Building Inspection Tips for the Exterior Part of a Building
Posted on: 22 February 2016
When you are inspecting a building for damage or signs of wear, the interior sections of the property is where your main focus typically shifts. However, it is important that you are aware of the various sections on the exterior part of the property that also need to be inspected. There are many warning signs about the integrity of a property that can be detected by taking a closer look at the exterior part.
If you are deciding if a building is one that you should purchase, it is important that you are aware of the most effective exterior building inspection tips that you should follow to ensure that you are making a wise purchase choice.
Windows
It is always a good idea to take a closer look at the windows of the building that you want to acquire. Windows should be at the top of your inspection list because replacing many windows can be a major expense. Windows are typically one of the most vulnerable sections of a property and often deteriorate at a faster rate than other areas.
You will need to inspect the insulation and weather stripping of the windows to determine if there are any visible leaks. The presence of leaks at the windows can result in water damage and the formation of mold. It is also important to determine if there are any small holes within the window that are allowing air into the building. If the windows are not in great condition, this could have a huge impact on the energy-efficiency of the property, so they need to be inspected beforehand.
Exterior Walls
The exterior walls of your building are also something that you need to inspect. Some of the issues with the walls will be noticeable upon first glance, but sometimes the problem may be somewhat hidden. When you are inspecting the integrity of exterior walls, you need to be sure that you are testing for air infiltration, water infiltration and the thickness of paint.
If the integrity of the wall is compromised in any way, this could require extensive repairs to fix and this cost needs to be factored in when you are considering the purchase price of the property. This is especially true if there are any visible gaps within the wall. The cladding of the building should also be an area that you inspect after you take a closer look at the exterior walls. For more information, talk to a building inspector.
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