ICN#: 10296AR0011

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

Major Concerns

  • Exterior/Garage:

    (EG-1) Major Concern (WDO): Visual inspection of the fiber cement siding installation showed the need for repairs as well as some installation details that are not consistent with modern manufacturers installation requirements. This is typical for this age of construction, however, red flags at the exterior of the east porch indicate possible concealed water damage. Additional inspection is needed by a qualified contractor to further investigate the siding and determine the scope and extent of the needed repair. Examples of observations noted during inspection include:

    • Blistering paint on fiber cement siding indicates likely saturated siding.
    • High moisture meter readings where paint was bubbling
    • Water stains indicate possible water behind siding
    • Fungus growing at inside corner
    • Siding run right to the horizontal flashing and sealed. This is not recommended but difficult to fix at this point.
    • Missing back flashings at butt joints - this can be retrofit on exposed sides of the building with metal flashing tabs or maintained with caulking.
    • Signs of concealed water damage at inside corner below deck
    • These stains are typical and should be distinguished from the red flags at the east side. These stains can be cleaned and siding re-painted if needed.

Repairs

  • Exterior/Garage:

    (EG-4) Repair (WDO): Install diverter shingles or flashings above the exposed fascia, next to the gutters to protect this wood from rot and decay.

  • Exterior/Garage:

    (EG-6) Repair (WDO): The wooden door trim is rotting near the deck - north garage man-door. Repair / replace damaged wood as needed.

  • Exterior/Garage:

    (EG-13) Repair (WDO): Mold-like substances were noted on the back side of the garage door. For improved indoor air quality in the garage I recommend priming and sealing these stains with an appropriate sealer and finish paint. Please note this can be a red flag indicating excessive moisture in the garage slab or just related to parking wet cars in the garage. This is difficult to verify during a one-time inspection. Additional repair options include installing a fan to better ventilate the garage and / or sealing the concrete with a sealer to help reduce moisture evaporation into the garage.

Monitors

  • Pests and Wood Destroying Organisms:

    (PWDO-2) Monitor (WDO): Anobiid beetle exit holes were noted in some of the wood around the house. 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 - see peeler poles at east porch. Monitor for any signs of frass which could indicate a treatment is needed.

Due Diligences

  • Pests and Wood Destroying Organisms:

    (PWDO-3) Due Diligence (WDO): Localized moisture ant frass was noted during inspection today - see above door to the newer crawl space. Moisture ants are a wood destroying organism that are indicative of a moisture problem. They will often form nests and tunnels and can damage structural wood. Repairs need to be made to eliminate wet wood and repair all hidden damage to the building. Once the source of moisture is removed and all wood is repaired the ants should go away. During inspection today I found no live ants suggesting this may be an older water problem. But I am concerned this is related to the other red flags in that east wall by the covered porch. Additional evaluation is needed.