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07-15-2009, 05:04 PM #1
Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Today I declined "the opportunity" to inspect a 30 year old stucco home in Dallas. There were a lot of problems, so the stucco was not the main reason for declining it, however it got me to wondering about the conditon of 30 year old stucco and what kind of inspection liabilities and pit falls may exist with stucco of this age. I don't have a ton of experience with stucco anyway. Another inspector last week told me will not inspect stucco homes due to potential liability issues. How many of you feel the same ?
Gene
Similar Threads:
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07-15-2009, 05:59 PM #2
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Not a problem. I inspected a 4 plex today. with stucco
extending below the exterior soil grade. this type stucco limits the inspector’s access, can cause an excessive moisture
condition. and provide a safe entrance for sub-termites. this stucco system noted cracks/checking.
These would be standard condition for this type and year of stucco.
most of the time the tar paper is no longer doing its job as a moisture barrier and is now exposing the interior sheet rock/framing to moisture.
you should look at ways to put these condition in your report to advise the buyer just what is going on with the stucco and inside the walls.
further inspection time.
Best
Ron
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07-15-2009, 06:17 PM #3
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Thanks Ron, for the input. I know Stucco exist a lot in California, however it is not very common here in Dallas, where nearly every house is brick. We have stucco homes, however usually in a neighborhood of 200 homes, there may be one stucco, if that.
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07-15-2009, 06:20 PM #4
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Look at the other post that will be along soon. and put together a statement for stucco and what the new owner should known.
No need to loose work over this issue.
Best
Ron
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07-15-2009, 07:57 PM #5
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
IMO, the only way to inspect stucco specifically would be an invasive inspection, to check for moisture inside the wall. We don't do this, and you want to let the client know it's a visual only. Then try to determine if it is good old hardcoat, 3 layers, or if it's the cheezy sprayed on variety. Check window and door head flashing or if no flashing, check for a tight seal. Point out cracks, chips, gaps. Check around with a moisture meter.
Around here, if the stucco goes right to the ground on an old house, there might not be a proper foundation, just a wood sill stuccoed over and rotten. Not many left like that. Usually hard coat stucco is no problem. If it's EIFS, don't stick your neck out for one lousy inspection fee.
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07-16-2009, 02:28 AM #6
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
I need to make sure I understand the difference between EIFS and other stucco. I will research it a bit. Any knowledge you can share is appreciated.
Thanks
Gene
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07-16-2009, 04:34 AM #7
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07-16-2009, 05:09 PM #8
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
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07-16-2009, 06:48 PM #9
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
We've had sevearal companies in my area who DID invasive EIFS inspections.... most are running from lawsuits or otherwise out of business.
Two common scenarios:
1 - Missed a bunch of stuff
2 - Called out a bunch of damage, house was torn apart, no damage found. Hmmmm, now who pays to put this back together?
Things are a bit different up here in the soggy Pacific NW and true stucco is a lot different than EIFS... It's just nothing I'd ever take on. Too much liability claiming to see inside of walls.
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07-16-2009, 06:56 PM #10
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Gene,
Aaron is one of the absolute best resources for stucco & EIFS in the DFW market.
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07-16-2009, 07:23 PM #11
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Thanks guys.
Gene
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07-17-2009, 03:25 AM #12
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Or Gene can go with you and learn.
No insurance = no ride.
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07-17-2009, 04:10 AM #13
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07-17-2009, 04:17 AM #14
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07-17-2009, 05:33 AM #15
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Gene,
Don't miss the money. There is a way to check eifs and stucco without being evasive. Email me at mboyd.homesafe@gmail.com; I'll forward you the info, or give me a phone number and I'll give you a call. This goes for other interested parties. Thanks, Mike Boyd
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07-17-2009, 05:51 AM #16
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Sorry, but IR is not the magic pill. It is just another tool that can help. I just finished working on a litigation case where the home inspector used his IR camera to declare a home with EIFS had no problems. about six months after the owners moved in they had bathroom remodeled and found an entire wall rotted out under a large window. It did not show up in the IR pictures. The EIFS on this home had many problems, that resulted in it being torn off. As it was torn off damage was found under almost every window.
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07-17-2009, 06:39 AM #17
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Sorry if we are jumping the gun here. When was IR mentioned? There was an inquiry made and I responded. Again, if someone is interested, let me know. Mike Boyd, Pelham, Alabama
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07-17-2009, 07:00 AM #18
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
I normally just read these posts but this time I was compelled to reply.
Where did the the IR statement come from? But since this has been opened up let me clarify the potential benefit of IR. And I don't believe IR was touted as a magic pill but that being said, as with all of our tools none are a magic pill, it assists with performing a home inspection.
