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A preliminary case study of potential ceramic raw materials in the Aileu area of Timor Leste

The newly independent country of Timor Leste is located in the eastern half of Timor Island (Indonesian archipelago). Geological studies of the country’s mineral resources and extractive activities are practically non-existent. There is evidence of the exploitation of ceramic raw materials at outcrop level and two small brick kilns, nowadays inactive, in the Dili and Aileu areas. Near Aileu, there are light-coloured silt-rich deposits, interpreted as overbank deposits, interbedded with ancient river terraces (post-Pliocene) overlying metamorphic bedrock. These sediments are the subject of this study, which encompassed geological mapping and preliminary characterisation. Tectonically, the area is a graben, preserving alluvium and colluvium deposits. Five channel samples representative of the silt-rich deposits were collected. Semi-quantitative mineralogical analysis shows that the samples are made of illite, quartz and kaolinite clays, with accessory illite/vermiculite interstratified minerals and K-feldspar. The chemical data show agreement with the estimated mineralogical composition. The grain size distribution points to a silt-dominated assemblage. Most samples have a satisfactory extrudability but deficient moulding properties. After firing, the sampled raw materials form a final product with possible ceramic capability for whiteware production.

The island of Timor lies along a zone of historically intense tectonic activity between the Australian and Asian plates. Consequently, the structural pattern of the offshore area south of Timor may be divided into two different types, separated by the Timor Trench. The area north of the trench is characterised by a series of overthrusted and folded sediments, while the area south of the trench is less affected, although tectonism during and after Tithonian time resulted in widespread, less closely spaced, horsts and grabens that have been reactivated in many cases.

Because Permian and Mesozoic sedimentary deposition occurred before the major thrusting episodes, the regional sedimentary column is demonstrably correlative from Timor Island to the Joint Petroleum Development Area (JPDA) and beyond, where several major economically significant oil and gas accumulations have been discovered in Jurassic reservoirs, and where gas has been discovered in Permian sediments. Tertiary carbonates may also host and trap hydrocarbons migrating from deeper source rocks.

Onshore oil and gas seeps are prevalent. The oil seeps contain very light oil. This is consistent with high gravity oil and condensates being generated from Jurassic source rocks that are encountered in the JPDA and elsewhere in the Timor Sea today.

Interpolating between known deposits of petroleum onshore and the producing fields in the JPDA and beyond, is a logical approach. The region remains very much under-explored, which is why the Timor-Leste Government has given priority to developing a new legal regime to underpin development. Petroleum exploration activity took place before 1975, and is only resuming now.

Gold Minerals

Gold does not react at ambient temperature and pressures and consequently there are very few naturally occurring compounds of the metal. The average concentration of gold in the world is about 0.005 g/t, that is lower than other metals. The low concentration of gold in primary rocks means that upgrading by a factor of 3000-4000 is usually required during ore formation processes to achieve commercial concentrations. This may be possible natural gravity concentration processes or leaching gold with natural fluids from the host rock. Thus, by highly oxidizing, acidic and complexing (chloride) solutions, followed by redeposition in a more concentrate form. Owing to its siderophile properties (weak affinity for oxygen and sulfur, high affinity for metals) gold tends to concentrate in residual hydrothermal fluids and subsequent metallic or sulphidic phases, rather than silicates, which form at an early stage of magma cooling. Rocks that are high in clays and low in carbonates are the best sources of gold, and reprecipitation occurs when the hydrothermal solutions encounter a reducing environment, such as a region of high carbonate, carbon or reducing sulphide contain.
The predominant occurrence of gold is as native metal, often alloyed with up to 15 % silver. Other gold minerals include alloys with tellurium, selenium bismuth, mercury, copper, iron, rhodium and platinum. Therefore gold occurs in a mineral form different to most other elements.
In the last decade auriferous activity has gone through substantial changes all over the world due to global warming, having taken effect in the countries with big gold investment programs, elevating in this way production substantially. This also brought about as a consequence a way to research and investigation of modern and appropriate technologies, tendencies for cost reduction, achieve high productivity and increase production.
A great part of this scientific technological experience all around the world is seen in this site. In the last years different countries have been able to take on modern techniques as far as the different stages of procedure of production and industrialization of the yellow metal. Some of the different technological innovations that have take place are:
The procedure of activated carbon in pulp, that brings about the recovery of gold through precipitation with zinc and electro deposition.
Cyanidation is a simple and economic procedure that allows the opening of deposits with contents or the continuance of old renovations; besides these renovations, these days we are highlighting more and more over the usage of the oldest technique that is known of: gravimetry. All this has to do with is placement of gravimetric tools that allow high recovery of gold.
The particularity of the processing of gold minerals does not reside in the usage of certain specific techniques, but in the combination of technologies based on an exhaustive mineral study, following along with the old belief that there are not two mines that are the same, therefore, one specific technology is not applicable to two mines.
The idea is to put in the hands of those that are interested and immersed in the auriferous activity, some information of council that will support your work with the idea of obtaining an optimal and productive operation.
The following has been separated into parts in order to give you an integral vision of this activity. From the aspects remember to keep in mind that in order to take on an auriferous mining project the first part takes on aspects that need to be taken account of to understand and carry out exploration work, in the second part we focus on different types of deposits and besides this we also focus also on a combination of processing techniques of the minerals in an appropriate way, like the application of the extraction technology, concentration and recovery of gold, according to the type of deposit and its mineralogical association in order to obtain good results.
Without a doubt the idea of this article is to provide the best and most information about this important theme. The idea is to cover a good number of aspects, however, in general we hope that it is useful.
Gold: Used in dentistry and medicine, in jewelry and arts, in medallions and coins, in ingots as a store of value, for scientific and electronic instruments, as an electrolyte in the electro-plating industry. South Africa has about half of the world’s resources. Significant quantities are also present in the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, and Russia.

Background
Gold is described and known as a precious metal. The combination of gold’s relative scarcity and its obvious beauty has made it a very valuable commodity throughout the history of humanity. It is most probably the oldest precious metal known to man. Wars have been fought over it and countless numbers have died trying to gain it or protect it.
Scientifically speaking, gold is an element, a metal, with an atomic number 79. Its physical and chemical properties make it ideal for a number of applications. It is very stable and as a result seldom combines with other elements. In other words, it does not corrode or rust. It conducts electricity very well (only silver and copper are better conductors of electricity). It conducts heat very well. Gold is very malleable which means it can be hammered into shapes. Gold is so malleable that it can be hammered into a sheet so thin that light can pass through it. It is also ductile, which means it can be drawn into long, thin wires: a wire thread approximately 50 miles long can be drawn from a single troy ounce of gold (31.1 grams). It is also one of the densest metals: a cubic foot of gold weighs over 1,200 pounds.
Name
Gold’s chemical symbol is Au. It comes from the Latin word aurum which means shining dawn, a reference to its bright yellow color and shiny luster. The English word gold has its origins in Middle English.
Sources
Gold is found in two major types of deposits. Lode deposits are deposits where gold is found in cracks and veins in rocks. These are also called vein deposits. The second type of gold deposit is called a placer deposit. Placer deposits are formed by moving water that has eroded gold out of lode deposits. When the speed of the water in a river slows sufficiently, the heavy gold falls to the bottom and accumulates in the sand of the riverbed. A third major source of gold is as a by-product of copper and silver mining. Gold is so valuable that it is worth the effort to recover even minute amounts from copper and silver ore.
It is estimated that the total amount of gold yet to be retrieved from the Earth is 100,000 tons. South Africa is the world’s largest producer of gold and is estimated to have half of these gold resources. The United States and Brazil each have significant amounts of the world’s gold resources. Approximately one-fifth of the total resources of gold in the world is by-product from copper and silver ores.
In the United States, Alaska and Nevada are the main producers of gold. Nevada produces the majority of the gold produced in all of the United States. The remaining are from placer deposits in Alaska, and other gold deposits in western states. Most of the gold recovered in the United States is recovered by only about 30 mines. The largest gold mines in the United States today are located in northern Nevada.
Brazil and Canada export significant amounts of gold to the United States.
Uses
Most gold is used to make jewelry and other art items. Because it is chemically stable and conducts electricity so well, it is very important in electronics. Electronic applications represent a significant amount of the United States’ annual gold consumption, followed by dentistry and a variety of other applications.
Gold has been very important as the standard for currency. In 1792, the United States Congress established gold and silver as the standard for the nation’s money. The U.S. Department of the Treasury holds a major stockpile of gold.
Substitutes and Alternative Sources
Palladium, platinum and silver have been substituted for gold. Alloys (mixtures) of gold and other base metals are extensively used in jewelry and electronics to reduce the amount of gold used while assuring the positive features for which gold is desired.
Traditional mining of lode and placer deposits and by-product production of gold from copper and silver mining will continue to be the main sources of gold. There is gold in seawater, but recovering this gold is unlikely to ever be profitable. Recycling gold from used electronics will provide only a very small amount of gold, though some do find this venture profitable.

