Identifying Building Systems Issues:

Inspections & Investigations

Bill SlatteryBuilding Systems Specialist

Associates: Robert Johnson, PE Aaron Broderick, PE

Lori Ford, Business Manager

Bill Slattery

• Owner of Slattery Construction, Slattery-Johnson and Associates

• General Contractor/Builder, 1975-Present (CCB #16451)

• Past President of Home Builders Association, 1998

• Builder of Year 1987, 1998

• Certified New Home Sale Professional Instructor/Holder, 1994-97

• Arbitrator; Construction Disputes, 1992

• Expert Witness/Investigator, 1989

• ASHI Inspector/Member, 1996

• EIFS-Stucco Certified Inspector, 2000

• ASTM Commercial Property Certified Inspector, 2005

• Historic Restoration Board, City of Eugene, 1985 (First historic restoration in Lane County)

• Envision Eugene, Community Resource Group, 2011

• LBPR Licensed

• BS, USF International Marketing

• IBM Marketing Manager, 1966-78

• Southtowne Rotary Past President, 1984

541-342-8441

Building Forensics

Problems identified:

• EIFS

• Siding

• Structural defects

• Moisture

EIFS (exterior insulation finishing system)

• Evaluation • Very few certified evaluators

• Installation• Manufacturer Specifications

• Type• Since 1996

• Drainable Vapor Barrier Required• Flashing/Caulking Inspection

Required

• Present Day• Can’t install it

Do Not Confuse With Hard Coat Stucco

Siding

Class Action Lawsuits• Louisiana Pacific-“Smart Lap”

• Attended first trial in 1996

• 800,000+ houses

• Weyco-Class Action• Masonite-“Omniwood”

Hardie• Excellent Product, good History• Cement Based

SMART LAP

HARDIE

Structural Defects

Identify building system parts: • Trusses• Roof trusses • Wall and floor framing • Venting• Electrical • Heating • Footing • Foundation• Finishes

Structural Issues

The Building Envelope

The building envelope encloses and weatherizes the house.Any portion can fail and these are areas where moisture intrusion happens because of poor application and maintenance.

• Siding

• Flashing

• Doors and Windows

• Gutters, Drains, Downspouts

• Roofing

• Chimney Caps

• Insulation

• Sealant

• Vapor Barrier

Moisture

Sick Building Syndrome•Phase 1 mold evaluation

(What kind of mold is present?)• Phase 2 evaluation can only be done by a

Certified Industrial Hygienist

•Product and Systems Evaluation (What is the cause?)

• HVAC System

•Remediate (protocol to prevent cross-contamination)

•OSHA analysis (in some cases)

Analyze Findings (cause)

• Site analysis (soils)• Drainage• Component parts• Research products• Structural analysis (engineering

review)

Did a product fail? Or, was it installed improperly? (Workmanship)

Tools

• Moisture meter

• Camera

• Laser level

• Bore scope

• Probes

• Infared camera

Present Findings

• Homeowner/Attorney (Plaintiff)

• Builder (Defense)• Information will

require multiple experts

• Insurance for defense does not cover workmanship

Damages From Problem

• Product

• Defense by supplier

Legal Action:

• Mediation

• Arbitration

• Trial

• Expert Witness

Foundation System

• Concrete is porous and sucks up water• Concrete slabs trap vapor…older construction has

no vapor barrier

Roofing System & Flashing• Common problem• Sequencing issues

Truss Roof Framing

House Enclosure SystemFloors and Walls• Minimum lbs per square foot• Bearing soil cannot be fill

House Enclosure System

Bill SlatteryBuilding Systems SpecialistRobert Johnson, PECivil EngineerAaron Broderick, PECivil Engineer

Phone 541.342.8441Fax 541.683.7420

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