Proper training is required to be able to use this equipment. A 8-16 hour course does not constitute proper training. Is anyone utilizing IR doing continuing education? If someone wants to list certifications in IR that is fine. I am a SIRI Certified Inspector, and am licensed to use IR. My initial training was 44 hours on the camera and principals, along with proper field training. I have used IR for the last 3 years with no problems and that includes inspections on stucco, drivet and EIFS. I have been able to detect moisture problems, water leaks within walls and insect infestations that would have been missed by traditional inspection methods. I have been able verify potential heating and cooling loses as well as potential electrical problems that visually would have been missed. Do I or can I check everything No. You can only visually inspect approximately 33% of a structure, I believe my percentage is increased by utilizing IR, on finding potential problems. I do not bill IR as the major or miracle tool in my arsenal, it is another tool that I use, to do the best possible job for my clients.
As HI'S our inspections are non-invasive and shouldn't all tools available be utilized to assist in our processes. Everyone should look at all suspicious areas as "Trust but Verify". Trust your equipment but verify your findings. As we continue our knowledge training we should continue training on our equipment as well. We are only as good as the knowledge we have and our knowledge of the equipment we use.
Training is the key to being able to utilize our tools to their potential. We have to have open minds to accept new technology and be willing to get the proper training and experience. Only then will be able to be represent our field and the technology we use.
If anyone is interested in the training or equipment I currently use let me know.
Terry Wilson
Goodlettsville, TN
TN HI #243
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07-17-2009, 07:18 AM #19
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
The IR reference possibly came from a quick Google search on "mike boyd, homesafe", which resulted in:
SIRI Certified Inspectors List
Michael Boyd, Alabama HomeSafe Inspection, Birmingham ... Jerry Tschikof, HomeSafe Inspection
Which takes you to: SIRI Certified Inspectors List
I suspect that is where the IR came from. Just because someone says to contact them off list and "I'll forward you the info, or give me a phone number and I'll give you a call. This goes for other interested parties." does not make that information good.
In fact, by offering to contact off list almost indicates there is something to hide, otherwise provide the information on the board, for all to see, and for all to respond to, and to give all a chance to correct any potentially incorrect information.
If the information is legitimate, why not offer it on the board?
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07-17-2009, 08:06 AM #20
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
ASHI member-InterNACHI member-P.E. Ronald Huffman offers an online video course on Stucco and EIFS. It is specifically for home inspectors.
Advanced Stucco EIFS Inspection Training for Home and Commercial Property Inspectors - InterNACHI
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07-17-2009, 08:32 AM #21
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Phoenix AZ Resale Home, Mobile Home, New Home Warranty Inspections. ASHI Certified Inspector #206929 Arizona Certified Inspector # 38440
www.inspectaz.com
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07-17-2009, 08:35 AM #22
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Jerry Peck,
It's all above board, but a forum is no place to carry on lengthy discussions. One thing about it, if you contact me and don't agree or like what I have to say...hang up or hit delete.
Mike Boyd
P.S. To those of you that did respond..... Thanks, and I'm in the process of getting you the information as promised.
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07-17-2009, 08:44 AM #23
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Mike .
Is it your company that threatens to sue Home Inspectors that perform IR inspections, if they don't pay you a fee, for each IR inspection they perform?
Last edited by Dan Harris; 07-17-2009 at 08:54 AM.
Phoenix AZ Resale Home, Mobile Home, New Home Warranty Inspections. ASHI Certified Inspector #206929 Arizona Certified Inspector # 38440
www.inspectaz.com
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07-17-2009, 08:59 AM #24
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
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07-17-2009, 09:02 AM #25
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
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07-17-2009, 09:08 AM #26
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Dan, I own several frachises, not HomeSafe itself. HomeSafe doesn't sue for use of infrared, it's for infringing on HomeSafe's patents that have been approved. You can find the patents on their website, or I would be glad to send them to you. I have to follow the same protocol as anyone else when patents are involved. The patents were pending when I bought my frachises, and now that they have been approved, I have to pay the piper. The licensing fee is reasonable, and there is no better training on ir available.
Mike
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07-17-2009, 09:42 AM #27
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Decline stucco? Sorry, I had to chuckle. In Las Vegas, that's all we have.
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07-17-2009, 09:44 AM #28
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Mike,
No problem if the discussions become lengthy, all good discussions do.
If the information is above board, and you say it is so I will believe you unless shown differently, then do as Scott and I have said:
Scott: "So if your technique does not involve IR, then would you care to share with the folks on the forum so we can all benifit and learn?"
