DICO New Jersey Home Inspectors

Ghosting...in the Walls

5/25/2017

Question from Jean:
I don't know if you remember doing the inspection in Hoboken. We are renting out the unit and I just went in and saw this on the walls. What do you think it could be from? We live right above and while we can see screws it's nowhere near as bad! Appreciate any insight!

Answer from Willy:
It's from HIGH humidity in the apartment. The moisture is affecting every wall stud and sheet rock nail or screw. The nails/screws are steel so they conduct temperature changes very quickly and because they are steel, they rust. Is the basement wet? Do they have a lot of plants? Tropical fish tanks? Or do they burn a lot of candles and incense? These could all be the cause and you are correct its called GHOSTING.

Grading your foundation

5/25/2017

Question from Vin:
From our inspection you noted the grading around the foundation went toward the house in many spots. I am working on grading it away from the house using dirt. I have cut back the veg to let in air and light.
A couple issues:

Many of the areas were mulched and I plan on using mulch going forward, how close would you mulch up to the foundation?
We have termite/pest control, but is using mulch around the perimeter of foundation a bad idea?
Many areas have a low foundation, in these areas do you like stones on top of the dirt about a foot or 18 inches from foundation outward and then mulch?
Also, I have found nice extra pieces of bluestone slabs in the woods. Do you like using blue stone up to the foundation to grade away water and keep things dry underneath?
Lastly, there may be plastic sheeting that can be placed below dirt level to seal water out, good idea?

Answer from Willy:
Bluestone is great. My whole back patio is bluestone with a clearance of about 2 inches from the bottom coarse of siding to the top of the bluestone. It's been working but I have to spray weed killer around the perimeter to keep the weeds from growing.

Be VERY careful about mulch. Most mulch is any wood they can find. They grind it up and dye it a cedar color. Read the label if it says dyed cedar don’t buy it. Kind of like juice added its not 100% real juice. If you can find real cedar mulch it smells GREAT.

You can also use bark nuggets. Tree bark has natural enzymes in it that protect the tree from insects and fungus so it keeps bugs and termites away from your house. Stones are also good if you like that look. My wife used to be able to get coco shells/husks. Can’t get them anymore or I’d be using them - the whole place smelled like chocolate!

DICO Building Inspection Service, Inc.

Ghosting...in the Walls

Grading your foundation

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