Gold, Au, has long been prized for its beauty, resistance to chemical attack, and workability. Because it occurs as a native metal, has a relatively low melting point (1063 oC.), and is malleable, early man easily separated it from rock and cast or hammered it into beautiful designs. Gold serves as a monetary reserve and is used in jewelry, scientific apparatus, dentistry, and photographic processes.

Gold crystallizes in the cubic system, forming octahedral and dodecahedral crystals, often distorted into dendritic or leafy growths. Cubic crystals are rare. A soft metal (hardness 2.5-3), gold can be made harder by alloying it with copper, silver, and other metals. Most gold contains some silver. Pure gold is very dense, with a specific gravity of 19.3, decreasing to 15.6 as silver connate increases. Gold is the most malleable and ductile substance known. It can be flattened out to less than .00001 of an inch (less than .000065 cm) and a 1 oz. (28 gram) mass can stretch out to a distance of over 50 miles (75 kilometers). Gold is also one of the most resistant metals. It won't tarnish, discolor, crumble, or be affected by most solvents. This adds on to the uniqueness of this mineral.


The mineral Gold is almost always mixed with a small amount of silver, and sometimes contains traces of copper and iron. A Gold nugget is usually 70 - 90 percent gold, and the remainder mostly silver. The color of pure Gold is bright golden yellow, but the greater the silver content, the whiter the color. Most Gold is mined from ore, containing tiny amounts of Gold in the ore. The ore is brown, iron-stained rock or massive white Quartz. To extract the gold, the ore is crushed, then the gold is separated from the ore by various methods. Gold is less commonly found as nuggets. Nuggets are formed when erosion causes a large piece of Gold to separate from its mother rock, and then gets carried away into a stream or river. The flowing water tumbles the Gold, giving each specimen a distinct shape. The Gold eventually settles at the bottom of the water, and due to its heaviness remains there. Other nuggets also get caught in the same area, forming a placer deposit. An even rarer form of Gold is as crystals, which are cubic, octahedral, and dodecahedral. Even when the Gold occurs in crystals, they are distorted or are almost microscopic. Although Gold is a rare mineral, it has many scattered occurrences. Most of these occurrences usually lack quality and quantity in regard to Gold. However, certain regions contribute greatly to the gold market. Some of the best known Gold producing regions are: California, Colorado, Ontario, Mexico, Australia, Hungary, and South Africa (the largest producer). Some famous American mines include the Empire Mine and Red Ledge Mine in Grass Valley (Nevada County), California. Very nice crystals and crusts have been found near Ouray, Ouray Co., and in Red Mountain Pass, San Juan Co., Colorado. The Hollinger mine, along with other mines in that area of the Porcupine District, have produced large amounts of Gold.

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MATERIALS SCIENCE

Materials science and engineering is a field broadly based in chemistry, physics, and the engineering sciences. The field is concerned with the design, manufacture, and use of all classes of materials (including metals, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and biomaterials), and with the environmental, health, economic, and manufacturing issues relating to materials. Materials science and engineering is a field critical to future economic and environmental well-being.
Materials science emphasizes the study of the structure of materials and of processing-structure-property relations in materials. It is the physics and chemistry of real materials. Almost all the properties of importance to an engineer are structure-sensitive—that is, they can be modified in significant ways by changing the chemical composition, the arrangement of the atoms or molecules in crystalline or amorphous configurations, or the size, shape, and orientation of the crystals or other macroscopic units of a solid. To understand how the useful properties of a material can be modified, it is necessary to understand the relationships between structure and properties and how the structure can be changed and controlled by the various chemical, thermal, mechanical, or other treatments to which a material is subjected during manufacture and in use. The fundamental understanding of materials developed through materials science has replaced empiricism as the basis for discovery of new materials. Whole classes of new materials such as semiconductors, superconductors, and some high-temperature alloys have their roots in modern materials science.
All recent achievements in materials have depended as much on advances in materials engineering as they have on materials science. When developing processes for preparation and production of materials, and when designing materials for specific applications, the materials engineer must have a grasp of the modern engineering sciences, including heat and mass transfer and chemical kinetics. He or she must also have a proper concern for economic, social, and environmental factors. Materials processing is a major part of materials engineering. Improved performance of materials depends directly on advances in processing. There are also many examples of challenging engineering problems in reducing the cost and improving the productivity of industrial processing of materials. The department has strong academic and research activities in all aspects of the processing of materials.
The links between materials engineering and materials science are very strong, and the two activities are interwoven in the department. There are some subjects that all students of materials should know: thermodynamics, kinetics, and certain aspects of solid mechanics, physics, and chemistry. Core subjects in these areas are provided at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition, subjects covering a wide variety of topics, from solid-state physics to the analysis of materials systems, are offered. By selecting appropriate subjects, the student can follow many different paths through the science and engineering of materials, with emphasis on engineering, science, or a mixture of the two.
Materials science and materials engineering disciplines seek to identify and understand the principles and phenomena that are basic to all materials. Many large industries today manufacture
products containing a great variety of different materials, and their materials engineers must acquire a working understanding of the basic behavior of all of them. However, there also are many large industries in which a single class of material (e.g., steel, polymers, glasses) is manufactured and processed, and their materials experts must have a knowledge of various aspects of the science and engineering of one class of material. Thus, lecture and lab subjects are provided in the department that enable a student to specialize in the science and engineering of ceramics, electronic materials, metals, polymers, or biomaterials.
Materials engineers and materials scientists, whether generalists or specialists in a particular class of material, are in continually high demand by industry and government for jobs in research, development, production, and management. They find challenging opportunities in a wide variety of important positions in operations, development, and research in the fast-growing electronics industry, in aerospace, in consumer industries, in biomaterials and medical industries, and in the basic materials preparation and producing industries.
Archaeology and Archaeological Science
The principles of materials science and materials engineering have particular relevance to the study of archaeological materials. Laboratory investigation of ancient and pre-industrial artifacts of metal, ceramic, stone, cloth and other materials enables archaeologists to reconstruct the materials technologies behind the design and production of objects in prehistory. The Center for Archaeological Materials is developing what might be called the materials science of material culture, exploring the relations between ancient people and their material world.
Archaeology is the systematic study of humanity in the past, concerned with reconstructing the environments in which people lived and the ecological systems in which they functioned. Encompassing the study of ancient technologies and other human activities, as well as peoples' social organization, religious beliefs, and every aspect of human culture, archaeology covers all of human history, from the time of the earliest human beings up to the present.
Because archaeology is so broad in scope and the data on which it relies derive primarily from field survey and excavations, a range of disciplines provides its foundation. Geology, anthropology, materials science, art history, and biology are among these fundamental fields. Archaeological science represents an approach to archaeology that utilizes modern science and engineering principles and methods to tackle pressing archaeological issues—for example, reconstructing time, place, and human ecologies of the past, or determining the materials technologies that transform natural materials into cultural objects.
MIT's archaeology education programs reflect particular strength in archaeological science research. The Bachelor of Science in Archaeology and Materials as recommended by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering derives from the focus on archaeological materials research within the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Center for Materials Research in Archaeology and Ethnology (CMRAE). This curriculum is unique within university departments of anthropology, archaeology, and engineering.

