Caulking

caulking

Caulking is commonly used in areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room, particularly around the connections between the toilet and floor, the bathtub floor and wall, the shower floor and wall, and the sink backsplash and countertops. Over time, deteriorated or cracked caulking can allow moisture to seep into structural framing, potentially leading to water damage (such as rot) or fostering mold growth. Since it's difficult to determine how long the caulking has been compromised, moisture may have already infiltrated these areas and caused hidden damage. Such issues can only be fully assessed through remodeling, renovation, or destructive testing.

Before repairing deteriorated caulking, it is essential to inspect the substructure for any signs of structural damage or deterioration. While re-caulking is generally a routine maintenance task and not typically a cause for concern, today’s increased focus on mold disclosures and claims warrants careful consideration. Deteriorated caulking may indicate that moisture has penetrated the structural framing, potentially causing damage or promoting mold growth.

Remodeling or removing sections of the shower, bathtub, or other bathroom fixtures could expose hidden moisture issues or structural damage that were not visible during the inspection. Although I make every effort to evaluate the subflooring under accessible areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, concealed defects in finished basements are beyond the scope of a standard home inspection. Therefore, if you proceed with tile, bathtub, basin, or toilet removal, be prepared for the possibility of uncovering wood damage resulting from past moisture exposure.

How to properly apply caulk around a bathtub

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Hi Dave,

I just wanted to write a quick thank you for your work inspecting 43 1/2 Bartholomew Street in Peabody yesterday. As a buyer in the process of trying to purchase my first home, it's been difficult to know who to trust. I honestly cannot believe some of the stuff I've run into, so I had to write & let you know that I found you professional, competent, & all around above par. In all of the people I've had to deal with up to this point, you were one of the few that actually took the time to explain things in a way that an inexperienced first time home buyer would understand. I never once felt rushed or talked down to.

Based on your inspection, I've decided not to purchase the home at 43 1/2 Bartholomew Street. I will however, continue to look & will hopefully find a house more suited to my needs in the near future. When that happens I will be calling on your expertise once again. In the meantime, I will certainly recommend you to any of my family & friends that may need a home inspection.

Thanks again,

Lisa G.