Articles

Common Roofing Errors

I was recently called to consult on an Iowa home that had extensive roof leaks into the finished space. According to the homeowner, the leaks […]

Repairing a Rotting Roof

Water dripping from a skylight during an autumn rainstorm looked like a minor leak. But when the roofer making repairs discovered an unexpectedly large area of saturated OSB sheathing and […]

Getting Kickout Flashings Right

I founded my own framing and siding company back in 1990, and while my brother still runs the siding division, much of my work these […]

Common Siding Failures

I see a lot of failed siding jobs. The one shown in the photos in this article is typical of the fiber-cement siding jobs I am […]

How to Destroy a Wall in Two Easy Steps

I was recently called to a home in Grinnell, Iowa, to investigate a water stain on the interior drywall. The stain was a harmless-looking discoloration […]

Synthetic Stucco Without Failures

I started out 38 years ago as a framing and siding contractor in Iowa and for the last 20 years, have worked as an exteriors […]

Mixing Cladding and Stick-On Stone

A common exterior detail on homes throughout North America mixes a manufactured stone veneer, or what the industry calls adhered concrete masonry veneer (ACMV), on […]

A Rot-Resistant Chimney Chase

I do quite a bit of siding rehab work, much of it on relatively new houses. I think our weather is partly to blame —where […]

About Articles

Having studied several hundred homes regarding building envelope performance, moisture intrusion, and construction defects, Mark has witnessed preventable damage on an extensive scale. The Journal of Light Construction (published by Hanley Wood) has tapped Mark's expertise for several articles. Published both in print magazine and online forums, Mark has earned a Veteran Contributor status with JLC magazine. Mark keeps in touch with other professionals throughout the U.S. who have contacted him through the online forums.