Report #005

  • Home Value: 175,000
  • Damage Amount: 14,000
  • Damage Percent: 8%
  • Severity: 2
  • Damage Frequency: 3
 

Section 1: Summary

September 3, 2010

I was called me to look at a moisture stain on the drywall under the window in the northeast bedroom as well as some other points of moisture entry into the home. The drywall is degrading due to this excess moisture and there are some moisture stains in the air vent under the window.

First I looked at the exterior to see if there were any indicators of moisture problems. The stone below the edge of the window is staining, indicating moisture from either the top down or from the back side out, or a combination of both. The color of this staining is slightly brown. This is an indication that some of the building material is getting wet and leaching out to or over the surface of the stone. I opened up the siding to make further observation. The aluminum metal flashing at the top of the stone is surface-taped to the outside of the WRB. Instead of being integrated into the WRB (weather resistant barrier) as the MVMA (masonry veneer manufacturers association) recommends. This flashing has a lot of rust debris settling on it; the source of this rust appears to be the fasteners used to attach the siding. This deserves further consideration as the rust may stain the surface of the stone facade.

A section of the tape appeared to be coming loose, exposing a small section of the OSB wall sheathing. The OSB was slightly weathered in this visible area indicating exposure. This small defect is not the cause of all this moisture intrusion.

I recommend a section of the stone be removed from beneath the window extending two feet to either side. This will give a clear view to the application of the stone as well as the window flashing detail. The wall does appear to be wetter under the window; this would agree with a lack of protection of flashing at the bottom of the window that I observed.

The stone is at grade level; this is not a recommended detail by most manufacturers of these types of stone veneer. Over the past few years, the various stone manufacturers have seen the need to come together and address the problems associated with the installation of this type product. Many have done so under the organization called The Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association. They have some very detailed documentation as to installation of this type of product.

This has been born out of necessity to combat the problems that have plagued this largely
unregulated industry.
In the following pages I am addressing the leak at the NE bedroom window. There are other discrepancies in detail regarding the installation of the stone that can be addressed at the time of the repair.

The last couple pages of this document are pages from the MVMA installation document dated 03/09/09. There is a newer document from this organization revised June 8, 2010 that I would adhere to in the repairs to this stone facade. I highly recommend using the optional rainscreen assembly that is referred to in this manual.

I also recommend testing the drywall in the area of the stone to see if the moisture level warrants its replacement. The cellulose insulation that is in your walls does contain an anti-microbial agent according to its supplier; this should keep the potential of mold to a minimum. I advise precautions be taken during the repair procedure to ensure any microbial contamination be kept to a minimum. Time is of the essence in repairing wet walls.

 

Section 2: Moisture Intrusion

Water stains on face of stone indicate excess moisture and possibly some leaching material that is not protected properly. There is a lot of rust on top of this flashing. The flashing in places is tilted toward the home rather than out for a positive drain.

The metal flashing was installed over the top of the WRB and taped. The tape at this point is slightly releasing. This flashing install is not supported by the MVMA. An exposed area of OSB wall sheathing. It is weathering indicating moisture exposure. The sill at the bottom of the window is a point of moisture intrusion.

 

 

Section 3: Interior Part 1

Meter zeroed in an area of wall that is assumedto be dry.

Wall shows high MC with this scanning meter.

This wall appears wet at the surface of the interior of the drywall.

Probing the interstitial cavity also shows an elevated moisture content.

 

 

Section 4: Interior Part 2

Opening this part of the wall confirms an extremely wet wall cavity.

Testing other wall sections in the home indicates elevated moisture behind the stone.

Wall inspection port sealed

 

Section 5: Foundation Wall

The HVAC duct has moisture staining on its interior . The picture of the basement wall is an owner provided picture. The OSB does show slight staining that indicates a moisture trail from the wall to the vent.

Owner provided pictures.

Owner provided pictures.

 

 

 

 

Section 6: Outside Foundation

Owner provided pictures.

Owner provided pictures.

Owner provided pictures.

Owner provided pictures.