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Primary Defects Causing Water IntrusionThe primary causes of water intrusion in newer homes are improperly installed wall systems, incorrect insulation/ventilation of roofing systems, improper installation/flashing windows and doors and incorrect grading leading to intrusion at the foundation. It is normal for water or water vapor to penetrate a building envelope. To avoid damage the moisture must be provided a means of escaping from the exterior wall cavity before it can cause damage. Good building practice requires a drainage plane between the cladding and the sheathing, and “weep” provisions at the bottom of the cladding. Failure properly to weep the cladding, together with allowing the bottom of it to be covered by the final grade, is an important cause of internal wall damage. | 
| Mortar “bridges” formed from uncleaned mortar on the backside of the brick veneer occludes the drainage plain, and allows moisture to be conducted directly to the sheathing. |
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| Another example of mortar occlusion. |
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| Stucco was installed below grade and without weep screeds, permitting no escape for water vapor. |
Roof systems must be properly insulated and ventilated. Cathedral type ceilings should provide for air to enter at the soffits and rise unobstructed to vents at the peak. This requires leaving a space of at least one inch between the back of the roof sheathing and the interior insulation in each rafter space. Stuffing the space full of insulation prevents ventilation, and allows warm, moist air rising from the interior of the home in the winter to condense against the cold sheathing, creating moisture that then backs up into the interior roof system. | 
| Overstuffed insulation. Condensation damages sheathing. |
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| Condensation results in mold growth on sheathing interior surface. |
Improperly flashed windows allow water intrusion into the wall cavities. Flashing properly installed diverts water away from the wall to the ground. Severe damage often occurs in the area of window penetrations due to flashing defects. | 
| Example of severe damage to wall cavity below window. |
Jacobberger, Micallef & Associates, LLC
PO Box 202093
Bloomington MN 55420
Deliveries:
2701 Overlook Drive
Bloomington MN 55431
651-223-5340
Email
Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, Jacobberger, Micallef & Associates, LLC proudly serves clients throughout the counties of Dakota, Hennipen, Washington, Carver, Ramsey, Scott, and Wright, including the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mankato, Duluth, St. Cloud, Rochester, as well as the entire Twin Cites Metro Area & Greater Minnesota.
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