What areas are checked throughout a visual inspection
There are many different aspects of a visual inspection, but some of the most important things to look for include:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Gaps around doors and windows
- Signs of moisture damage
- Evidence of pests
- Loose or damaged gutters
- Sagging roof lines
- Leaks
- Mould growth
- Cracks in the walls or ceiling
- Roof voids
- Subfloors - include each pier and internal perimeter wall
- All the walls internally
- Timber structures - trees, stumps, carports, gazebo, cubby house
Preventive tips to reduce moisture in a building
1. Inspect your property regularly for signs of moisture, such as leaks, condensation, or dampness.
2. If you find any signs of moisture, take action to fix the problem immediately.
3. Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are in good condition and are draining properly.
4. Inspect your roof regularly for leaks or damage.
5. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your house to reduce the risk of moisture damage from falling leaves or branches.
6. Install a dehumidifier in your basement or crawl space to help keep the air dry and reduce the risk of mould growth.
7. Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to help reduce the level of moisture in the air.
8. Keep your home well-ventilated to help reduce the level of moisture in the air.
9. Avoid hanging wet clothes inside your house to dry.
10. If you have a septic system, have it inspected and pumped regularly to avoid the risk of waterlogging.
Following these tips can help to reduce the level of moisture in your home and, as a result, the risk of termite infestation. However, even if you take all of these precautions, it is still important to have your property inspected regularly by a professional. A trained inspector will be able to spot signs of moisture that you may not be able to see and can take action to prevent an infestation before it starts.
Preventive tips to reduce termites in the building
1. Inspect your property regularly for signs of termites, such as mud tubes or wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
2. If you find any signs of termites, take action to fix the problem immediately.
3. Make sure that there is no wood-to-soil contact around your property.
4. Keep firewood and other potential food sources for termites away from your house.
5. Reduce the level of moisture around your property by fixing leaks and repairing gutters.
6. Inspect the foundation of your house regularly for cracks or gaps that could provide an entry point for termites.
7. Use a moisture meter to monitor the level of moisture in the soil around your property.
8. If you have active termites, call a professional for help. Do not disturb termites and attempt to treat the problem yourself.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce the risk of termite infestation on your property. However, even if you take all of these precautions, it is still important to have your property inspected regularly by a professional. Termite inspections will be able to spot signs of termites that you may not be able to see and can take action to prevent termite infestations before it starts.
