Thursday, May 30, 2013

Found This Blog by Stuart Lieberman Asking "Who Is Responsible in Deck Collapse?"

Condominium Decks Collapse -- Who is Responsible?

Stuart Lieberman Is an attorney with Princeton's Lieberman & Blecher.    The firm represents community associations in New Jersey and New York.  www.liebermanblecher.com

Wildwood Missouri residents who reside at the Sandalwood Creek Condominium Community need to look up at all times, especially to avoid  collapsing decks.  A deck attached to a residential unit collapsed this past Memorial Day when four people were standing on it.  All four are now in the hospital. 

The decks are 30 years old and it appears many have not been properly maintained.  Some appear to be rotting.   One news crew found a decks that was visibly sagging, suggesting that it may be next in line.

So --who is responsible to repair these decks?  Read the rest here http://njcondo.blogspot.com/2013/05/condominium-decks-collapse-who-is.html

MY Take away? Don't rely on owners to maintain or replace....

Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
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Another San Francisco HOA Sues Over Water Intrusion Issues-Deck, Masonry Walls and underground garage all allegedly leak

Another day, another suit...so many modern San Francisco buildings look very cool, but behind the hip looks often lies hidden defects. The usual problem-how to marry modern finishing materials with traditional waterproofing and do it really cheap...
Luxury High Rise SOMA Grand Residential HOA Files Suit Against TMG Partners, Webcor and Related Partners for Faulty Construction
Owners of units in the luxury, high rise SOMA Grand building have filed suit in San Francisco Superior Court for numerous construction defects and building standard violations.

According to the lawsuit, by 2011, the development began to experience significant waterproofing issues in the exterior concrete masonry walls, subterranean garage walls and the expansive podium deck. Exterior sealant joint failures of the pre-cast concrete walls and window defects are also identified.



Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Contractor hired to fix decks at KB Home condo's in FLA sues blogger/homeowner for defamation

A contractor who is fixing the decks at an HOA in Florida is suing a blogging homeowner... 

From NBCNEWS 

Bradenton residents sued by contractor for defamation

"Homeowners in Bradenton's crumbling Willowbrook condominium are in a fierce battle with their builder KB Home. That fight has landed two residents in a lawsuit.

Residents are dealing with balconies that are falling off and mold deep within their walls. They want KB Home to buy back their condos, and many of the residents have even taken up investigating what went wrong with the construction as a hobby.

Homeowner Andrew Smith runs the website, www.thekbhome.com, out of his garage. Residents post news stories about their troubles and note anything they find suspicious. It's some of that material that landed Smith and another resident in a defamation lawsuit."



Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
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Fire On Deck From Gas Grill Gone Awry Causes Estimated $250,000 In Damages and Displaced Five People.

No one died thank goodness. Grills on decks on houses are a bad idea. 
From Bismark ND comes this harrowing tale of one who escaped severe injury or death while trying to be a good Samaritan. Look at what happened over a few dogs and burgers. Cook on the ground! 


Copyright TOM STROMME/Tribune Bismarck fire fighters attend to a fire at 1040 and 1042 Westwood Street in south Bismarck on 5-12 evening. The cause of the fire was a propane grill on a second level outdoor deck said homeowner Rebecca Vettel.

From the Bismark Tribune:
According to a statement from the fire department, fire was coming from the deck at 1040 Westwood St., as well as the deck of the adjoining residence in the duplex and into the home itself. The fire caused an estimated $250,000 damage and displaced five people.



Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
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Monday, May 27, 2013

15 Cats Who Disapprove Of Your D.I.Y. Ways


\

10. Bridget regrets to inform you that you are no longer even allowed on the patio, because everything you touch turns to garbage.


You've worked hard to improve your home this spring. You think it looks great. These cats believe otherwise. (And one even blogs about it.) Fear not: Home Depot has your back. You can still be a DIY hero if you get a little expert help. Your cat will thank you later.
See the rest of the DIY cats at 
http://www.buzzfeed.com/h2/fbad/homedepot/15-cats-who-disapprove-of-your-diy-ways

Leave your deck waterproofing to the pro's! 

Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Installing French Doors? Ensure They Don't Leak-Install Them Right With Gene Summy's Article at JLC

We work on a lot of decks with French Doors…and often times we find signs of leaking around a door and under the sill where the water had collected and did it's evil work creating dry-rot. 