Materials science is an interdisciplinary field involving the properties of matter and its applications to various areas of science and engineering. This science investigates the relationship between the structure of materials and their properties. It includes elements of applied physics and chemistry, as well as chemical, mechanical, civil and electrical engineering. With significant media attention to nanoscience and nanotechnology in the recent years, materials science has been propelled to the forefront at many universities, sometimes

Introduction to Materials Science

"Materials are the stuff from which all things are made, be they mundane household utensils or sophisticated integrated circuits that drive all of our modern technological society" (TMS Career Resource Center, n.d.). "Materials Science encompasses the study of the structure and properties of any material, as well as using this body of knowledge to create new types of materials, and to tailor the properties of a material for specific uses. The field encompasses the spectrum of materials: metals, ceramics, polymers (plastics), semiconductors, and combinations of materials called composites" (Iowa State University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering 2001).
A very comprehensive description of the field of materials science and engineering is contained in the report "Materials Science and Engineering for the 1990s" prepared by the National Research Council's Committee on Materials Science and Engineering and published by the National Academy Press. Many materials scientists consider this to be a landmark report that has fueled considerable activity in research and development.
In 1999, the National Research Council Committee on Science & Engineering published another report "Materials Science and Engineering: Forging Stronger Links to Users." "Materials are the foundation and fabric of manufactured products. In fact, many leading commercial products and military systems could not exist without advanced materials and many of the new products critical to the nation's continued prosperity will come only through the development and commercialization of new materials. Thus, the field of materials science and engineering (MS&E) affects quality of life, industrial competitiveness, and the global environment."
Materials science heavily relies on physics, chemistry, other engineering fields such as mechanical and electrical engineering. Physical properties of materials are usually the deciding factor in choosing which materials should be used for a particular application. This involves looking at many factors such as: material composition and structure (chemistry), fracture and stress analysis (mechanical engineering), conductivity (electrical engineering), and optical and thermal properties (physics) to name a few. It also involves processing and production methods. Research in this area involves many peripheral areas including: crystallography, microscopy, mineralogy, photonics, and powder diffraction.

Exploring Materials Engineering

Metals and Alloys
If there is a typical engineering material that is associated in the public's mind with modern engineering practice, it is structural steel. This versatile construction material has several characteristics, or properties, that we consider metallic: (1) It is strong and can be readily formed into practical shapes. (2) Its extensive, permanent derformability, or ductility, is an important asset in permitting small amounts of yielding to sudden and severe loads. Many Californians have been able to observe moderate earthquake activity that leaves windows (of relatively brittle glass) cracked while steel support framing still functions normally. (3) A freshly cut steel surface has a characteristic metallic luster, and (4) a steel bar shares a fundamental characteristic with other metals: it is a good conductor of electrical current. Although structural steel is an especially common example of metals for engineering, a little thought produces numerous others [such as gold, platinum, lead and tin].

An alloy is a metal composed of more than one element. Engineering alloys include the cast-irons and steels, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, zinc alloys and copper alloys. For example, brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
Taken from Introduction to Materials Science for Engineers, James F. Shackelford, Prentice Hall, Inc., New Jersey.
For more information on ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, try this terrific MatSci and Engineering multi-media source.

Rarely do we find metallic elements in the `free' state. For example, consider native silver. Silver has been mined for eons and has always been popular in jewelry and for coinage. Only in the past hundred years however, has the demand for silver been so great. The reason for this demand is the use of silver in the photography industry, which takes advantage of silver's reactivity to light. Native Silver is rare and much silver is produced from silver-bearing minerals such as prousite, pyrargyrite, galena, etc. Specimens of Native Silver usually consist of wires that are curved and intertwined together, making an inspiring mineralogical curiosity. The reference source URL is a commercial supplier of mineral specimens. The image has Copyright ©1995,1996 by Amethyst Galleries, Inc


Society gets its metals from an ore, not from the natural element found in nature. Ores are often a combination of the metallic element and a non-metallic element. Consider, for example, Galena. Galena, PbS, is a common and popular mineral for rock hounds. Its characteristic cubes, distinctive cleavage and high density make it easy to identify and a favorite in high school geology labs. The structure of Galena is identical to that of halite, NaCl. The two minerals have the same crystal shapes, symmetry and cleavage. Some Galena may contain up to 1% silver in place of lead. The large volume of Galena that is processed for lead produces enough Silver as a by product in the production of Galena, the leading ore of Silver. The reference source URL is a commercial supplier of mineral specimens.

Shown on the left is the basic oxygen furnace used in the production of steel. Other steel production images are also available at this URL from Mittal Steel Company (formally, Inland Steel). For additional information on the making of steel, visit either of the following web pages: The Steel Society; or 'What's a Matter-U".

The basic oxygen furnace is just one method for producing steel. One way to make something useful is to pour the liquid metal directly into a crucible or mold and let it solidify. However, there are alternative processes such as the condensation of evaporated metallic elements; or the consolidation of micron-size particles! Some of these alternate processes are explored in the companion web page, AltProcess.htm
Here is where the metal aluminum, once 'won' from the earth, finds useful application. The aluminum alloy used in the production of beverage cans contains manganese and is highly hardenable. This means that when worked (or hammered!), the aluminum becomes harder or 'more resistant' to further deformation. The all aluminum-can is one of the most convenient and cost-effective containers ever developed for delivering beverages to consumers. If you would like to know how a beverage can is made from aluminum plate more than one-foot thick, I invite you to explore the following web pages. Discover just how amazing the aluminum beverage can really is. The reference source URL is The Aluminum Association.

Here is a close-up of the rocker assembly on a mountain bike. The reference source URL is Marin Bikes. If you would like to know more about the materials selection options for making a bicycle frame, please link to either of the following: Technical White Paper; or, the Career Resource Center for Materials Science & Engineering web pages on material aspects of the Bicycle. Another interesting component of the bicycle, usually made from a metallic alloy, is the spoke. The Web Pages of Belgian spoke manufacturer Sapim provide some insight to producing super lightweight, bladed spokes. For example, the small CX-Ray blades, of extremely high tensile strength (due to a special forging process), cut wind resistance markedly. A materials engineer (or mechanical engineer with materials expertise) would be involved with the following issues regarding the design and fabrication of advanced bicycle spokes:
• what alloy should be used?
• what are the fabrication steps to make this unique blade-shape?
• at what times and temperatures should the alloy be heat-treated?
• what are the appropriate surface-finish operations?
• what fatigue life is predicted for the spoke?
• do mechanical tests confirm strength and fatique life requirements?
The complexity of the design and selection of metals and alloys used in a high-temperature, aggressive environment is illustrated in this image (left). I believe this is a heat exchanger, perhaps in a petro-chemical plant. I found this image while doing a search for NDI (Non-Destructive Inspection) information, so the source is not directly relevant to the metals and alloys web pages. Nevertheless, I could not resist including it! The reference URL is Q.A.T.E., a Australasian quality assurance and testing engineering firm which manufacturers and resales NDI products.

There is a class of alloys called shape memory alloys. These alloys provide the engineer a means of restoring a bent metal wire to some trained alternate shape. These SMA's have applications ranging from frames for optical glasses to repair parts for the human body. For example, fine NiTi (containing approximate equal parts of nickel and titanium) shape memory or superelastic wires can be woven into cylindrical shapes for various applications. One such application is vascular stents to reinforce blood vessels in the human body. The stent is crushed and inserted through a cannula into the proper location in the blood vessel. Upon warming above its transformation temperature, the stent returns to its trained cylindrical shape and provides reinforcement to the walls of the blood vessel. If you would like to see a stent in-service in a blood vessel, go to the Biomaterials link on these pages. If you would like to know more about shape memory alloys, go to the web pages of Johnson-Mathis, the source of the image.
By the way, how do you think the common coin is made? This is a common metal device familiar to us all. Consider; what metal(s) and alloy(s) do you think are used in the fabrication of a dime? This is an excellent topic to search on the Internet. How is a dime fabricated? The process is termed 'coining' if this will help.

CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS - 3

Construction Problems on Roadway and Private Roads.
Some of the more common problems on roadways and private roads includes the following:


Street Collapse

A street collapse can be the result of a builder not taking into consideration the type of soil he is building on. Soil can be either expansive or collapsing, both of which will cause movement and potential collapse of a street. This street collapse can also be caused by a nearby hill or mountain that has a mudslide or that has eroded land under or next to the street. A builder or developer needs to properly analyze the land where a street or roadway will be build before it is built. With this assessment, a builder will know what construction strategies to implement.
Sinkholes
A sinkhole is caused by a collapse of a cavern roof. It is a natural indentation of the land surface that connects to a passage that is underground. These collapsed sinkholes can grow to be very deep and wide within hours and sometimes minutes. These are quite rare, however. Sinkholes generally occur in limestone. The damages a sinkhole can inflict on your property are serious. The problem never gets better, only worse. Some effects of sinkholes can include but are not limited to cracks in windows or doors, doors that are hard to close, deep separation of concrete walks or sediment in your water.
Utility Failures (downed/broken lines)
Utility failures in downed or broken lines occur because of natural causes such as weather or by human negligence. When an underground line is broken it takes longer to detect and is extremely costly to repair. These utility failures with broken or downed lines can adversely affect a home or building by disrupting telecommunication services, cable services, or electrical services. As you can imagine, the damage caused by utility failures can be as simple as loss of power for an hour causing minimal damages, to extended loss of power causing personal injury and/or damage to personal items in the home.
Erosion
Erosion occurs when material from the Earth is transported via stream flows, coastline, or hill slope. It is a gradual wearing away of the land. Factors such as wind or water can provide the force needed to start this erosion process. Erosion can affect the shaping of land surfaces or the quantity of material built up on the land surface. Water is one of the most significant natural factors in the process of erosion. Although a certain amount of erosion is natural, erosion is sometimes increased by poor construction actions and can be decreased by using proper techniques such as tree planting.
Landslides and Falling Rocks
Landslides and falling rocks can be described as a measurable plane of land that has slipped resulting in falling rocks. It can turn into a pretty steady flow as the block of land gains momentum down the slope. Steep slopes are susceptible to landslide occurrences, but they occur in almost any environment. They can be caused by an earthquake and by construction, specifically road construction. Falling rocks will result when the landslide moves the debris or soil that covered the rock. This exposes the rock allowing it to tumble along with the landslide or on its own time, sometimes after the landslide has occurred.
Damages from street collapse, sinkholes, utility failure (downed/broken lines), erosion, or landslides and falling rocks to roadways and private roads can be serious. Without proper expertise regarding these defects, a resolution to these issues can be time-consuming and costly. Do not try to take care of these issues on your own. Contact an attorney today to help you take the proper steps.
Property Damage from Soil and Geological Hazards:
Expansive Soils
Expansive soils are the second leading cause of property damage. Expansive soil swells when wet and then shrinks when dry. The pressure that expansive soil can exert can be very destructive. The pressure produced can reach as much as 15,000 pounds per square foot which is plenty strong to crack driveways, floors, and even foundations. Builders and developers should have previous knowledge as to whether or not their development is on expansive soil and with this knowledge can build accordingly. Unfortunately, some builders or developers will knowingly use construction methods that are cheaper and do not take into account potential damage that may be caused by expansive soil. These are the scenarios where homebuyers are most adversity affected.
Collapsing Soils
Collapsing soils have low moisture content whereby the particles contained are loosely-packed. These soils also contain clay that acts like glue, holding together soil grams. When the soil gets wet, this clay loosens and the particles of soil grams are then dispersed. Signs of collapsing soils can be cracks in the wall which are a common examples of construction defects. The soil would need to be analyzed properly to clearly understand if collapsing soil is indeed the issue. However, if collapsing soil is thought to be the cause of a construction defect, it is important to note that in many cases this damage could have been avoided with proper analysis of the soil before building.
Mudslides and Landslides
Mudslides and landslides can cause very serious damage to property as well as to any life it affects. A mudslide, also known as a mudflow, contains dirt and debris that is accumulated from heavy rainfall, snow melt, volcanic eruption or even a severe wildfire. The speed of the mudslide will depend on the steepness of the slope it is flowing down, the amount of precipitation and other factors such the vibration of the ground. The slide can reach a flow rate of 35 miles per hour while it picks up everything in its path. It will not slow down until it reaches a plateau.
Landslides, unlike mudslides, contain only a block of land. Landslides can also be caused by natural resources; however, they occur often from construction of roads.
Both mudslides and landslides can be quite dangerous and damaging to the property and lives they encounter, but also to future land development sites.
Flooding
Flooding occurs when an excessive amount of water has covered an area, usually land, which is normally dry. Flooding is usually caused by heavy rainfall that happens in a brief amount of time. Flooding can cause minor damage if caught in time and controlled. However, flooding can cause irreversible damage that takes time, resources, and money to fix. Flood damage can leave a property uninhabitable. Flooding is not only a natural disaster but can be caused by plumbing issues. A builder could have cut corners in the materials and/or products used or installed a faulty electrical system that effected the functionality of the plumbing system.
Soil Erosion
Erosion can impact the shaping of a land's surface. Wind or water can start the process of erosion whereby material from the land is swept down a stream, a coastline, a hill, or a slope. Water has the biggest influence on erosion. Erosion can be a natural occurrence, but it can also be caused by human error. If builders and/or developers do not survey soil properly, they can single-handedly start the process of erosion. They can use construction techniques that instead of preventing erosion of the surface will actually increase the potential of erosion and therefore damage to any future housing.
Soil and geological hazards like expansive soils, collapsing soils, mudslides and landslides, flooding or erosion can cause severe damage to property. Do not wait to contact an attorney that will assist you in taking the proper steps to protect your rights.
Construction Material and Product Failures & Defects
List of Construction Material and Product Failures & Defects:
Leaking and Rotting Roofs
Leaking and rotting roofs are true signs of construction defects. The root cause may, however, be a little more difficult to discover and prove. Leaking and rotting roofs damage may be a direct result of poor material used to build the roof, e.g. substandard shingles. This could also be the result of using less-experienced and less-skilled workers to build the roof than is reasonable. Workmanship should always be considered when assessing issues rooted from a structure that is built piece by piece. The first priority is always to reestablish a safe residence for you and your family. This may even call for a temporary fix.
Rotting and Failure of Flooring
Rotting and failure of flooring is a very difficult construction defect to repair. It can be the result of a variety of mistakes. The builder and/or developer makes decisions that can prevent damage from rotting and failure of flooring. Quite frankly, they also make decisions that increase the potential risk of this kind of damage occurring. To start, signs of rotting floors can be due to water damage. This could mean flooding, moisture buildup or simply water leakage. There are a number of suspects in this scenario. The plumbing equipment used, the contractors or subcontractors hired for installation, or the flooring material used are all potential causes. Again, these issues would be a result of the choices the builder and/or developer made.
Siding Defects and Exterior Surface Failures
Siding defects and exterior surface failures are construction defects that can be caused by soil issues (mass movements) or construction material issues. Building on land with potential soil movement, i.e. expansive soil, can cause visible damage such as cracks in the siding. This same result can be due to using substandard construction material. In both cases the builder and/or developer has failed to take into account the land where house was being built. Siding defects and exterior surface failures damages may come and go (and appear to have stopped), but will persist in some shape or form until the cause is discovered and adequately repaired.
Stucco and EIFS Problems
Stucco and EIFS problems occur when moisture is a factor. Stucco is used quite frequently as well as EIFS, or synthetic stucco, a multi-layered finish, because it is reliable in most circumstances. Damage to stucco could be cracks that are caused by soil movement. This means that the builder did not take into account the type of soil the house is built on and therefore did not build a foundation that could absorb any movement. EIFS has layers that do not breathe. This is not an issue until moisture is present. If there is a problem with material used to construct the walls, the roof, or any other area that would allow for moisture to seep into the EIFS, you will experience stucco and EIFS problems. In addition, this moisture leakage could be due to poor construction material, poor contractor work or simply poor or lack of proper soil analysis.
Water Intrusion from Faulty Plumbing
Water intrusion from faulty plumbing is a troublesome problem. If not dealt with immediately, damage control can be quite difficult. This damage can be the direct result of a builder cutting corners. A builder could have used faulty products that have not gone through proper quality control so as to reduce costs. The builder could have also hired less-skilled contractors or subcontractors whose workmanship simply does not "hold water." The first priority is to repair the plumbing, but there will then be a need to determine exactly what part of the plumbing system failed, what the cause was, and most importantly, what should be done to prevent any future water intrusion from faulty plumbing.
Construction material and product failure and defects such as leaking and rotting roofs, rotting and failure of flooring, siding defects and exterior surface failures, stucco and EIFS problems and water intrusion from faulty plumbing can cause severe damages if not taken care of properly. Your steps in implementing a solution are crucial and may require legal assistance. Do not wait - contact an attorney today to help guide you through this difficult process.
Causes of Construction Defects in Homes and Condos
The reasons and causes of construction defects in homes and condos can also be based on the products and building materials the builder selects. Housing developments are going up with at such a rapid rate that builders and developers have a tendency to cut corners when they can. One area to do this is with building materials and/or products they use in the house. This could be appliances, plumbing equipment, dry wall material, and so on. This also goes for the contractors they choose to use. Again, some contractors cost more than others. This is clearly based on their qualifications and whether they are licensed or not. Poor workmanship frequently causes construction defects.
