House hunting is an exciting adventure, and the process of finding that perfect home is an experience you will always remember. However, be careful not to get too caught up in the moment and swept away by emotions, or you may overlook potentially serious defects. It helps to know what to expect.

Rigid Inspections conducts hundreds of home inspections every year, and the following nine defects are some of the most commonly observed. By having this knowledge ahead of time, you will have an important edge should you decide to make an offer or ultimately decide to move to the next home.

1. Improperly Attached Flashing

Flashing usually consists of sheet metal and is used to prevent water intrusion in areas that aren’t covered by shingles or other roofing materials. Flashing is commonly used around roof penetrations, such as vents and chimneys.

If flashing is nailed to the roof, it is critical that nails be coated with a protective sealant to prevent rusting. Rusted nails won’t properly seal the holes that are formed by the nails, and water can seep under the flashing and enter your home. This will ultimately lead to costly water damage in your attic or even beyond.

2. Ground Sloped Toward Home

Another potential problem is negative grading, which is when the ground is sloped toward a home rather than away from it. Negative grading means that water is often directed at the home’s foundation, and depending on whether or not a basement, crawl space or slab is present, could result in water entering the home or undermining its base of support.

A properly graded home places the structure at the top of a crown, which encourages water to run away from the house in all directions. Negative grading can be overcome with proper drainage, but is often costly and improperly installed.

3. Downspouts Are Too Short

Short downspouts are often seen by inspectors, and this can be a problem when rainwater leaving gutters is directed toward the base of a home. This problem can cause scouring around the foundation, which is an aesthetic issue, at best, but can also cause problems such as uneven settling and cracking.

In a home with basements, water directed too closely to the basement can lead to flooding and seepage problems. The solution for short downspouts isn’t difficult to implement, as extensions can be readily fitted to downspouts that are too short.

4. Clogged Gutters

Another common defect found in homes for sale is clogged gutters. Poor gutter maintenance leads to them becoming choked with leaves, pine needles, nuts, and even animal nesting materials. As a result,  clogged gutters can allow water to overflow, which may seep into spaces behind the gutter and siding.

The long-term effects from this problem are not good: wood rot and insect problems can result and lead to substantial damage to the home. In areas where heavy snows are common, clogged gutters can also contribute to ice damming, a particularly destructive issue that can lead to water penetration under shingles. This is listed as a potential DIY project.

5. Missing Weatherstripping

A frequently seen problem in homes is missing weatherstripping around doors and windows. Weatherstripping is a relatively simple and low-cost way to prevent water from entering, and it also keeps heating and cooling costs lower.

In addition to missing weatherstripping, be on the lookout for weatherstripping that is cracked or brittle. Over time, weatherstripping loses its supple characteristics. Though it may appear to be visually intact, old weatherstripping is no longer able to effectively seal against water and air intrusion.

6. Exterior Siding Touching or Too Close to Ground

Another defect found in some homes is exterior siding that either touches or is too close to the ground. Many types of siding, especially wood and some composite materials, will serve as “wicks” that absorb moisture from nearby soil. This can allow moisture to work its way up into the siding and even penetrate the underlying structure if not adequately protected.

In general, siding should be no closer than six inches from the ground and should be cut or removed to meet this standard if found.

7.  Missing Caulking

Anytime there is a penetration of a home’s walls or roof, the space between the penetrating object and home should be sealed to keep out moisture and insects and to maintain energy efficiency.

A common means of providing protection is to use caulk to seal the gaps and openings. If you discover unsealed areas, you should suspect that water and bugs have likely entered these spaces at some point and may have caused damage or infestations.

8. Dirty Furnace Filter

A dirty furnace filter is another defect you should watch for when home shopping. Filters that are choked with lint, hair, dust and other debris are a possible indicator that the furnace hasn’t been properly maintained.

That means costly damage could have already occurred to the furnace, and at the very least, will ensure that a professional will need to perform a close inspection.

9. Insufficient Insulation

Insulation is critical to preventing heated and cooled air loss, and a lack of insulation can be costly in terms of energy bills. There are a variety of insulation types found in attics, including blown-in and fiberglass rolls, but most experts advise that no fewer than ten inches of insulation be used. In some cases, the amount should be higher, and a professional can advise you regarding specifics.

If you have questions about home inspections or need advice regarding a specific house you see, be sure to contact Rigid Inspections for help. We are here to serve your needs and can help ensure the home you buy is all you expect it to be.