True Tide Home Inspections

True Tide Home Inspections Licensed NC Home Inspector & Licensed NC General Contractor. Serving Onslow, Pender & New Hanover Counties.
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Coastal-focused inspections backed by years of experience
and 5 generations of local craftsmanship. “True Tide Inspections provides premium home inspections across Onslow, Pender, and New Hanover Counties. Owned and operated by Bud Taylor — a Licensed NC Home Inspector and Licensed General Contractor with 25+ years of construction experience and 5 generations of family roots in the coastal Caroli

na building industry. We specialize in:
• Full Home Inspections
• New Construction Inspections
• 11-Month Builder Warranty Inspections
• Pre-Drywall Inspections
• Coastal Moisture & Crawlspace Assessments

Every inspection includes high-resolution photos, clear reporting, and contractor-level repair guidance.”**

06/05/2026

Water follows the path of least resistance.

A small gap in flashing can lead to years of hidden moisture damage.

During a recent coastal NC home inspection, we observed what appeared to be deteriorated flashing around a roof pe******...
06/05/2026

During a recent coastal NC home inspection, we observed what appeared to be deteriorated flashing around a roof pe*******on.

The visible evidence suggested potential moisture intrusion in the surrounding wood framing area. Flashing that shows signs of separation or wear can create pathways for water entry, and when moisture reaches wood components, it often creates conditions conducive to deterioration that may not be immediately visible from inside the home.

This is why visual inspection of exterior roof components is so important during the home buying process.

Based on these observations, we recommended the buyer have a licensed roofer evaluate the flashing system and assess any underlying wood components that may have been affected by moisture intrusion.

Protecting your investment starts with understanding what's happening where you can't easily see.

Schedule your inspection to help identify visible conditions that warrant further evaluation.

03/30/2026

Why Not All Inspections Catch the Same Things
Not all inspections are the same.
Two inspectors can walk the same home…
and see very different things.
That’s where experience shows up.
At True Tide Inspections, we don’t just look at what’s visible—we evaluate how the home was built and how it performs over time.
• Normal condition vs early failure
• Subtle installation issues most people miss
• How components should actually perform
• Cosmetic vs structural concerns
Because a home isn’t just a list of parts.
It’s a system.
And understanding that system is what leads to better decisions.
If you’re buying or selling, the details matter more than you think.
SneadsFerry SurfCityNC WilmingtonNC

Why Not All Inspections Catch the Same ThingsNot all home inspections are created equal.Most follow the same basic stand...
03/30/2026

Why Not All Inspections Catch the Same Things

Not all home inspections are created equal.

Most follow the same basic standards—but how those standards are applied can vary quite a bit.

That’s where experience starts to make a difference.

At True Tide Inspections, we approach every home with a construction-based perspective. That means looking beyond the obvious and understanding what we’re actually seeing.

• The difference between a normal condition and an early sign of failure
• Subtle signs of improper installation—not just defects, but patterns
• How components should perform based on how they were built
• Which issues are cosmetic—and which may point to something more serious

Two inspectors can walk the same home and come away with very different insights.

Not because one is wrong—
but because one may better understand how that home was put together and how it will perform over time.

A good inspection isn’t just a checklist.

It’s an evaluation of how the home functions as a whole.

That perspective helps buyers make better decisions—and helps sellers avoid surprises.

If you’re buying or selling, it’s worth understanding the difference.

Hidden Water Damage Below Vertical SidingDuring a recent inspection, what appeared to be a normal exterior wall conceale...
03/23/2026

Hidden Water Damage Below Vertical Siding

During a recent inspection, what appeared to be a normal exterior wall concealed significant long-term moisture damage once the siding was removed.

Behind the siding, the wall sheathing and framing members were heavily deteriorated from prolonged water exposure. The underlying cause was a common installation mistake we continue to see with vertical panel siding systems.

In this case, the vertical siding had been terminated directly into J-channel trim. When rainwater runs down vertical panels, that trim piece can act like a trough, allowing water to collect rather than drain away from the wall. Over time, trapped moisture can migrate behind and down the siding and into the wall assembly.

Because siding covers the structure, this type of problem often remains hidden for years while deterioration slowly progresses behind the surface.

Once the siding was removed, the extent of the damage became clear. The moisture intrusion had progressed far enough that:

wall sheathing had deteriorated significantly
structural framing members were compromised
the laminated beam above the garage door opening had to be replaced

Because that beam carries structural loads, the repair required engineering review and sign-off after the damaged components were removed and replaced.

This situation is a good reminder that exterior siding is not simply cosmetic. It is part of the home's water-management system, and proper flashing and drainage details are critical to prevent water from entering the wall.

Installation shortcuts can allow water intrusion to go unnoticed until significant structural repairs are required.

For buyers, this is one reason a thorough inspection and careful evaluation of exterior assemblies can be so important.

True Tide Home Inspections
Construction-informed home inspections

12/01/2025

Roof Lifespan Reality Check

Most shingle roofs along the Carolina coast don’t last as long as the manufacturer says.
Wind uplift, salt exposure, and intense sun shorten the real-world lifespan—sometimes by 30–40%.
The biggest issues I find:
• Improper nailing
• Short shingle overhang
• Exposed fasteners
• Missing kick-out flashing
• Sealant failures around pe*******ons
Annual roof checks are one of the best investments a homeowner can make here. One lifted shingle can start a leak you don’t see for years.

Coastal Moisture & Crawlspace RisksCoastal homes look clean on the surface, but moisture works its way underneath long b...
12/01/2025

Coastal Moisture & Crawlspace Risks

Coastal homes look clean on the surface, but moisture works its way underneath long before most homeowners ever notice.
High humidity, poor drainage, and aging v***r barriers create the perfect environment for mold, wood decay, and sagging floors.
The key is understanding where moisture enters—foundation vents, plumbing pe*******ons, and exterior drainage are the top three sources I find during inspections.
If you own a home near the coast, check your crawlspace at least twice a year or hire someone who knows the signs. Moisture doesn’t announce itself until the damage is already done.

Address

Holly Ridge, NC
28445

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 7pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 7pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(910)5141616

Website

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