking has existed, and moisture might have penetrated structural framing and caused damage which is not visible and can only be detected by remodeling/renovation or destructive testing. Before deteriorated grouting or caulking is repaired, the substructure should be examined for evidence of structural damage or deterioration. |
Recaulking and regrouting is very common homeowner maintenance. While recaulking and regrouting normally is not a cause for concern, and homeowner maintenance typically is to be applauded, in today’s world of mold disclosure and mold claims, client should understand that the time of, and reason for, the recaulking or regrouting cannot be determined and that moisture penetration into the structural framing might have occurred, possibly causing structural damage or promoting mold growth (click here for helpful information concerning mold and mold remediation). Remodeling or removing shower and/or bathtub sections, flooring, wallpaper, wall mirrors, etc., could reveal moisture damage or structural damage that was concealed at the time of the inspection; concealed defects are not within the scope of the home inspection. Also note that some household chemicals can damage or deteriorate some caulkings and grouts. So make sure you read the instructions on the chemical containers before using them.
Damaged or loose tiles Damaged and loose tiles create the same type of problems as deteriorated caulking and grouting. Any moisture penetrating behind the tiles can cause moisture damage and mold growth within the wall cavity. A definitive assessment might require destructive or invasive testing, which is not within the scope of the home inspection. Large cracks in tiles, lots of cracked tiles, or lots of loose tiles could be signs of more serious structural and moisture problems in the area. |
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