Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, WA Home Inspector (King of the House)

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Bellingham Home Inspection (King of the House) -- Exposed Lumber and Rot

This is one the home inspector in the wet northwest sees often. Here you see lumber that extends out from underneath the roof. As a result of that, that lumber is subjected to extreme moisture. The way it rains here that has to be at least half of the time.

Since wood will rot at 20% moisture or higher, such wood is often decayed. It this case the blue rot probe tells the story.

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In all situations such as this, either the wood should be trimmed so it terminates under the protection of the roof covering, or an appropirate flashing should be put in place at the top to protect the wood.

Thanks for stopping by,

Steven L. Smith

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Comments

Ahh I learned something - I see that quite often around here.

Posted by Liz Moras ~ Chilliwack Realtor, Garrison Crossing,Chilliwack, Abbotsford (Harrison Hot Springs, Cultus Lake) over 1 year ago

With all the moisture that you have in your area, wood rot would be a terrible problem. We have a lot of issues with finger jointed lumber. You must too...

Posted by Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297 (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.) over 1 year ago

Cut off, painted with copper and a covering top, bottom and sides!

And if the awl fits, wear it.

Posted by Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC) over 1 year ago

I have this problem in my area too. Thanks Steven!

Posted by Michele Miller ~ Executive Assistant, REALTORĀ® (Keller Williams ~ Seth Campbell Realty Group, LLC) over 1 year ago

Why would any one knowing how much it rains there leave this "big board" unprotected?

I rountinely circle my home showing my un-handyman husband issues that I have with wood that is too much exposed to the elements and that now needs replacing...and a host of other issues.

I guess some people are caught unaware because they just don't know.

Coming to you from Texas,,,

Posted by Sussie Sutton (United Texas Realtors) over 1 year ago

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