ICN#: 10359AR011

Wood Destroying Organisms

This report includes a structural pest inspection embedded within the report. All observations in this report that begin with WDO are a part of a WA State Pest Inspection. Orca Inspection Services LLC employs Dylan Chalk, Licensed Structural Pest Inspector #65540. Please note that most WDO observations are related to high moisture conditions that could be conducive to mold-like substances. Orca Inspection Services LLC is not a mold specialist and recommends consulting with an industrial hygienist or other mold remediation expert if concerned about mold or indoor air quality.Inspection Standards in Washington State - WAC 16-228-2045 - REQUIRES THAT A DIAGRAM / DRAWING BE PREPARED FOR WOOD DESTROYING ORGANISM (WDO) REPORTS. IF THE PHOTOS AND DESCRIPTIONS IN THIS REPORT ARE INADEQUATE, A DRAWING IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

Visible Evidence of Active Wood Destroying Insects None noted

Visible Evidence of Inactive Wood Destroying Insects Present

Visible Evidence of Active Wood Decay and Fungi Present

Visible Evidence of Damage from Wood Destroying Organisms None noted

Visible Evidence of Conditions Conducive to Wood Destroying Organisms Present

Repairs

  • Pests and Wood Destroying Organisms:

    Anobiid beetle exit holes were noted in some of the wood around the house - see deck. This is common in older lumber that was often not properly kiln dried. No powdery frass was found during visual inspection and only a minor amount of damaged wood was found. Removal and replacement of damaged wood is recommended to eliminate a condition conducive to wood destroying organisms. Where exterior wood is damaged and cannot be easily removed, I recommend contacting a log home maintenance company. These companies often use Borate based finishes and treatments which can be effective for controlling exterior anobiid infestations. In this case, the proper long term repair is replacing this back deck, a significant upcoming expense.

  • Roof/Attic:

    The attic and roof cavity ventilation look to be non-standard. Proper attic ventilation is important for the roofing materials to perform as intended and to reduce chances for condensation problems and heat build-up in the attic. One problem here is the use of ridge vents and gable vents. Most ridge vent manufacturers recommend ridge and soffit vents only to encourage convective ventilation across the roof decking; the gable wall vents can disrupt this convective air flow. At the time of inspection, red flags were found indicating that repairs could be needed to this roof cavity ventilation system.

  • Grounds:

    The wood well for the septic pump on the south side is rotting and will require replacement / repair at some point soon.

  • Grounds:

    The rotten stumps near the house should be removed from the yard to eliminate a condition conducive to wood destroying organisms. Eliminating conducive conditions near the home can help create a natural barrier between your home and wood destroying organisms.

  • Grounds:

    A rotted post was noted at the east side of the carport. Replace this rotted post with pressure treated lumber.

Improves

  • Roof/Attic:

    Plastic gutters were used for this building. As a general rule I find plastic gutter systems are unreliable and require constant maintenance to insure proper slope and to prevent leakage. Updating the plastic gutters is recommended for improved reliability and lower maintenance.

Monitors

  • Exterior/Garage:

    The exterior trim system here has been done as a picture framed or cap over trim, where the trim is not lead into the siding but laid over the top of the siding. This is a common practice, but is sub-standard. All points subject to moisture entry shall be appropriately flashed. There is not a commonly accepted flashing detail for the "cap over detail" that I am aware of. The risk here is water can collect behind the trim and could leak into the siding where nails from the trim penetrate the siding. I would be most concerned about the exposed trim details. Have this further evaluated and repaired as recommended by a qualified contractor. I found nothing urgent inside the house today to indicate a repair is needed at this time.

  • Grounds:

    The grade of the driveway is slopping toward the building - see entry side of the house. Standards recommend a quarter inch / foot slope away from the building or better. Be sure to keep this catch basin clear at the entry driveway - this looks important for moving water around the building.