It’s July here in southwest Florida, and we’re now experiencing our usual summertime afternoon thunderstorms.
As any homeowner knows, this kind of weather can cause big problems: leaky roofs and windows, flood-damaged slabs and foundations, and a whole slew of electrical nightmares.
The Cons of Home Inspections in the Rain
These kinds of rain-related issues are an everyday thing when you perform home inspections—especially in this part of Florida. Very heavy rainfall and other extreme weather can interrupt home inspections, of course, and force me to reschedule.
Moist conditions can also mask certain issues, making it harder to gauge the age of things like shingles, for instance.
The Pros of Home Inspections in the Rain
But in another way, the rainy season is good for home inspections. Here’s why.
Whether it’s the roof, windows, gutters or even slabs and patios, I’m always on the lookout for the ways water can infiltrate and/or affect various parts of a home.
When issues have existed for a longer period of time, leaks and accumulating water will leave evidence even when the affected area is dry.
But new issues don’t always leave evidence behind.
The Potential for Early Intervention
Inspecting a home during the rainy season gives me an opportunity to notice water problems—sometimes even spotting them before they become major issues.
I might be able to pinpoint a new leak seeping through the attic, water accumulating on a sill, or clogged or poorly functioning gutters that are disrupting the way rainwater is distributed.
These occurrences can all affect a home in serious ways. And chances are, you’re not getting a home inspection on an annual basis. So when you do get a home inspection, it’s helpful to have it performed at a time when certain issues will be more apparent.
When I’m able to perform an inspection in times of heavy rainfall, I feel confident I can recognize even relatively minor water issues. This can mean identifying problems when they’re still easily fixable. And that’s a satisfying part of my job.
