By John Pignatore, RHI, CCI




Structural damages occur due to wood decay, especially in humid regions of the United States, that is caused by wood destroying insects, including termites. Moist damp wood will promote a wood decaying fungus that causes rot. This wood rot can lead to serious damages in framing members and is very costly to repair. Hidden area should be inspected, as well as, areas that are subject to moisture from rain, the soil, or from plumbing leaks. Poorly ventiliated crawl spaces can have excessive dampness and lead to significant structural damages from wood decay. Wood fungi will grow only in wood that is subject to excessive moisture, it will attack the moist wood like cancer and continue to grow until the moisture is removed. Some fungi can conduct water up to 25 feet from the source. The source of the moisture should be corrected and decayed lumber removed.

Inadequate ventilation in craw spaces can promote wood rot because excessive moisture in the soil evaporates causing condensation. If this condition is not corrected extensive wood decay can occur within one to two years. Most building codes require one square foot of crawl space opening for each 150 square feet of crawl space.

Proper grading of soil away from the foundation and proper control of roof water runoff are also important factors for maintaining a dry crawl space. In addition it may be necessary to install a vapor barrier over the soil. This can be accomplished by installing 15 pound felt paper or polyethylene sheets.

Improperly installed insulation can cause wood decay as well. The vapor barrier should be installed on the heated side of a room. Amateurs occassionally will install rolled insulation over existing insulation; this creates a sandwich effect, trapping moisture in between that causes hidden damages.


John Pignatore, RHI, CCI
843-293-2119

john@realestateinspectionssc.com
Letuschk4u@yahoo.com


Property Inspection Specialist
3797C Cape Landing Circle
Myrtle Beach SC 29588


RHI = Registered House Inspector
CCI = Certified Construction Inspector