After all that IS what we do on this board.
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07-17-2009, 10:22 AM #29
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07-17-2009, 10:33 AM #30
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
[QUOTE][Aaron is one of the absolute best resources for stucco & EIFS in the DFW market./QUOTE]
Well, if Aaron is as good or better at stucco and EIFS inspections as he is at riling up some members on this forum, he must be good.
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07-17-2009, 11:16 AM #31
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
I Scott. can you please give a bit more info on this case. It has me thinking how in the heck can an inspector be so dim to get sued over issue like this. Now I known one can over look things but please help us out with this Scott. I like to sit back and look at others mistakes in hopes i can understand things a bit better. I have inspected I don't know way over a 1000 EIFS Homes over the last 20 plus years and never had a problem. There had to be some things that he just flat over looked.
I do have moisture meters and 2 IR Cameras.
Thanks Scott.
Best
Ron
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07-17-2009, 12:11 PM #32
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
It had not rained 6 weeks prior to the initial inspection and it was done in mid August.
On the above home, when I looked at the house the first thing I say was a brownish stain that came from under he backwraped EIFS on the concrete slab under a window. A BIG RED FLAG was waving in the breeze that anyone could see, if they were looking with their eyes and not the IR camera
What I have posted is about all I can say, the case was settled. I was working for the plaintiff.
I too have done well over a 1000 EIFS or similar clad homes and buildings over the past 15 years, it really is not rocket science. You just have to pay attention to the details. .
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07-17-2009, 12:34 PM #33
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Mike, I am a little curious though. I could not find you listed on the State of Alabama Building Commissions site (they license home inspectors and EIFS inspectors in AL). If you are inspecting in AL you need to have a license for home inspecting and belive it or not for EIFS inspections as well.
I think AL is the only state that requires an seperate EIFS inspector license.
So, do you have a license in AL? I did see Steve Flickinger listed, but not you. Now Steve does not have an EIFS license, so I hope he is not doing EIFS inspections.
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07-17-2009, 12:52 PM #34
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
This discussion brought up the question in my mind about IR techniques.
If the area is dry as it might be here in North Texas as well as other more arid areas, is there any thing to see on the IR camera?
I understand there must be a temperature differential for IR to be successful and with no moisture, then no image, right?
This would seem to severely limit the use of IR for moisture intrusion inspections for more arid regions of the country for at least a good portion of the year.
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07-17-2009, 01:04 PM #35
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Well, if Aaron is as good or better at stucco and EIFS inspections as he is at riling up some members on this forum, he must be good.
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07-17-2009, 01:10 PM #36
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07-17-2009, 01:13 PM #37
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
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07-17-2009, 02:53 PM #38
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Hey Jim IR Can be very tricky to use and one needs to understand how to work the camera and the wall you plan to image. its not like just point and shoot. I use space heater and image from one side and then another. moisture meters and testing procedures that I have found that work for me to get the information I need.
Look at the Images attached. in the nomal photo you can see an out line on the ceiling. the odd thing is with out the flash from the camera this out line is not visible. only with the flash from the camer can you see the out line on the ceiling. Note this ceiling was dry as a bone, Yet the IR camera from the direction I did this image shows the past water damage to the sheet rock.
One thing that I always state in my report is the date of the last rain. if its been 60 day 90 day 120 day. its in my report.
I hope this helps.
Best
Ron
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07-17-2009, 03:00 PM #39
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07-17-2009, 03:03 PM #40
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07-17-2009, 03:55 PM #41
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Look at the Images attached. in the normal photo you can see an out line on the ceiling. the odd thing is with out the flash from the camera this out line is not visible. only with the flash from the camera can you see the out line on the ceiling. Note this ceiling was dry as a bone, Yet the IR camera from the direction I did this image shows the past water damage to the sheet rock.
What is showing in the IR image in your post if it is dry, or was it just not thoroughly dry? I say this since I doubt that water damage to building materials will show as a thermal anomaly once it is thoroughly dry. Enlighten me.
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07-17-2009, 04:06 PM #42
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07-17-2009, 04:14 PM #43
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
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07-17-2009, 04:39 PM #44
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
If we stayed away from stucco, we would have a lot of time on our hands. But, not too many EIFs locally. See more in Yuma, AZ, than here.
In my experience, if you've got wood frame damage under window openings, it is more likely caused by improper window installation and/or improper flashing installation...essentially the same thing.
