A homeowner’s insurance carrier retained VERTEX to investigate a residential property to determine the cause and origin of interior water intrusion through the glass doors at the rear elevation reportedly caused by a high wind and rain event. The first level and garden level basement had been experiencing water intrusion above and below glass doorways. VERTEX visited the site and met the Insured who granted access to the property. We reviewed the condition of the interior and exterior, including from the roof, as well as meteorological data. Ultimately, we determined that the cause of interior water intrusion was due to inefficient flashing and water drainage details at wall openings at the rear elevation of the residence and not the result of a specific wind driven rain event. Typically, below doorways, sealants with multiple colors were observed between the attached wooden deck and brick façade, and door threshold, which impeded the path of egress for water and was consistent with the long-term and ongoing nature of the water intrusion. Brick sills were generally level in slope and water could not be effectively diverted away from the residence. It is common practice to include z-flashing or drip caps above glass doors and windows, which were not present at the residence. Water was not able to escape past trim boards above the wall openings and migrated into the residence.
VERTEX’s observations and findings were presented to the insurance carrier in a written report. This project was a clear demonstration of issues that occur when various required flashing and drainage details are not provided.
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