Construction defect liability generally is based on the decisions the builder and/or developer makes. First, they are in the position to decide what construction strategy they will use. The need to analyze the soil and prepare it adequately before breaking ground to build is an example of a decision. Second, the developer has a choice where to build and if land with bad soil is chosen, it is both the builder's and developer's responsibility to choose the best construction strategy that will prevent building issues and construction defect to occur (as much as possible).
If you suspect that you may have a construction defect in your home, condo or townhome, you need to document the issues you are experiencing. This would include taking pictures of any noticeable defects inside and outside your house. Also, you need to determine how severe the construction defect is to know whether or not you should take steps to repair it or if you can wait until you have consulted with an attorney. You need to consult with an attorney to know exactly what steps you need to take to come to the best resolution to your potential construction defect issues.
Causes of Construction Defects in Homes and Condos Improper Soil Analysis and Preparations Site Selection and Planning Civil and Structural Engineering Defective Building Materials (Material Deficiencies) Negligent Construction Design Deficiencies Construction Deficiencies
Improper Soil Analysis and Preparations
When a builder chooses an area of land to build on, it is important they do some sort of soil analysis and preparation. The analysis will provide the developer and/or builder with enough information to choose the adequate soil preparation and construction strategy that should be used to develop the land. Improper soil analysis and preparations can be very damaging to a housing development. For example, a builder can discover that the land soil is made up of expansive soil. If this is the case, houses need to have a foundation that will be able to support the changing pressure and consistency of the soil. This is because expansive soil will swell when wet and then shrink once it dries. If one builds on this type of soil and is not aware or it, there will inevitably be issues to handle. There will be cracks in the stucco, walls, retaining walls, garage floor, pavements and elsewhere. The fix is very costly and very intrusive. Unfortunately, the reality is improper soil analysis and preparations happen all the time.
Site Selection and Planning
The developer usually performs site selection and planning. This is a crucial decision since there are areas of land that are better to build on than others. A developer has to know to consider the potential risks in any given area. Is there a mountain nearby that could cause a potential landslide, mudslide? Are there geological hazards or slope instabilities that exist in the area? The developer needs to have answers to these questions.
Civil and Structural Engineering
Once the developer has completed the site selection and planning, civil and structural engineering comes into play. Decisions made during the civil and structural engineering phase can also impact the fate of each housing unit. The civil and structural engineering phase of a development project includes acquiring permits that need to be obtained, identifying codes that need to be adhered to and planning design phases that will be implemented. There is room for errors in any of these steps, as any of them cause construction defects.
Improper soil analysis and preparations or other errors of a builder and/or developer can be the cause of construction defects. Do not try to tackle these issues on alone. Contact an attorney today.
Defective Building Materials (Material Deficiencies)
Defective building materials can be a root cause of many building issues or construction defects. If a highly-skilled contractor builds a roof with defective building materials, it doesn't matter how good his workmanship is. The roof will be a construction defect. The roof may leak, allow for moisture to seep in, cause dryrot to occur, allow for mold or mildew to grow and cause other problems. A builder should inspect all products for material deficiencies. He needs to ensure that everything is up to code, high in quality, and has gone through a proper quality control process. This will help decrease the chance of getting defective building materials (material deficiencies).
Negligent Construction
Negligent construction is an unfortunately common occurrence. A builder has to be very careful when choosing a contractor or subcontractor. A builder will sometimes use one contactor for various projects. A contractor may have skills to install plumbing but not the know how to build a roof. The responsibility can fall on several parties when there is a defect, and that's up to your attorney to determine.
Design Deficiencies
Architects sometimes have a role in the cause or prevention of construction defects. An architect can create a design that may be aesthetically pleasing but weak functionally. This is where the other building professionals need to evaluate a structure for any design deficiencies. Some design deficiencies can be easily discovered while others will not be evident until implementation. This means that testing should be a required step. All of these checks and balances do not always happen.
There are a lot of building issues that can happen because of the actual material of your home. They can be defective building materials, negligent construction, design deficiencies, or material deficiencies. Any of these construction defects are hard to investigate since there are so many professionals involved. If you suspect that any of these could be issues in your home, you need to contact an attorney. An attorney can help you take the right steps to determine what caused your construction defects and what you need to do to take care of it. If you are not sure you even have a construction defect, contact an attorney today to get the answers you deserve.
Construction Deficiencies
Construction defects in a home or condo can be caused by a variety of issues. Determining if an issue is actually a construction defect is sometimes the biggest challenge you face. However, once you have determined that you have a construction defect, then you are ready to not only develop a strategy to perform the repair but also to determine who is responsible to repair the issue(s).
One cause of your construction defect could be construction deficiencies (poor quality or substandard workmanship). Builders today work fast. They have a timeline and a budget. Their goal is to complete a housing development on time while saving where possible. Where can they save? They can cut corners by hiring contractors who may not be the most qualified and do not have the skills to get the job done right. This is what it means to have an issue like construction deficiencies (poor quality or substandard workmanship).
Construction deficiencies (poor quality or substandard workmanship) can cause some of the most serious construction defects. If a roof is not built correctly, the result could mean mold or mildew. If windows are not installed properly, your home could have inefficient insulation or moisture buildup. With moisture comes mold. The construction defects could be numerous.
This would also be the case for subsurface/geotechnical problems. The burden is on the builder to choose a land to build on and then more importantly analyze the soil properly. If the analysis is performed properly the builder and/or developer are able to select the construction strategy that will consider potential subsurface/geotechnical problems. Expansive soil and collapsing soil are both examples of subsurface problems that can impact a house and cause rather serious building issues.
A builder and/or developer needs to know the land they are building on inside and out, or above and underground is more accurate. Besides soil analysis they should have a land survey that will consider other types of potential subsurface/geotechnical problems such as slope instabilities, landslides, mudslides, erosion, and so on.
These causes of construction defects, that is, construction deficiencies (poor quality or substandard workmanship) and subsurface/geotechnical problems can be difficult to detect and difficult to fix. The priority is to get your house back to a livable, safe condition. This can be an arduous task if you are not familiar with land development and all that goes in to it. Homeowners usually do not have knowledge in this area so choose to have an advocate that does. You need to contact an attorney that has the experience with construction defect issues and knowledge of construction law. Contact an attorney today to be your advocate.
Landscape and Soil Issues
Landscape and soil issues can be considered a construction defect. Although the make-up of soil is natural in existence, how you prepare the soil and/or build on the soil is the responsibility of the builder and developer.
A builder has the responsibility to analyze the soil and with the results determine the best construction strategy to use. Expansive soil and collapsing soil are two major types of soil for which there is technology and know-how of how to build upon. Both can cause certain landscape and soil issues if the proper construction strategy is not used.
Landscape and Soil Issues with Expansive Soils
Expansive soil is a major cause of property damage. When wet, expansive soil swells can create pressure that can be destructive and a leading cause of landscape and soil issues. Evidence of expansive soil is cracks that you will see in your landscaping. This is because once the soil dries it shrinks, and this back-and-forth movement easily shifts pavement and walls. This can all be avoided or at least the risk decreased if the builder or developers do their research to find out what kind of soil they have. The next responsibility of the builder is to choose the proper construction strategy. With the rate at which housing developments are going up, builders or developers will cut corners where they can and this could mean using a construction strategy that is cheaper and will not necessarily take care of the potential soil issues.
Landscape and Soil Issues with Collapsing Soils
Collapsing soils can also cause issues with your landscape and soil. Collapsing soil is loosely packed soil that can act like gooey clay depending on the amount of water it absorbs. You will see cracks in your landscaping on areas such as pavement, retaining walls and pillars. Like building on expansive soil, the construction technology is there, the builder or developer just has to choose to use the correct method. If they do not, then this can be a major construction defect that could have been avoided.
If you are noticing some subtle cracks in your landscape, walls, stucco, pavement, or garage floor these may be symptoms of a bigger problem. Your home may have a construction defect that although difficult to fix may be easy to determine. Do not wait - contact an attorney today to perform the proper assessment to determine if you have a defect and if so, what you should do next.
Faulty Drainage
Soil Contamination
Soil contamination is a result of man-made chemicals getting into the soil. This occurs in several different ways. Soil contamination can occur when an underground storage tank is punctured, when waste is leaked from landfills or when an industrial waste is discharged into the soil. This can be a huge concern since soil contamination can seep into the water supply if not cleaned up in time.
A builder should always know what type of soil they are dealing with including whether or not it has been contaminated. No matter the cause of the soil contamination, the important factor is what is being done to take care of it. People who may be in direct contact with the soil, e.g. those in parks, schools and playgrounds, should be aware if there is a soil issue and if so what is or has been done to fix it. This also holds true for soil that has yet to be contaminated. After surveying the land, the builder will learn what type of drainage is needed to avoid potential contamination of the soil. Soil contamination can occur when chemicals sit dormant in the soil because of faulty drainage as opposed to being washed away with correct drainage slopes. The builder and/or developer have the opportunity to take the necessary steps to help decrease the potential risk of soil contamination.
Subdivision Draining
Most planning departments incorporate a subdivision draining system to avoid the potential of the housing development to become flooded. Proper subdivision draining will provide an area with the proper safety nets in place for any major water issues or faulty drainage. As a home buyer, you have the right to understand what system is currently in place and if that system has ever been tested. Although it is not something you think about when making a purchase, it is something to think about when you start to see water issues within your home along with other construction defects. Do not hesitate to talk to the builder to get a better understanding of how subdivision draining works in your development.
