Moisture Myths and the Truth About Moisture Intrusion
Click here to skip down to questions for homebuyers


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 did find that window areas made up 80 percent of the issues found. Missing roof flashings accounted for 10 percent of the issues (but were responsible for 30 percent of the damage to the homes), and decks, penetrations, grade issues, and other construction defects made up the remaining 10 percent. 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. If significant moisture levels are found in your walls, you can bet that there is mold growing inside the wall cavities. Stopping the moisture will kill the live mold. The 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 used by home inspectors will not stand up to scientific testing standards. This is because most mold sampling techniques only identifiy the many species of the mold found in a home, not the source of the mold. Every time your front door is opened, various varieties of new molds are introduced into your home. 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 can dry out once the moisture
source is stopped, but the 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. Rather, problems are often isolated to specific sites on the older home. 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 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 water damage done 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 know how to do deal with those complex moisture intrusion repairs.

Click here for Questions and Answers for Homeowners and Sellers

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 hardi-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.

Click here for Questions and Answers for Homebuyers