Moisture Myths and the Truth About Moisture Intrusion

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HOMEOWNERS AND HOMESELLERS

Myth: Moisture problems in a home are easy to see and smell.

Truth: Severe moisture damage can occur without leaving any obvious signs. It's not unusual for a CMT inspection to reveal moisture issues that have compromised a building's substrate and framing without leaving any outward signs of damage. Most of the time homeowners are completely unaware that moisture intrusion is occurring.

Myth: Windows are the only cause of moisture issues on homes.

Truth: A national survey of moisture issues identified in homes found that window areas made up approximately 80 percent of the issues found. Missing roof flashings, decks, penetrations, grade issues, and other construction defects also cause their share of damage. The bottom line: There are many reasons homes get wet and even a trained moisture inspector cannot and should not make a visual-only assessment. Always have a trained inspector probe inside the walls to verify and assess the severity of water damage.

Myth: Mold is a harmless substance found in many homes, whether the home has a moisture problem or not.

Truth: Mold growth is a direct result of moisture and a food source. If significant moisture levels are found in your walls, the food source, you can bet that there is potential mold growing inside the wall cavities. Stopping the moisture will eventually kill the live mold, but spores created by the mold will remain. but typically will not grow unless supplied with a source of moisture. The health risks resulting from mold is real, but does not affect everyone equally. Occupants of a home who suffer from symptoms such as asthma, allergies, or headaches should always seek proper medical attention in addition to locating the moisture source of mold growth.

Myth: Mold testing can be used to identify and map a water intrusion problem in a home.

Truth: Most mold testing methods, i.e. air sampling, will only be relevant to a general area of a home, not a specific point. Our methods pin point where the source of the moisture is and how large an area it covers. This is where the mold would be. The bottom line: If you have moisture, assume you have mold. A CMT moisture test will identify the source of mold by identifying the location of the moisture issues that are damaging your home.

Myth: I don't need to worry about having my home tested for water intrusion right now because it takes decades for water to begin to damage a home.

Truth: Moisture intrusion can cause significant structural damage to a home in as little as five years. If the house is not built right, water damage may start in year one. Houses suffering from moisture intrusion will dry out if the moisture source is stopped, but any initial damage to wood and other structural elements will remain until repaired.

Myth: Most moisture intrusion problems are the result of poor maintenance by a homeowner or from failing to regulate the internal humidity in a home.

Truth: This is the excuse a lot of builders use to place the blame for moisture damage on the homeowner. Most moisture intrusions happen because of construction defects or system failures that allow bulk water entry from rain or snow to enter the wall cavity. Rarely is moisture intrusion the result of excessive internal humidity.

Myth: My home is 60 years old, so it isn't likely to have any moisture issues at all.

Truth: While older homes usually don’t have the same moisture problems found in newer homes, this doesn't mean that moisture issues are not happening. Because older homes are a lot simpler in design and functionality, we typically don’t see moisture issues on older homes unless they have been modified, upgraded, or haven't been maintained.

Myth: There is no legal way to hold the original builder responsible for structural damages from moisture intrusion.

Truth: Minnesota builders are required by MN Statute 327A.02 to warranty a home from major construction defects for a period of ten years. To make a claim against a builder's warranty you are required to notify your builder “IN WRITING” of a moisture problem within six months of discovering the problem. If there are issues, CMT will assist you with documenting your claim with the builder. While there is no guarantee, we will work with you through the process to help correct any moisture intrusion problems. If your claim is successful, our fees, or a portion of them, may be recoverable.

Myth: If your homebuilder goes out of business, you have no remedy for water intrusion caused by a construction defect.

Truth: Even though your builder may no longer be in business, the builder, along with the builder's original insurance policy that was in effect at the time your home was built, may be responsible for the claim of water damage to your home.

Myth: Any general contractor can repair water damage that has compromised a home's structure.

Truth: A licensed remediation contractor should be used to repair a moisture-damaged home because the repair process can reveal unforeseen structural problems that require special attention. Specialty remediation contractors are experienced in knowing how to do deal with those complex moisture intrusion repairs.

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HOMEBUYERS

Myth: New homes built by a reputable builder don't have moisture intrusion problems.

Truth: Moisture problems can exist regardless of the age of the home or the reputation of the home's builder. Builders should be judged by how they respond to your claim of moisture damage, not by whether or not your home has a moisture issue.

Myth: My real estate agent or home inspector would tell me if the home I want to purchase has a moisture problem.

Truth: Neither real estate agents nor home inspectors are trained or required to assess or identify hidden moisture issues that could compromise a home's health. A reputable real estate agent or home inspector may recommend that a home be moisture tested if he or she has reasonable cause to suspect moisture damage based on the age of the home, the home's siding, or his or her knowledge of the neighborhood or the builder's history. As a homebuyer, it is best to be your own advocate. Request that a moisture test be conducted by a licensed inspection service like CMT. It's a small price to pay to put your mind at ease.

Myth: Homes cladded (sided) with brick, wood, vinyl, or hardie board don't suffer from moisture problems.

Truth: Homes cladded with any material may suffer from severe moisture damage. A leaky window or door will allow water to seep into wall cavity regardless of the type of cladding on the exterior of your home.

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