Moisture & Wall Water Leak Assessment
Inspect roof condition, flashing, gutters, siding, ground slope, basement moisture (meter), and visible mold/mildew. Repair findings.
Spec
Applies uniformly from Certified upward.
Scope
The entire dwelling envelope and grounds — roof, flashing, gutters, siding, foundation, basement/crawlspace, around plumbing penetrations, and visible interior surfaces.
Requirements
Inspection checklist
- 01.
Inspect roof condition: missing/damaged shingles, exposed nails, sealant failures around penetrations (vents, chimneys, skylights).
- 02.
Inspect flashing: chimney, skylight, dormer, kickout/step flashing at roof-wall intersections.
- 03.
Inspect siding: cracks, sealant failures around windows and doors, weep holes clear (for brick veneer).
- 04.
Inspect ground slope around the foundation: must drop at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet (6% slope) away from the building.
- 05.
Use a moisture meter on basement walls, crawlspace, and any area showing past water staining.
- 06.
Visually inspect for active mold, mildew, or water staining throughout the dwelling.
- 07.
Document any findings; address all active leaks or moisture issues before certification.
Documentation
Evidence the inspector / Institute will need.
- 01.
Inspector's moisture/leak assessment report with photos of each inspection point.
- 02.
Moisture meter readings (basement, crawlspace, any wet area).
- 03.
Repair documentation for any findings — receipts, photos, contractor sign-off.
Guidance
Why this is the most consequential single check
Water intrusion is the #1 cause of premature building failure. A small unaddressed roof or flashing leak can rot framing, feed mold, ruin insulation, and corrode metal connectors within 1-3 years. The full envelope inspection at certification catches these before they become structural.
Common findings + what they cost to fix
Failed kickout flashing at the roof-wall junction (~$200-$500 to repair, prevents thousands in wall rot). Clogged gutters or downspouts dumping water at the foundation ($100-$300 to clear/extend). Negative grade (soil sloping toward house) — $500-$2,000 to regrade.
Note
A moisture meter ($30-$100) gives quantitative readings. Pin meters insert into the material; pinless meters use electrical capacitance. For walls and trim, pinless is non-destructive and good for screening; pin meters give the most accurate reading at depth.