Comments on: A Building Enclosure Double Disaster – Control Freaks Missing Again

By: Paul Szymkiewicz

Paul Szymkiewicz — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:13:28 +0000

Sometimes I have this strange
Sometimes I have this strange feeling that there are cases where government intrusion into our lives is actually not that bad. Do I need therapy?
The SIP example shows that just because you chose SIP does not mean you're a knowledgeable contractor. For this house, inspector failure at construction time for sure, but maybe there should be inspections required for exterior repairs?

By: Thomas Billups

Thomas Billups — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:30:05 +0000

I've replaced my share of the
I've replaced my share of the old recalled particle board & OSB siding, and there's no easy way to correct the issue. I've seen furring strips installed over the old siding or sheathing, which provides an air space between old and new siding/sheathing and also serves as a nailer. The air space helps dry out any moisture that does make it inside the wall, but handling windows and doors is a challenge.
A comedy [or tragedy] of errors... I feel for the homeowners.

By: Andrew Lesperance

Andrew Lesperance — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:13:18 +0000

Great article! I think this
Great article! I think this is a combination of contractors not understanding building science, not hiring a building science expert (HERS Rater, for example)at the planning stage, contractors not understanding how to fix the problem and a homeowner paying the ultimate price.

Its scary to think about how many homes out there have similar problems.

The bottom line is whether you are a homeowner, builder or re-modeler, you need to hire a building science expert. The cost is minimal when you think of the problems you can be preventing.

By: geoff hartman

geoff hartman — Mon, 06 May 2013 05:52:06 +0000

I don't think the vinyl
I don't think the vinyl siding industry would be advocating application over OSB, or any other surface, without a drainage plane. However, I do think that many sales and installation crews are uninformed. I have spoken to sales people at trade shows that clearly think vinyl is the answer for all exterior ailments. I have also seen vinyl siding installed over old siding to refresh the home's appearance, with no indication that anything was done underneath, except maybe to wrap the house in "high efficiency foam insulation" which means a 1/16? or 1/8 inch flexible foam accordion-fold product. That at least might make a partial drainage and/or air (wind more likely) barrier.

By: Allison Bailes

Allison Bailes — Sat, 04 May 2013 19:57:09 +0000

Rick: That
Rick: That's one of the first things I noticed, too.

Blake T.: Clearly, not enough contractors understand moisture.

Geoff H.: Is this something advocated by the vinyl siding industry?

Maureen: Glad to hear you did it right!

By: Geoff hartman

Geoff hartman — Fri, 03 May 2013 21:23:52 +0000

BTW -- There are hundreds,
BTW -- There are hundreds, maybe thousands of this situation -at vinyl siding spplied directly over OSB in and around Atlanta, GA. I asked site staff about it and they did not see a problem. Often those window/door openings were not flashed either.

So much work to redo! Good news is that there is s lot more money in re-work, repair, and insurance claims than in arguing the point up front. :)

By: Geoff hartman

Geoff hartman — Fri, 03 May 2013 21:12:35 +0000

Great! Let's wrap a spong
Great! Let's wrap a spong around a soggy mess, then wrap it in building paper to slow drying more.

Obviously the building owners hired a knowledgeble expert to assess the problem and oversee the work.

Lesson learned. ?? We'll see.

By: W. Blake Talbott

W. Blake Talbott — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:24:02 +0000

I saw this same type of
I saw this same type of installation about eight years ago and asked an acquaintance who worked with a major vinyl siding installer and asked, where the moisture barrier was. He became defensive and said the siding was the barrier. But I said the laps are not moisture tight. Conversation ended. No telling how many thousands of homes have this condition in this Climate zone 4. Thanks for posting this article.

By: Jesse Matthews

Jesse Matthews — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:35:12 +0000

Apologies Allison,
Apologies Allison,

My comment about the owner's responsibility was a response to Geoff, but I see his point as well. I think we are all upset at the repeated failures here.

Great article highlighting some serious issues.

By: Allison Bailes

Allison Bailes — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:05:32 +0000

Geoff H.:
Geoff H.: Yep.

Jesse M.: I totally agree. I just went back and read the article, and I'm not sure what caused you to come to the conclusion that I was blaming the homeowners. As you state, the blame should be placed on the original builder and the building inspectors. The blame for the bad repair in January is on the contractor.