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.