Caulking And Grouting

Caulking and grouting is typically found in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area at connections between the toilet and floor; the bathtub floor and wall; the shower floor and wall; and sink back splash and counter tops. Deteriorated or cracked caulking or grouting can allow moisture to penetrate into structural framing, causing water damage (rot) or promoting the growth of mold. It is impossible to tell how long deteriorated grouting or caulking has existed, and moisture might have penetrated subject areas and caused damage which is not visible and can only be determined by remodeling/renovation or destructive testing.

Before deteriorated grouting or caulking is repaired, the substructure should be examined for evidence of structural damage or deterioration. While re-caulking and re-grouting normally is not a cause for concern, and homeowner maintenance typically is to be applauded, in today's world of mold disclosure and mold claims, the reason behind re-caulking/re-grouting is that moisture penetration into the structural framing might have occurred, possibly causing structural damage or promoting mold growth. Remodeling or removal of shower and/or bathtub sections could indicate moisture damage or structural damage that was concealed at the time of the inspection. I do my best to inspect your sub flooring under the kitchen and bathrooms when fully exposed, but finished basements with concealed defects are not within the scope of my home inspection. So if you decide to remove any tiles, bathtubs, basins or toilets, expect to find wood damage from over the past years.

caulking

How to properly apply caulk around a bathtub

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Dear David,

I just wanted to write a quick thank-you for the professional and informative job that you did at my home inspection on Monday. As a first time home buyer I was incredibly nervous going into the inspection not knowing what to expect - what should I be asking? What should I be looking for? it was all very overwhelming. However, after the first 15 minutes of the inspection, you quickly put all of my fears to rest!

The way that you took the time to point out and explain to me everything that you were looking for, as well as all of the helpful suggestions that you so freely gave out instantly, had put my mind at ease. I was able to feel that I was in good hands and knew that I had a “Professional” doing the job. This was solidified for me at the end of the inspection when you went over your extensive report with me, item by item ensuring that I fully understood what was there.

Your professionalism and expertise was so greatly appreciated. If ever anyone asks for a recommendation please feel free to give them my name, it would be my pleasure to help put another home buyer’s worried mind to ease by letting them know that with Massachusetts Home Inspections, they can count on a professional job well done.

With Kind Regards,

Karen S.