03/19/2018
This is another example of improperly installed exterior siding; particularly the flashings. Flashings are required to be installed at every horizontal junction between cladding elements, every horizontal offset in the cladding, and every horizontal line where substrates change, except where the upper finish overlaps the lower finish by not less than 1 inch (25mm). This is to help prevent moisture intrusion in to your building. Furthermore, this condition, or similar conditions exists on nearly every house I inspect with different degrees of severity.
As you can see by this picture, the installer knows a flashing is required, but could not be bothered to do the job correctly/completely. This is in part because, he/she knows that this workmanship will never be inspected by a Civic or Provincial Authority.
It is obvious by the 2nd picture, that moisture in the form of run-off or driven weather, can easily get behind this siding and will will eventually make its way in to the framing, insulation, interior walls and flooring which will lead to moisture damage and possible mould growth.
Sadly, I do not know of any jurisdiction where an exterior siding inspection or roofing inspection is required, for new construction, or renovations. In my opinion, these types of inspections should be mandatory. If these areas were required to be inspected, this would help all of us protect ourselves from this kind of construction shortcutting. Eventually, the consumer/homeowner will have to pay for expensive/extensive repairs caused by moisture pe*******on, which will present themselves after any warranty period had ended. Moisture pe*******on is avoidable if the the building envelope and exterior siding are installed to the minimum requirements as set out by the Government of Alberta, and by the manufactures of exterior siding products.
I encourage everyone to write a letter to their MLA and City Councillor to demand that Roofing and Siding Inspections become a requirement in the building and renovation process, and should be overseen by the appropriate Provincial and/or Municipal Authority.
As consumers/homeowners, we are not asking for anything extra here, just that the installations be done correctly, to the minimum standards; thats all; thats what we are paying for. Is this too much to expect? I think not.
