What feature is essential to check on during an exterior inspection?

During an exterior inspection, assessing the effectiveness of flashings is crucial for several reasons. Flashings are materials used to prevent water infiltration at joints and intersections in building elements. They are installed to direct water away from critical areas, such as roof edges, wall penetrations, and around windows and doors.

Poorly installed or damaged flashings can lead to significant water damage within the structure, promoting mold growth, rotting of materials, and a host of other issues that can compromise the integrity of the building. When inspecting flashings, you want to ensure they are properly aligned, securely attached, and that the materials are in good condition, without any signs of corrosion or deterioration.

While factors like the color of exterior paint, the quality of installed doors, and the style of windows are important for aesthetic and functional reasons, they do not directly impact the structural integrity and moisture management of the home in the same critical way that the assessment of flashings does. Therefore, focusing on the effectiveness of flashings is essential to ensuring proper building performance and avoiding future repair issues.