Have you found that leak on the skylight yet?
During a Seller's Inspection, we noticed a stain on the ceiling at the skylight.
I asked the owner and he knew of the leak, and just had the same person who installed
the skylight return to correct the problem. When I went up on the roof, I noticed that
the contractor had caulked at random, along the rain tabs of the shingles. Which indicates
a total guess by him of the source and usually never finds the leak. And if it does, the
caulk will dry out in a couple of years (yes, even silicone). Then you would have to recaulk
all those tabs again, because you don't know which area the leak was at? This is not standard
workmanlike practices and is not considered a repair. While a home inspector does not troubleshoot
as part of a home inspection, I decided to pay more attention to the flashing area. Flashing is used
to connect the roof covering to the skylight by means of weaving or overlapping. There is detailed
instructions with diagrams that come with the flash kits. Apparently, this installer didn't read
them. The top of flashing did not tuck under the seam of the shingle. Water pours right in. The
owner who is using the home inspection to aid in selling his home, was grateful for the help in locating
the leak. He also was very disappointed of the installer and the money he charged for his installation.
A Seller's inspection can serve buyer and seller. And in this case, protected the Sellers best interest.
Because, If I had been there for the Buyer after the contract had been signed, and the Seller assured
me he had just corrected the leak, he would be exposing himself unknowingly claiming the repair had been
corrected. The buyer would later discover otherwise, and could possibly feel deceived by the seller. You
know where this is going don't you? There are many reasons why a Seller should have a home inspection. Besides
virtually eliminating renegotiation or blown deals when seller and buyer can't come to an agreement on
repairs. A Seller's Inspection demonstrates that the Seller is attempting full disclosure and not trying to hide anything.
Inspector: Russell Buchanan