Other times we get a complaint that "your deck is leaking".

 Inspections find that unless there is a hole in the deck membrane, it ain't the deck…it's the French Door.

Gene Summy of TLS Laboratory in Laguna Nigel is a French Door/water intrusion expert. TLS Laboratories has a special talent in tracking down difficult homeowner occupied leaks. Windows, French doors, roofs, walls, decks, chimneys, or any other leak will be tracked down by TLS Laboratories field technicians. Due to the experience in homeowner occupied homes, and water testing during the course of construction TLS Laboratories is able to take the lessons learned into the field and help builders build better homes.

Here's a piece of Gene's article published at JLC Magazine. I suggest that you download it and keep it close for the next French Door installation you have.

"In California, contractors have been heard to grumble that there are only two types of French doors: the kind that leak and the kind that are going to leak. When they have the first kind, they call my company, TLS Laboratories in Laguna Niguel. We've investigated plenty of leaking French doors over the years, and in our experience it's usually the installation that's faulty, rather than the door itself.

A hinged exterior French door is something like a very large jigsaw puzzle with a small number of pieces. If the pieces are assembled correctly, the pair of sash should fully compress the weatherstripping against the jambs and one another. If the fit isn't quite right, the weatherstripping won't compress and water will seep in around the sash. If a door is going to leak, it most often leaks here.

The next most common leakage area is the sill — not over it, but underneath it, usually as the result of insufficient sealant. Pans and proper flashings also help (I'll talk about them later), but two fat beads of sealant running 6 inches down each trimmer and all the way across the pan — one toward the front edge of the door and another toward the rear edge — will stop a lot of water." 

Read the rest by clicking here. http://www.jlconline.com/caulks-adhesives-and-sealants/installing-french-doors_1.aspx

Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
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Saturday, May 18, 2013

DA: Merrick Woman Stole $90K From Her Company

Two sets of eyes on the books might have prevented this...

DA: Merrick Woman Stole $90K From Her Company

Defendant worked at Roosevelt-based waterproofing subcontractor for 10 years.

Posted by Matthew Hogan (Editor), May 17, 2013 at 03:00 pm
A Merrick woman has been charged with grand larceny for allegedly stealing more than $90,000 from the waterproofing company where she worked as comptroller.

Heather DiCostanzo, 46, was arrested Friday morning by DA Investigators and charged with grand larceny in the second degree. She faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted and is scheduled to be arraigned later Friday ay First District Court in Hempstead.


Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
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Friday, May 17, 2013

A George Carlin type question just popped into my head...

Why do people put the statement "This e-mail is intended only for the exclusive use of the individual to whom it is addressed. if you are not the blah blah blah..." at the bottom of their email? I have to read the whole email to find out I shouldn't be reading it. 
 
Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
 Feeling Social?


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WHAT"S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LICENSED CONTRACTOR IN CA AND AN UNLICENSED ONE?

  "Licensed contractors must demonstrate knowledge of their craft, be tested, fingerprinted, bonded, and undergo an FBI background check before they are licensed to work in California."   that  is direct from @cslb website...

Unlicensed contractors must...umm, must what?
CHECK THE LICENSE FIRST! 

CSLB runs stings all the time; guess who shows up as unlicensed contractors from places like Craigslist? 

Sex offenders, criminals, armed, drunk and drugged people...yeah, that's the risk you take...


Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
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TREATED WOOD'S LEGACY: A TRAIL OF TEARS

From BANCAA.org comes this special report I found...don't know how old but we still have treated wood around...Interesting Information on CCA Treated Wood decks


TREATED WOOD'S LEGACY: A TRAIL OF TEARS

by Joesph S Prager

The treated wood companies, and even some government agencies, continue to tout arsenic treated wood as "safe" and "harmless", but is that really the case?  While studies abound with data describing the health hazards of exposure to arsenic and chromium, how does this data extrapolate to the general human population? Have people been hurt by CCA treated wood? What kind of injuries did they suffer? What were the long term affects of their exposure to this so-called "safe" product? Have animals been hurt by CCA wood?

The treated wood industry has an answer to this question. They claim that CCA treated wood is"safe and environmentally sound". Their sales brochures, available at the sales counters of most major lumber retailer stores, reassure consumers that arsenic treated wood is "safe for human contact" and that "there is no risk to human health" for users of this product. But is that really true?

