Signs of Shoddy Building: How to Identify Construction Defects in Your Roofs, Stucco, and Windows

      There is a good chance that your home was not built according to code and applicable standards. Big residential developers or the sub-contractors they hire often cut corners or violate the Uniform Building Code for different reasons; sometimes to save money or sometimes because they just don’t know or weren’t taught the proper method of building. There certainly are some signs and symptoms to look for when trying to identify construction defects in your home. In this article, we will discuss the problems that can occur from inadequate roof, stucco, and window construction and installation.

ROOF PROBLEMS:
      There are some common problems associated with improper roof construction that the average homeowner should look for. Water intrusion, staining, discoloration, cracking of specific areas of the ceiling, and cracking at the base of interior perimeter walls can often occur. These problems typically result from a number of things. First, nails that have been driven through the sheet metal on the roof can often open holes for water and moisture to enter. Second, underlayment or protective roof paper can be torn or simply be lacking under the roof tiles. This underlayment is designed to act as a waterproofing membrane, but can often allow water and moisture to enter. Third, broken roof tiles or gaps between roof tiles can often allow water and moisture to enter. Fourth, improper roof drainage or scupper installation can often allow water or moisture to accumulate and enter. Fifth, inadequate flashing or improper flashing installation can often allow water or moisture to enter. Sixth, improper roof sloping can often cause ponding and allow water or moisture to enter. Roof tiles falling or slipping off the roof is another sign of improper roof construction. This is due to inadequate nailing of roof tiles according to installation specifications and the Uniform Building Code.

STUCCO PROBLEMS:
      Stucco problems are another common problem associated with improper construction practices. Cracking of the overall stucco can occur from poorly mixing the concrete base coat or from an insufficient amount of concrete base coat application. Spalling of stucco color finish (deterioration of finish color coat) can occur from an insufficient amount of finish color coat application (thin stucco). Staining of stucco color finish can occur from a constant source of water intrusion from improper roof or deck drainage. Water intrusion through the stucco can penetrate the surface in many ways, such as through stucco cracks, damaged or lacking building paper, or improper lapping of building paper and stucco mesh. Unsealed stucco surface holes or penetrations, or gaps in stucco, are a common source of water intrusion. Buried and deteriorated stucco weep screeds can simply be a result of poor installation that may be too close to the ground or surface grade.

WINDOW PROBLEMS:
      Problems with windows can be extremely damaging to the framing of the house. Windows that are difficult to open or close can be a sign of poor window installation and sometimes this is combined with poor manufacturing of the window product itself. Fogging, (when the window becomes cloudy between the dual glazed panes) is often a sign of poor window installation that has allowed moisture to enter between the panes. Signs of moisture, leaking, or staining around the window frame casing may be due to a few things: (1) poor window installation, (2) unsealed window sills, or (3) improper metal or paper flashing around windows. All three causes can leave gaps or areas of moisture entry between the window and the wood framing of the house. This can ultimately damage the framing and, if the source of water entry is repeated enough, can cause mold growth.
      The above are all too common problems experienced by many homeowners. If you are experiencing these problems in your home, it may be a sign that the developer of your home did not take the time and care necessary to build your home properly.

Disclaimer- These materials prepared by Shinnick & Ryan LLP are for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Online readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel.  [Full Disclaimer]

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