Inseção Exterior

QUESTION: WHAT DOES AN EXTERIOR INSPECTION INCLUDE?ANSWER: An exterior inspection evaluates walls, facades, paint or render condition, exterior doors and windows, pathways, driveways, gutters, downspouts, balconies, railings, fencing, landscaping, drainage, ground grading, and foundation areas. It identifies cracks, damp, poor water runoff, structural concerns, and maintenance issues common in Cascais’ coastal climate.

 

QUESTION: WHY DO EXTERIOR WALLS CRACK IN CASCAIS HOMES?ANSWER: Cracks most often occur from settlement, moisture intrusion, thermal expansion, poor render adhesion, or salt-related coastal corrosion. Wind-driven rain in Cascais accelerates deterioration. Some cracks are cosmetic, while others may indicate structural movement.

 

QUESTION: WHAT CAUSES DAMP OR STAINING ON EXTERIOR WALLS?ANSWER: Damp staining is usually caused by rain penetration, rising damp, blocked gutters, poor waterproofing, or cracks in the façade. Moisture meters confirm whether active damp is present and how severe it is.

 

QUESTION: WHY IS MY PAINT OR RENDER PEELING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE?ANSWER: Peeling occurs when moisture gets behind the surface or when paint was applied to an unsealed substrate. UV exposure, salt air and poor-quality coatings also contribute to deterioration.

 

QUESTION: WHAT CAUSES WATER TO POOL AROUND MY HOUSE?ANSWER: Pooling happens due to poor grading, blocked drainage channels, uneven paving, or downspouts that release water too close to the home. Prolonged pooling can cause rising damp or foundation issues.

 

QUESTION: WHY IS THERE MOISTURE OR ROT AROUND MY EXTERIOR DOORS OR WINDOWS?ANSWER: Moisture intrusion is commonly due to failed seals, damaged caulking, poor weatherproofing, or wind-driven rain entering small gaps. Thermal imaging helps identify hidden moisture behind frames.

 

QUESTION: WHAT CAUSES BALCONY LEAKS OR MOISTURE PROBLEMS?ANSWER: Balcony leaks occur when waterproofing membranes fail, tiles crack, drainage is insufficient, or the slope is incorrect. Cascais balconies often experience long-term water exposure that degrades membranes over time.

 

QUESTION: WHY ARE MY PATIO OR EXTERIOR TILES BECOMING LOOSE?ANSWER: Loose tiles are typically caused by water intrusion, poor adhesive, thermal expansion, or failed waterproofing. Salt air and humidity increase the risk of tile bond failure.

 

QUESTION: WHY DOES MY DRIVEWAY OR WALKWAY CRACK OR SETTLE?ANSWER: Cracks form due to soil movement, tree roots, poor construction base, or repeated water pooling. Settlement may indicate drainage problems or shifting soil conditions.

 

QUESTION: WHY ARE MY WALKWAY PAVERS LIFTING OR UNEVEN?ANSWER: Lifting happens when water gets underneath, soil expands, or roots push upward. Incorrect installation or poor drainage can also cause pavers to shift.QUESTION: WHAT CAUSES FENCES TO LEAN OR ROT?ANSWER: Leaning fences are often caused by rotted posts, erosion, loose soil, poor installation, or wind damage. Coastal winds in Cascais frequently stress fence structures.

 

QUESTION: WHAT CAUSES DRAINAGE PROBLEMS IN GARDENS OR YARDS?ANSWER: Poor grading, compacted soil, blocked drains, landscaping that traps water, or insufficient runoff channels all lead to garden pooling — which can contribute to damp or foundation issues.

 

QUESTION: HOW CAN THERMAL IMAGING HELP WITH EXTERIOR INSPECTIONS?ANSWER: Thermal imaging detects moisture behind exterior walls, insulation gaps, thermal leaks around windows, and cold spots caused by damp or water intrusion. It also pinpoints potential structural or waterproofing weaknesses.

 

QUESTION: HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET AN EXTERIOR INSPECTION IN CASCAIS?ANSWER: Every 1–2 years is recommended because coastal weather, wind-driven rain, salt exposure, and humidity accelerate exterior wear in Cascais.

 

QUESTION: SHOULD I GET AN EXTERIOR INSPECTION BEFORE BUYING A HOME?ANSWER: Yes. Exterior issues like damp, cracking, poor drainage, failing waterproofing, balcony leaks, and foundation concerns can be expensive to repair. An inspection helps you avoid costly surprises.