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Do we have any other course of action against EIFS?
A: The simple existence of an unidentified brand of EIFS does not mean you have a problem, or even the potential for a problem. It would appear that a "course of action" against the manufacturer of the product, the builder, or installer is not justified — since you did not mention a problem, or even a reason to suspect a problem.
The orientation of the building to the weather, the roof overhangs, the installation of the material, and many other factors play a part in whether or not an actual moisture intrusion situation has occurred or will occur.
You were correct about an EIFS settlement, but it is for Dryvit brand only (the largest market share around here), for which you seemingly still qualify, assuming it is indeed this brand.
An inspection and warranty is available through the Dryvit on their products, and that may indeed satisfy the insurance company (www.stuccosettlement.com or 800-320-9415).
Lacking that, there is no good reason to remove otherwise perfectly serviceable siding from a building. Most homeowner policies have specific and clear exclusions for water damage occurring over prolonged time periods (as opposed to sudden catastrophic damage, such as a pipe breaking). In addition, they may even be able to alter your policy, explicitly excluding EIFS-related claims. Otherwise, it may be time to switch carriers.
Q: We recently heard a rodent inside the wall separating our living room from the garage. We caught five rats in a trap in a couple of weeks, and haven't heard anything in the past two weeks. Could they be gone? We're about to list our house for sale — could this cause any problems with the home inspection and/or finding a buyer?
A: My special consultant on matters rodent, Raffi, would like to address your concerns directly. For those of you not familiar, her official title is "Vice President, Rodent Control," here at the Hay Household. Take it away, Raffi:
"Five beady-eyed, disease-carrying, corner-scurrying, flea-infesting, wall-scratching, dog food-eatin' critters in two weeks? That's it? And you're proud?!"
I agree: I consider this kind of bounty (five rats) to be mere maintenance, not something to brag about. And what exactly did you do to prevent a recurrence — post a "no rodents" sign on your garage door? Face it, pal, your house has probably become a virtual vermin Interstate 5, and you are nothing more than a traffic cop on a tricycle.
You need to close any holes under the garage door, in the eaves, around the crawlspace screen vents and hatch, and anywhere else you find 'em. Don't leave food out and keep trapping.
Regarding potential homebuyers: When droppings are found, an inspector or buyer is going to know you had a recent "difficulty" with rodents. Disclose that you had a short-lived problem, but explain that you closed and re-located the "restaurant."
Q: We really appreciate your help with our mysterious whooshing sound. I'm no longer living in fear! There was a woodpecker on the chimney, but of course I didn't connect the whooshing with the rat-tat-tat. I picked up my Sunday paper and turned to your column; there, you wrote that several people had the same problem and found it was woodpeckers.
I wonder: How did your readers ever connect the sound of a woodpecker with a whooshing sound?
A: People driven to lunacy by strange noises will climb all over their houses, including up on the roof, to find the source.
One woman was so technologically savvy — and so proud of her discovery — she recorded the noise of the woodpecker electronically and sent it to me in e-mail.
In her own words, she "scared the Hades out of a northern flicker" while doing so.
Darrell Hay answers readers' questions. Call 206-464-8514 to record your question |