To find the answer to these questions, it is essential to review the reports from those who have come forward and spoken up about their injuries. It is to them that this page is dedicated - to the unsung heroes who were unwittingly and unknowingly injured by a product that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Canadian government, and the Australian government have yet to declare hazardous.

READ THE REST HERE http://www.bancca.org/CCA_Victims/CCA_victims.htm

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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

From Condo Reporter-Deck Replacement Project Results in Unsuccessful Law Suit by Condo Owner


Wood Decks Causing Leaks drive majority of owners to vote in favor of replacing the old wood  decks with new vinyl waterproof coated decks...anmd one owner sues under a claim of "that the work being done constituted a substantial change under Section 97(4) of the Condominium Act, which required the approval of the owners of two-thirds of all the 51 units."

Well he lost...

POSTED BY BARBARA HOLMES ON MAY 14, 2013
The Facts

After several of the townhouse units experienced leaks, water damage and mould, the corporation hired a professional contractor and an engineer to investigate. The professionals concluded that the leaks resulted from construction design and implementation flaws of wooden decks constructed over the unit garages. The board concluded that corrective action was necessary to prevent harm to persons and further damage to property. Based on advice received from the contractor and engineer, there were two options available to fix the problem – replace the existing wooden decks with new wooden decks or, alternatively, replace them with vinyl decks. After having made its decision that corrective work would be undertaken, the board scheduled a meeting of owners to discuss and choose a style of the replacement decks. Votes were cast by 24 of 51 unit owners, and 20 of the owners voted in favour of the vinyl decks.

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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Prevent buckled decking-space your plywood properly


The APA American Plywood Association, has a series of "builder Tips" on their website. An important one is to remember to space your plywood panels to allow for expansion and contraction. If the seams are tight against each other, a buckled deck is usually the result when it expands with moisture. 

APA recommends a 1/8-inch space between panel edge and end joints. Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), like all wood products, will expand or shrink slightly with changes in moisture content. If the wood structural panels are tightly butted, there is no room for expansion and buckling can occur. That can mean costly, time-consuming callbacks. To assure best performance, follow these panel spacing and nailing recommendations for APA Rated Sheathing, APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor®, and APA Rated Siding.

Spacing Hint: Use a 10d box nail to gauge 1/8-inch spacing between panels. Spacer-type panel edge clips may also be used for roof sheathing applications.

Read More here http://www.apawood.org/buildertips/pages/M300.html


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Saturday, May 11, 2013

DeckExpert.com Issues Precautionary Advice If Placing AZEK Resurfacing Pavers On Roof Decks




We have not tested or evaluated the product for confirmation of any claims made by the manufacturer. Opinions and advice offered are our own. 

We have recently seen an uptick in inquiries on placing AZEK Pavers (Copyrighted) on roof decks and balconies. AZEK at it's website extols placing their resurfacing paving system on top of roof decks to correct visual deficiencies. 

AZEK Pavers are not designed for waterproofing and will not correct design or waterproofing deficiencies in a structure. 

Our inspection of the pavers and the grid they lock into has raised some concerns.
We have also looked at the specifications and have other concerns. 

First Concern-Effect on Fire Ratings of Roof Assemblies
Almost all roof decks and balconies are required to be Class A fire resistant. The addition of AZEK pavers may negate your roof rating. 
Accordingly we advise you to consult your local authorities for advice on whether the addition of AZEK will negatively effect any Class ratings for fire resistance. on roof decks or balconies. 

Second Concern-Drainage
 The low dimples that raise the pavers channels up off the surface may sink into softer deck and roof coatings, causing significant impediments to water draining off the deck. 

Water backed up on the deck may create significant additional weight on the roof assembly-that may extend beyond it's design limits. 

Accordingly we advise if you are considering placing AZEK Resurfacing Pavers on a roof deck that has roof drains or scuppers to be aware that additional maintenance may be needed to keep the channels that are under the pavers clear of debris.
We advise that you inspect and clear channels and roof drains as needed; especially during fall when leaves are dropping. Wind blown sand, dirt and debris will find it's way underneath so be vigilant. 

Third Concern-Weight
We also advise that the weight of the pavers places an additional 6.56 pounds of weight per square foot on a roof deck. 

Accordingly, we advise when considering placing pavers on top of any roof deck, an professional should be consulted to ensure that you are not exceeding the design limits of the deck assembly with all improvements in place. Decks must be designed and built to handle the maximum anticipated load. 
 
