FOUNDATION STAINING - InspectionNews

WILLIAM STORM · #1 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 07:54 AM

Does anyone know what the brown staining on this foundation could be from. There are no metal straps or bolts near the staining. There is not any type of metal on top of the foundation or sill plate.

wayne soper · #2 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 08:14 AM

alot of things to consider. nails in pywood rusting, but why. before or after siding install. was there a window above? how old was the home. any of the same on the sideing above

wayne soper · #3 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 08:15 AM

looks wet. did you test it?

Thom Walker · #4 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 09:50 AM

Is there a bathroom on that wall?

WILLIAM STORM · #5 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 11:31 AM

I looked under the siding the best I could and did not see any staining or rusted nails. The foundation was wet from rain, but the staining has been there for several months. This is a new addition and the staining is on all sides of addition.

Jerry Peck · #6 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 01:56 PM

I'm going to guess that there is some type of asphalt impregnated material behind the siding, it got wet during construction, and it gets wet when it rains (moisture gets behind the siding).

This is the residue running down from the asphalt product in the material.

It will likely keep getting worse.

The only way to seal back the stains is with a stain sealer made for exterior use, but, whenever it gets wet, it will run down and stain again.

WILLIAM STORM · #7 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 02:36 PM

The addition has Tyvek and no type of asphalt paper

Michael Thomas · #8 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 03:40 PM

I'd set the house upright for a few weeks, and see what happens.

Seriously, though, was that wall recently parged? If so, you may be seeing bleed through from something below the parging.

Jerry McCarthy · #9 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 05:08 PM

A high legged dog?

Richard Rushing · #10 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 05:36 PM

Would this happen to be on a wall where there is an exterior hose bib close by??

Rick Hurst · #11 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 05:37 PM

Here's my WAG.

I've seen this before only because I caused it.

While treating a wall void with TIMBOR for a termite infestation, the run-off actually ran down the outside beam wall and caused such staining.

You might check with the homeowner and see if any recent termite or pest control has been done in that area of the wall.

Just a thought.

brian schmitt · #12 (**permalink**) 08-23-2007, 10:28 AM

i've seen pressure treated sills or plywood cause similar staining when they get wet and leach out chemicals.

WILLIAM STORM · #13 (**permalink**) 08-24-2007, 05:40 AM

Thanks for all the help. Does anyone know how to get the stain off. They already tried power washing.

Richard Rushing · #14 (**permalink**) 08-24-2007, 09:37 AM

That ole girl (the stain) is impregnated into the slab-- she's not coming off. More thatn likely a cosmetic coat (another stain) will have to be fully applied to give an even cosmetic appearance-- just not pink