So, saying that, you can't KNOW that there is a problem with a non-invasive inspection. But, you can identify wide separations between window frames and stucco, excessively wide cracks in stucco (rule of thumb is more than the width edge of a quarter), broken or missing stucco at top or bottom of wall. Any of these are potential sources of water infiltration. Identify. Identify. Identify.
Gary
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07-17-2009, 04:52 PM #45
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07-17-2009, 05:00 PM #46
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
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07-17-2009, 05:05 PM #47
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Jim is absolutely correct.
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07-17-2009, 05:10 PM #48
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Sorry about that. It's Friday and approaching Margarita time.
I don't know if Jim is correct; but, Jarry is.
Gary
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07-17-2009, 09:43 PM #49
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Mike Boyd,
Are you the Mike Boyd from Rowlett?
Steve Meyer,
San Antonio
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07-18-2009, 02:28 PM #50
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
I'll show you a whole nasty neighborhood of them and right in front of that neighborhood is a almost new town home complex covered with the crap.....and flat roofs...What a combo!!!!!!!!!!
If I get any calls from them I will point them in your direction.
Also....When I give you an opening on a thread don't be shy to run with it. I know how shy you are
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07-19-2009, 12:47 PM #51
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Stocco/Eifs is growing here in the northeast and the most common problems I see are in the installation where the sheathing is to tight, vapor barrier/tyvec used is not stucco rated, and expansion joints are limited or not used at all.
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10-17-2009, 03:13 PM #52
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ? How much stucco is really out there?
Hey, been looking on this thread, and wondering about liability and stucco--how many stucco homes are out there? Does anyone have any figures on this? I am in California, and while I can say that it's a lot, as in, over 50% of commercial and residential buildings in Southern California seem to be stucco, is there any way to find good hard numbers on the amount of Stucco sided buildings are out there? I'm not just wondering about CA, but the whole southwest, as I can't imagine too much stucco back east.
Any ideas -numbers on this one?
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10-17-2011, 05:43 AM #53
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
I am new at this efi building style.Being here in ne Ohio ,we don't use efi very much.Where might a person find more ifo about it.
Thank you inadvance
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10-17-2011, 08:24 AM #54
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Found an interesting "Industry" website about stucco info. Might be useful.
Stucco Resources Stucco Materials Stucco Technology | Stucco Guru - Welcome
True Professionals, Inc. Property Consultant
877-466-8504
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10-17-2011, 02:57 PM #55
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Hi Gene,
Its good to hear an honest inspector decline a job outside their comfort area. With training and experience it should a skill you can acquire with a reasonable investment of time.
Of course the business side requires enough market demand for you to invest the time to develop your skills.
In my opinion, the siding material does not influence the liability risk of a home inspection.
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10-18-2011, 04:15 PM #56
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Gene: Stucco is very common, You should make a point of getting all the info you can to educate yourself, after all you are getting paid to evluate the siding in your report.
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10-18-2011, 04:19 PM #57
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
Email me at fastreply@nachi.org and I'll give you free access to Stucco & EIFS Training and Certification Course: - InterNACHI
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10-18-2011, 11:56 PM #58
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
I also normally read the posts and do not respond. I agree with Terry. I am also a SIRI Certified Inspector, with the same training. I have 7 years experience utilizing the IR in conjunction with the home inspection. I am currently the only active HI in Alabama, utilizing IR in compliance with the existing patent laws.
You may also contact me if interested in the training or equipment utilized.
Give me 5% of your confidence and I will earn the other 95%.
Garry Trammell
Trussville, Alabama
AL HI-0971
gtrammell.homesafe@gmail.com
Last edited by Garry Trammell; 10-18-2011 at 11:58 PM. Reason: incorrect email
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10-19-2011, 09:04 AM #59
Re: Decline a Stucco inspection ? Liability ?
[QUOTE Jerry Peck]
In fact, by offering to contact off list almost indicates there is something to hide, otherwise provide the information on the board, for all to see, and for all to respond to, and to give all a chance to correct any potentially incorrect information.
If the information is legitimate, why not offer it on the board?
[/QUOTE]
Mr. Boyd
I agree with Jerry,put it out on the table and this is the place to discuss lenghty topics... theres a lot of experience on this site with a lot of peoples observations of the products from around this great nation.
Put it out on the table...I do nothing but the disecting of facades layer upon layer and a lot of my work is Stucco and EIFS...Expert- no way...Experienced- yes and always learning.
Theres plenty of videos and web sites to learn the basics. I love the comments on the electronic tools of the trade, watch sticking that moisture meter probe in the stucco wall and hitting the metal lath!! you will think you hit gold! Practice safe probing, put a sleeve on it!
Joseph Ehrhardt
Building Forensic Specialist LLC
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