For further information and advice, contact AZEK directly through their website at .http://vastpavers.com/  



 
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Help Santa Barbara police catch this piece of crap

Seems this contractor scammed a lot of people from 5 million bucks for fire resistant buildings.

Read the article here http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2013/05/10/2503306/arrest-warrant-issued-for-calif.html

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Thursday, May 9, 2013

Firewise Principles Help Keep Camarillo Springs From Burning


Recent fires in Camarillo illustrate the importance of using Firewise principles when building or remodeling. 

In a recent article on the fire and how so few homes burned, and how none burned in the Camarillo Springs area, the discussion centered on stucco siding and tile roofs. 

Not mentioned, but it certainly played a part in the story was the fact that Camarillo Miramonte, a Community Association in the Camraillo Springs area, had Desert Crete decking installed during a rebuild a few years back. 

The decks, stairs and landings were all treated with Desert Crete  a Class A fire retardant pedestrian traffic coating system in 2004. 

 


We suggest that you make sure that the decking system a contractor has proposed to replace a current system is Class A fire rated by ICC-ES. 

The roofs are made of cement, the stucco siding is cement, doesn't it make sense that your decking be made of cement too? Be firewise, use Desert Crete and be sure. 

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Friday, May 3, 2013

Dave Gobis-Tile Consultant Has a Great Article on Tiling Exterior Decks

Considering tiling a deck? Better listen to this expert before it costs ya big time...

Tile Decks, Patios and Balconies

October 13, 2011 by 

By David M. Gobis, CTC CSI
Ceramic Tile Consultant

During the course of conversation with a bunch of contractors at an industry event, the question was asked, "What kind of failures do you see most often, relatively speaking?" The answer and subject of this article is decks, patios, and balconies.

"Patios, decks, and balconies – particularly over living spaces – are not the place to experiment with your personally-engineered hybrid waterproofing system or strategy. My recommendation is to thoroughly research the system you are considering or the person specifying has selected. Make no assumptions! Unless it comes with written instructions for the specific application and a warranty, move on to another system." Dave Gobis
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HOA's-The Regenesis Report is Out

The Regenesis Report (National Edition) May 2013 is now available.  Go to www.Regenesis.net then Subscriber Login.

IN THIS EDITION

Fair Housing Act Requirements. How they affect condominiums and homeowner associations.
Ask the HOA Expert. Another compelling Q&A.
Rental Restriction Policy. To enact or not to enact?
Car Wars. The battle engages.
Managing Difficult People.  The art of HOA diplomacy.
Irrigation Water Tips 1.  Water less, save more.
Calling It Like It Is.  Harry Truman always did.
They Walk Among Us. Read and believe.

ADVERTISERS  
The Regenesis Report reaches over 10,000 homeowner association boards and managers nationwide each month.  
For advertiser information, see www.regenesis.net/advertise.htm

DO YOU BELONG TO A SELF MANAGED HOA? 
Regenesis.net is specifically designed to assist self managed HOAs with complex management issues.   
Besides the personalized Ask the HOA Expert™ service, there is a vast number of self-help resources…all for only $99/year.   
For details, see www.Regenesis.net/SubscriberInformation.htm

Please share The Regenesis Report with someone that you love.


Richard L. Thompson
The HOA Expert™
www.Regenesis.net



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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Mr. Condo Talks Advises Condo Owner on Leaking Patio Doors

A problem with leaking doors that have deteriorated causes owner of unit below financial harm...

P.M. from New Haven County writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

I have a problem with my upstairs neighbor who is currently being fined $20 per day for non-compliance of the condo Bylaws. Two independent water testing studies have shown that repeated leaks into my condo are the result of eroding balcony doors and defective flashing underneath the sliding doors in his unit. The rules and bylaws dictate that thresholds are unit owner's responsibilities but the neighbor is refuting the evidence blaming his terrace as the source of water entry. I have tenants in the condo who are tired of its leaking state and are threatening to leave. I had one other tenant leave because it has been ongoing since 2005. Now the source of the leaks is established. What happens next? I have suffered financial loss, stress and still he refuses to fix his problem. What do I have to do now that the fines have been implemented? This could go on indefinitely.

Mister Condo replies:

READ THE ANSWER AT Mr. Condo http://caict.org/askmistercondo/condo-water-damage-caused-over-8-years/

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