Goal:

The goal of this course is to teach the student how to identify and report on moisture intrusion in homes and commercial buildings. 

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, the inspector will be able to:

• identify and describe specific details of the building that may cause moisture-related problems;

• describe the design, construction, and maintenance of houses and buildings that manage moisture effectively;

• inspect for indications of moisture intrusion;

• communicate how to prevent moisture intrusion by proper installation of systems and components;

• understand how energy, moisture, water, and vapor move through a building;

• recognize evidence of structural damage and previous repair; and

• communicate to clients indications of moisture intrusion.

This course also teaches the best building practices and standards that make a home moisture-resistant. Building practices and construction techniques are essential for an inspector to understand. Building components that are defective, incorrectly installed, or simply missing can produce moisture-related problems. Moisture intrusion of a building can cause major structural damage and can threaten the safety of its occupants. Most E&O insurance claims in the inspection industry involve moisture intrusion. Once an inspector knows what properly installed building components look like, then recognizing installation defects becomes easy. Education and training on the best and most recent building practices for controlling moisture are essential for every property inspector.

Course includes: 

• 36,515 words;

• 1.1 hours of video;

• inspection and writing assignment;

• research and writing assignment;

• 55 quiz questions in 5 quizzes;

• 50-question final exam (drawn from a larger pool);

• instant grading; and

• a downloadable, printable Certificate of Completion.

Inspectors will learn the following:

• Scope and Approach

• Moisture Moves

• Inspecting for Moisture Intrusion

• Inspectors and Codes

• Moisture-Resistant Roof Systems

• Roof Flashing

• Roof Ventilation and Insulation

• Roof Overhangs and Projections

• Roof Drainage, Gutters, and Downspouts

• Moisture-Resistant Wall System

• Checking Windows and Doors

• Flashing of Wall Components

• Check Caulks and Sealants

• Moisture-Resistant Foundations

• Inspecting the Basement Foundation

• Basement Wall Insulation

• Slab-on-Grade Construction

• Slab-on-Grade Insulation

• Crawlspaces and Moisture

• Checking Ground Clearances

• Check Wood Preservative

• Alternative Foundations

• Moisture Vapor Control

• Climate Considerations

• Moisture Vapor Problems

• Indoor Humidity Problems

• Air Leakage and Major Moisture Problems

• Vapor Retarder Major Problems

• Mechanical Systems and Moisture

• Efflorescence and Capillary Action

• Construction-Phase Inspections

• Water Management and Damage Prevention

• Moisture Control for Homeowners

• Where to Look for Problems

• Bathroom Problems

• Looking in the Utility Room

• Looking for Attic Problems

• Basement Moisture Problems

• Laundry Moisture Problems

• What to Look for Outside

• Checking Roof Moisture Problems

How to Inspect for Moisture Intrusion Course

Course # 3702

nachi.org/moisturecourse

Activity

Assignments

Estimated hours for the average student

Academic Engagement

Reading online course instructional material at 140 words per minute

4.4

Watching and listening to instructional video

1.1

Taking quizzes

1.7

Taking the exam

1.5

Conducting a directed and independent inspection study performed according to the Standards of Practice, including the development of an inspection report

4.0

Submitting an inspection and writing assignment

0.5

Submitting a research and writing assignment

0.5

Total

13.7

Preparation

Studying & reviewing instructional material in preparation for taking quizzes and exam

12.0

Reading the downloaded student course book including taking the quizzes with the book

4.0

Reading, research, and studying related to completing the research and writing assignment

4.0

Studying and preparing for inspection processes according to a Standards of Practice, including capturing and storing digital images with a camera or device, making observations, evaluating conditions, deducing, formulating opinions, communicating observations in written form, attaining competency in performing inspections and using an inspection checklist or software and other inspection tools in producing a report.

10.0

Total

30.0

Sub Total

43.7

Overall Total

• 44.0 clock hours

• 44.0 InterNACHI CE credit hours

• 4.4 CEU