Retention Basins
Retention basins are used to prevent flooding. Sometimes referred to as retention ponds, these retention basins are like a repository for rain. They are viewed as a good thing since it's a structure that is trying to replace the duties of a forest that would normally absorb excess water. With forests being cleared before development, a retention basin can be constructed to serve the function of a forest. Retention basins are quite common in new developments. With building roads, streets, etc. the soil that acts as a natural means of absorption is no longer there, so a retention basin is necessary to fill this void.
Do not try to become an expert on these faulty drainage issues. There is so much information out there that it can become quite overwhelming. Contact an attorney today to figure out your next step.
Common Problems Arising from Construction Defects in Homes and Condos
There are some common problems arising from construction defects in homes and condos. As a homebuyer, it is in your best interest to at least be aware of the potential construction defects that can occur in a home or a condo. The first question is what exactly is considered a construction defect? The answer will depend on who you ask since everyone's perspective in the building process is so different.
What is important as a home buyer is whether or not a specific construction defect will affect the value of the home or condo. Construction defects can be very damaging or they can be minimal. Either way the defect needs to be taken care of properly. The nature of the defect will determine how much time it will take to repair, how much it will cost, and quite frankly, how much of a headache dealing with it will be.
Common Construction Defect List
The following are descriptions of some common problems arising from construction defects in homes and condos. Construction defects could be the result of improper design or installation deficiencies. Construction defects could be due to substandard construction strategies, faulty workmanship inside and outside the house, bad building material, poor drainage systems or improper soil analysis and preparation.
If you have a construction defect that needs immediate repair, take steps to correct it and maintain detailed records. Make sure you document any communication you have with contractors, the builder or the developer. Although you may not need it now, if you suspect that you may have a construction defect, these records may come in handy later.
While dealing with a construction defect you may have many questions about how to best handle the situation. At what point do you contact the builder? Should you hire a third-party contractor for the repairs or use the builder's contractor? How much of the repair costs is your responsibly? There are a lot of unknowns. Do not hesitate – contact an attorney today to help answer these questions.
Improper Design: Asphalt/Concrete Mixture not per Specifications
Construction defects can stem from the concrete and asphalt that surrounds your house. This could be due to improper design: asphalt/concrete mixture not per specifications. This kind of issue can result in a construction defect that may not appear at first, but will become more obvious with time. These installation deficiencies could cause a varying in thickness of the asphalt. Again, this may not be evident right away but if you add an issue like evasive soil, the defect will become more severe. Evasive soil, when wet, will swell and when dry will shrink. Depending on the climate, specifically the rainfall, evasive soil can be very damaging to concrete. The soil movement is unpredictable. At one time it can swell, shifting the house one way, and once the soil dries it can cause the house to shift the other way. This constant soil movement can cause all kinds of issues. It can create large cracks varying in thickness. Improper design: asphalt/concrete mixture not per specifications may increase the defects you experience with expansive soil.
Lack of Steel Reinforcement
Concrete steel reinforcements are used to minimize cracks. There are some in the industry who believe the lack of steel reinforcement can simply be replaced with supplemental admixtures. However, the lack of steel reinforcement will allow random cracking to occur and allow any expected cracks to become wider than normal. Proper steel reinforcement will minimize curling and displacement and increase the strength of the concrete slab.
Lack of Cross-Ventilation
An HVAC system needs to promote proper cross-ventilation. The lack of cross-ventilation can create issues with air quality and possibly lead to moisture buildup. The presence of moisture trapped in a humid area where there is a lack of cross-ventilation could be an inviting environment for mold. Lack of cross-ventilation can be the result of improper installation of the HVAC system.
Insufficient Ventilation Openings in Surrounding Walls
If you believe that you have poor air quality in your home, it can be the result of insufficient ventilation openings in surrounding walls. You have to rely on the architect, construction engineer, and/or builder to ensure there is not insufficient ventilation openings in surrounding walls.
Inadequate Clearance between Earth and Wood Components
If there is inadequate clearance between earth and wood components, you could experience the onset of wood-destroying organisms (WDOs). For example, there needs to be a clear space between the bottom of a floor and an area of unimproved ground. Inadequate clearance between earth and wood components should be avoided by following the building guidelines for your state.
Water entry into Crawlspace
If there is water entry into a crawlspace, this can lead to other very damaging issues. Mold and mildew grow best in humid, dark, low ventilated and wet areas. Crawlspaces match these requirements especially when water enters the area. Mold can be easy to remove or very difficult to remove. It depends on how much mold is present. Water entry into crawlspaces can also cause leaks to other areas of the house.
Lack of code-required access to Crawlspace
Once you discover there may be issues with your crawlspace, you need to decide on a repair plan. If there is a lack of code-required access to the crawlspace, you will not be able to complete a repair and in turn, whatever the construction defect may be can now affect other areas of your home. Lack of code-required access to crawlspace can turn a small construction defect into a crippling problem.
Tile Installed Over Water-Resistant Gypsum Board (Green Board) Instead of a Mortar Setting Bed or Cementitious Backer Board
Tile installed over water-resistant gypsum board (green board) instead of a mortar setting bed or cementitious backer board is another common problem. An issue that, again, may not be easy to identify. The choice to use gypsum board or not, or to use any other method is dependent on the contractor or subcontractor that does the job. The builder and/or developer is responsible for hiring a contractor that is qualified for the job they've been chosen to do. Unfortunately, there are times when builders need to cut corners. They have a timeline and a budget, both of which impact each and every decision they make. A construction defect like tile installed over water-resistant gypsum board (green board) instead of a mortar setting bed or cementitious backer board can be the result of an unqualified, substandard contractor. It may be difficult to recognize that this is the cause of your construction defect.
Any time you decide to begin repairing what you suspect may be a construction defect, it would be prudent to document any fixes or steps in this direction that you take. This would include taking detailed notes, taking lots of photos, and keeping all written documentation you receive from a worker/contractor.
Grade Slopes toward Building
When a grade slopes toward a building, this could be an example of an exterior construction defect. When this occurs you may experience drainage issues. Soil grading is an important step in the construction process. What kind of soil grading that is done can be determined or influenced by a soil analysis or soil preparations a builder and/or developer does before breaking ground. If the soil analysis was done improperly, if the soil was not prepared well, if the analysis was accurate but not followed, there can be a domino effect. The result in this scenario would be the soil grading. When the grade slopes toward the building, water may flow improperly causing water issues within the house or water issues with exterior structures like a deck or patio. If water is able to seep into the house, you could be looking at dryrot issues, mold or mildew issues, or other water issues.
These issues, improper design, or a grade that slopes toward a building can be construction defects that need immediate attention. Contact an attorney today to help you protect your rights.
Inadequate Vertical Offset between the Interior and Exterior Surfaces
Inadequate vertical offset between the interior and exterior surfaces is yet another construction defect that creates the potential for serious water damage. If the vertical offset is not adequate, water will take advantage of the resulting space and create any number of structural problems.
Lack of a bituminous or plastic protection barrier between the aluminum threshold and the concrete or sheet metal substrate
The lack of a bituminous or plastic protection barrier between the aluminum threshold and the concrete or sheet metal substrate is another example of unreasonable exposure to moisture and water, and is also considered a serious construction defect.
If you've experienced any of these issues or noticed any water in your home where it shouldn't be, the last thing you should do is ignore it or hope that it will go away. If you don't act, the problem will get worse.
In order to maintain the structural integrity of your home, you need to contact a licensed professional to immediately identify the problem. Your next step should be to contact an attorney immediately, as you have rights that need to be enforced.
No Protection Board
If your outside walls contain no protection board, then the surrounding earth next to your home will be free to erode your outer wall. This erosion will lead to the harming of the integrity of your foundation and subgrade, and no protection board means exactly that - no protection from the elements.
Improper and Incomplete Sheet Metal Flashing
Improper and incomplete sheet metal flashing can be a very serious issue. This is because an improper and incomplete sheet metal flashing can allow moisture to get into the workings of the house. This can then lead to a smelly situation that is hazardous to your house, that being mold or mildew. Mold and/or mildew are sometimes a pretty easy fix. Some mold can be cleaned with everyday household cleaners. Sometimes, however, the mold and mildew could be so bad that it requires a professional cleaner to remove the mold and its entirety. Regardless, mere cleanup is not enough. You need to rectify the cause of this water issue so that this does not happen again.
Both these issues may need some immediate fixes. You want to make sure that your home is back to a reasonable selling price and is a healthy living environment. In general, if you are thinking about getting a repair done, document everything even if it seems you are going overboard. Take lots of photos of before and after your repair and keep all contracts that you may collect.
Missing or Short Cut Roof Underlayment Felts
Leaks from a roof can be caused by several different issues. The design of the roof may be attractive but functionally weak. The roof may have bad workmanship. A roof can have multiple protective layers. If the roof is missing or short cut roof underlayment felts you may see some roof water issues or other problems. Roof underlayments can act as a secondary barrier that's resistant to changing weather conditions.
Lack of Gutters
Lack of gutters could also cause water issues with a house. If there is excessive rainfall, lack of gutters could allow for water to drain against the house. This could cause water damage on the dry wall, stucco, decks, and other exterior structures.
Gutters Separating, Improperly Installed, or Missing
Gutters can either protect against water issues or, if the gutters are separating, improperly installed, or missing then the house may experience some minor or possibly major water damage. These issues can be caused because the building materials for the gutter are substandard, or it could even be due to the negligence of the contractor.

CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS 2

Types of Building Issues:

Structural Failure Poor Framing VOC Faulty Foundation Deteriorating Asphalt Pavement Windows and Doors Defects Mechanical Defects Finishing Issues Deteriorating Wood Trim Exterior Wood Surfaces Not Painted Cracked Tiles Rotted Eave Boards

Structural Failure from Roofing Installed Incorrectly


One example is starting from the "top." When a house has roofing installed incorrectly it can cause all sorts of building issues. If a contractor has poor workmanship in the roof, he or she can allow moisture to seep through. This can cause mold, mildew, or even dryrot. Dryrot can be extremely damaging. It attacks the wood leaving it discolored and inevitably ready to crumble. This can cause structural failure like the roof collapsing or a hardwood floor collapsing. Like mold and mildew, dryrot needs a moist area to survive as well as poor ventilation or wood that has not been weathered properly. The moisture does not even have to be that high. This, again, can be the result of substandard workmanship or the purchase of faulty building materials. This is a construction defect that needs immediate attention. If you suspect that your home has roofing installed incorrectly or dryrot is growing, you must get a repair strategy in place. Depending how far the dryrot has progressed, since structural failure is foreseeable, your home is not a safe place to reside.


Building Issues with Poor Framing

It is hard for a homeowner to know what poor framing can cause. In fact, some may assume that poor framing is due to an issue with the foundation, when in reality the issue is with the inadequate workmanship or inferior quality materials put into the framework of the house. Poor framing can show symptoms such as cracks around doors and windows. Some define a construction defect as an issue that will lower the value of your home. Poor framing is definitely a construction defect. Not to mention, this is a devastating issue to have to deal with. It can cost thousands to repair. There are other signs of poor framing that a professional can recognize.
Poor framing, dryrot growing, roofing installed incorrectly and potential structural failure are not building issues you want to deal with on your own. These issues can be quite detrimental, costly to repair, time consuming to deal with and emotionally draining. You need an advocate that understands these construction defects and how the law allows you to deal with them. You need an attorney who has experience with construction defect cases. Do not hesitate to contact an attorney to formulate the best resolution plan for your home.
VOC
Your new home, condominium, or townhome should be a safe haven for you and your family. You buy a home with a sense of confidence that your home is built tightly and up to code and that the builder and developer has your best interest in mind. This is usually the case. But, sad to say, the housing development industry has experienced such a rapid growth that it's hard to for building professionals to keep pace. When they have chosen a type of house to build they make decision on the materials to use, e.g. carpets, plastics, or varnishes. These decisions are made quickly and frequently; consequently, choices are made without having enough information to make an adequate choice, or quite frankly with reducing costs wherever possible in mind.
The results of such a lack of due diligence is construction defects that can be quite a risk to someone's health. For example, if a builder or developer hires a contractor that does not have the know-how to build a roof and is unable to recognize poor building material, then the roof will not be installed properly. Moisture can seep in causing mold issues, but to the contrary, the roof can be built tightly such that there is lack of breathing room for the wood. VOC or volatile organic compounds can be released into the air and can get into the house. The VOC comes from an organic chemical compound that has vaporized into the air. These VOCs can come from paint thinners, dry cleaning solvents, and other chemicals used in the building process. A builder, or more importantly, the contractor or subcontractor has to understand how different chemicals will react if for example the area they are going be used in is built tightly allowing for high vapor pressure. The contractor needs to know that volatile organic compounds are a serious potential problem that can also come from carpers, plastics or even varnishes.
If VOCs are not taken care of properly they can be released into the environment where they can cause soil contamination and/or groundwater contamination. VOC vapors can also add to air pollution. Your home that has off-gassing of the carpets and plastics can begin with being a problem for just you, but can quickly become your neighbor's building issues, and his neighbor's building issue.
You need an attorney who has experience with construction defect cases. Do not hesitate to contact an attorney to put together the best resolution plan for you and your home.
Faulty Foundations and EIFS (synthetic stucco) Installed improperly
Besides faulty foundations, lack of experience and excellent workmanship can become evident with your EIFS (synthetic stucco). If EIFS, a multi-layered finish, is installed improperly there are a number of symptoms you may see. Your EIFS can begin to crack and/or peel. EIFS (synthetic stucco) installed improperly can allow moisture or water to seep through into the walls. Usually when you see issues with EIFS, moisture is a factor. Once you have moisture in your walls, you have a potential for greater issues such as mold. You can begin to see leaks inside of your home. This trapped moisture may also create the perfect environment for mold or mildew to grow. Once mold or mildew starts to grow, what once was a somewhat easy and manageable fix has just jumped to a new level. Sometimes mold or mildew can be removed with household cleaners. If the mold spreads too quickly, you will need a professional cleaner to come and remove it. EIFS (synthetic stucco) installed improperly can be a silent destroyer. You could have a small enough crack you don't notice that it has allowed this mold to grow beyond control. Cracks in the stucco could be a cause of the soil movement. This would mean that the builder did not take into account the type of soil where the house is built.
Damage seen in stucco could be cracks that are caused by soil movement. EIFS has layers that do not breathe. This is not an issue until moisture is present. If there is a problem with material used to construct the walls, the roof, or any other area that would allow for moisture to seep into the EIFS, you will see stucco and EIFS problems. In addition, this moisture leakage could be due to poor construction material, poor contractor work or simply poor or lack of proper soil analysis.
If you have building issues with faulty foundations or are seeing some cracks and defects and suspect the EIFS (synthetic stucco) was installed improperly, contact an attorney today.

