Home inspection: waterproofing problems

Waterproofing is one of the areas checked from A to Z during a home inspection (bedek bayit). Home inspection engineers know how to spot construction defects in this area, the kind that can cause dampness and leaks or, in severe cases, problems that cannot be fixed at all and that lower the building's value.

That is why more people today order a professional, experienced home inspection service that delivers a detailed report: one that tells you whether the coming winter will be warm and dry, with the house properly sealed, or whether there are enough defects and waterproofing problems to let in rain and wind.

Here is an overview of the waterproofing problems an engineer commonly encounters when inspecting a property or an apartment for sale.

1. Condensation: the engineer checks for water droplets forming wherever the temperature is lower.
2. Balcony waterproofing: a balcony connects the outdoor space to the indoor space and needs effective waterproofing, or water can get into the house. The engineer checks whether the waterproofing was applied properly, whether suitable materials were used, and whether water has nonetheless found a way in.
3. Roof waterproofing: poor-quality or badly applied roof waterproofing risks letting in rainwater and cold. The engineer checks its condition and rules out any failure that would compromise the sealing and thermal insulation.
4. Rainwater penetration: faulty waterproofing around windows, doors, balcony joints or exterior walls often lets rainwater into the house in winter, along with various dampness problems. The engineer checks all of these sensitive points.

So if you have bought a new property, want to avoid living somewhere damp, and care about how the apartment is designed, all you need to do is order a professional, experienced home inspection service that carries out a comprehensive inspection, including a review of the building's waterproofing problems. Either way, we wish you a dry winter in a warm home.