Deteriorating Asphalt Pavement

Deteriorating asphalt pavement is a construction defect that can be a result of poor building material or deficient workmanship. A builder has to know what type of soil will be under any pavement or concrete that will be developed. Soils can have an immense impact on the concrete that covers it. For example, expansive soil can swell and create a tremendous amount of pressure when wet, initiating cracks and deterioration of the asphalt. But deteriorating asphalt pavement can be avoided. A builder and/or developer can perform soil analysis that will uncover what type of soil there is as well as any other issues that would be a factor in determining what construction strategy should be used.

Windows

Defects and Doors Defects

If deteriorating asphalt pavement remains for too long, it can begin to impact the structure of a house. Again, strong pressure from the soil can cause these pavement cracks to spread and also cause window defects and door defects. Window defects and door defects can be as minor has not closing properly or as major as cracks around the frame. It is sometimes hard to establish the root cause of window defects and door defects. This is why you need to consult with a professional that knows what to look for while inspecting your property. During this process it is important to take detailed notes as well as photos of everything. Your focus is how to fix the defects, but you should keep in mind that this may not be your responsibility to incur the cost of the repairs.

mechanical
Mechanical Defects

A mechanical defect is a broad construction defect category and can happen quite often. The defect can be the result of poor material or a substandard product. How do you determine if the building issues you are having are because of a mechanical defect or simply because of poor workmanship? If your objective is to determine who is responsible for the cost of repairs, the answer does not matter. The onus is on the builder to choose a quality product and to ensure a qualified contractor will be performing the installation. If your garage door no longer shuts properly, if your chimney does not close correctly, if your ventilation system is failing, these can all be the result of a poor product or again, a quality product installed incorrectly. It is important do take note of the mechanical defects or failures you experience. With any machine or equipment, the defect may vary based on environmental conditions.
Whether you see window defects or door defects, or you have deterioration in your asphalt pavement or mechanical defects, you need to consult with an attorney. These building issues can be quite overwhelming; do not hesitate to contact an attorney today.
finishing
Construction defects can result in a variety of building issues. It's sometimes hard to determine whether a defect is indeed just that, or if it's simply a cosmetic issue that has no further root problem. Cracks in slabs can be a serious issue since a very likely cause is expansive soils. Finishing issues or improperly painted surfaces may not seem like a defect, but you have to evaluate your issue against what is defined as a construction defect.
There is a lot of controversy around what is considered to be a construction defect. It really depends on who you ask. In this litigious society we are in, builders are very careful about what they will say is a construction defect since they most likely would be liable. If you talk to a homeowner, their perspective is what will affect the value of their home and the safety of residing in the home. Mistakes made by an architect in the designs, the builder's inability to build to code, or the inferior standard of what makes up the house, i.e. under-qualified contractors that were used or poor quality building materials used can all be red flags. With so many factors to consider in determining whether a construction defect exits, you must perform further investigation. The finishing issues you have although cosmetic, may affect the value of your property and could be covering up other building issues. This also holds true for improperly painted surfaces. This could be an example of poor workmanship; however, it can also be a sign of something more serious. The paint job could have been adequate; however, any soil movements can cause structure movement which will in effect appear as if there are improperly painted surfaces or other finishing issues.
Cracks in slabs, as mentioned, can be the result of expansive soil. This can be a very serious issue since when wet, expansive soil swells causing a great deal of pressure against anything that lies on it. This condition will cause cracks in slabs, walls, retaining walls and pavement. The builder has the opportunity to analyze what type of soil exists under the land. Proper analysis by the builder or the developer can aid in what construction strategies will be used to build. As the home buyer you have the right to know if the builder made such a discovery and if so, what construction plans were made to accommodate the soil situation. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Make sure to document any communication you have with the builder or any other professional you contact. Although it may be premature to determine if you have a construction defect case, it is better to be safe and track everything.
There is a lot to consider when handling cracks in slabs, finishing issues, or improperly painted surfaces. Contact an attorney today to help you understand what your next step should be.

Deteriorating Wood Trim

Water can be a destructive agent if the right environment exits. For example, if you have building issues that include a leaky roof that is leaking water into the wall it can be deteriorating wood trim on the inside of the wall. This construction defect can also be a result of moisture. If there is enough water that can cause dampness to the wall, deteriorating wood trim is inevitable. The mess water issues can create can be quite overwhelming and quite costly to fix. You have to understand that the root cause in this example is a leaky roof. How did this happen? Did the builder use a contractor that did not have the experience to build a proper roof? Did this contractor use substandard building material that he picked or was picked by the builder?
Unfortunately, builders sometimes cut corners. The goal is to get the house built on time and under budget. This pressure can cause the builder to make choices that may become costly to the homeowner in the future. Your objective should be to get your house fixed and livable if excessive water issues occur. But along the way it is crucial that you take lots of notes, keep all documents, and take lots of pictures. It may be too early to tell who is liable for the cost of repairs, so it is important that you have documentation if it is found that it was indeed the fault of the builder.

Exterior Wood Surfaces Not Painted

Water issues can seeped into a home and affect the integrity of the interior surface. But water and moisture can also affect exterior wood surfaces not painted. This could include window shutters, decks, and patios. If water sits and does not have proper drainage on the exterior of a house it can adversely affect the exterior wood surfaces not painted like a porch. When a builder decides to include such exterior wood structures like decks or porches, he must keep in mind any factors that may damage the deck. This also means that leaving exterior wood surfaces not painted can ultimately be detrimental to the integrity of the structure.
Building issues like deteriorating wood trim can be a construction defect that is the responsibility of someone else to fix. Contact an attorney today to determine what you should do next.

Cracked Tiles

When you discover cracked tiles in floors this can be the result of a serious construction defect. Some causes could be soil issues, poor building material, and/or terrible workmanship. First, soil issues can be a devastating problem. It can begin with cracked tiles in floors and move on to cracks in the stucco, walls, retaining walls, and so on. Second, the tiles that were used on your flooring could be low in quality. Since housing developments go up so quickly builders and developers are always pressured to finish on time and under projected costs. This would mean that when able, a builder may cut costs selecting tiles not up to code or a contractor that does not have enough training and/or experience. Hiring a contractor is one of many decisions a builder can make that will directly impact the quality of your house. It is their workmanship that can either prevent construction defects or cause them.

Rotted Eave Boards

Rotted eave boards can be the result of water issues that have been there for some time. Rotted eave boards are usually present for awhile before you discover signs of roof deterioration. The cause is failure to construct a proper drip edge. Again, this can be the fault of poor workmanship. The necessary fix is replacement of the rotted eave boards. However, before you take the steps to fix this building issue, you need to document and take pictures of the construction defect.
How do you determine the root cause of your cracked tiles in floors or rotted eave boards? Is it poor material or bad workmanship? Who incurs the liability to ensure the damage is repaired correctly and to pay for the costs associate with the repair? It is a tough process to go through on your own. You need to contact an attorney to help you make the right choices and steps to take care of these building issues. Contact an attorney today.