SewLibra:
Jan. 2019 my moisture meter showed wet at the light switch. After all we went through last year, tearing out stucco all the way to the second story roofline! It didn't show again until an atmospheric river in Feb, then the drywall had to come out.
SewLibra:
As I suspected, the roof-to-wall at the end of the valley is the culprit. Years ago a roofer extended the Z bar, but apparently didn't finish the job. There was a hole behind there.
SewLibra:
The restoration guy cleared the caulk out that the roofers stuck in the hole... AND didn't tell us!
SewLibra:
A different view of the aforementioned problem. I'm afraid to delete any of these pics, just in case.
SewLibra:
The stucco guys tore this much out on the first day and thought it would be enough. Last year was extensive and expensive. This time we don't have to pay a dime since they missed the problem last year. Thankfully they admitted that and are being fair.
SewLibra:
When the stucco guys came back they extended the demo to the ground to have a more stable patch. Apparently they use glue at the patch joints, but this will avoid some of that having to be done, thus stronger.
SewLibra:
Behind the roof-to-wall they installed metal weep screed, flashing, plus I *think* they put bituthene in there. I had the roofer come by too. He will return when they're done to make sure our gutter is cleaned out and the rain diverter is not damaged.
SewLibra:
Stucco guys were told by their boss to tear out over the door and reinstall a new expansion joint with bituthene under it. They told us we need a new door because this one is not installed right. What???
SewLibra:
Turns out it is fine, just different than they expected. It's a nice Andersen door we bought a few years ago. It has never leaked. Whew! They will install a metal guard over the top though.
SewLibra:
They used bituthene all down the wall for extra protection. This is the inside of the house, in the wall, and it's sticky stuff!
SewLibra:
The water test did not pass because the porch light electrical box is cracked. A second leak has now been found and I'm sure this happened last year when they knocked out the wall. No one noticed it.
SewLibra:
The crack in the electrical box can be seen at the upper left. Next up is to change that out for a new one, if it ever stops raining on a week day! We also bought a new porch light since the old one is from 1991.
SewLibra:
Here we are as of today, March 24, 2019. The electrical box was temporarily caulked with a thick oil base stuff and taped. So far no leaks when it rains.
SewLibra:
Here you can see the metal guard installed over the door for extra protection. One of the stucco guys found one that matches our frame.
SewLibra:
I want to watch closely how they do this area before they stucco it in. It doesn't look right to me, there's even a hole at lower right. It is double papered underneath though.
SewLibra:
Close-up of demo with foam and wire. They will need to do better than this before slapping up the stucco. I will be RIGHT THERE to make sure.
SewLibra:
March 29 was a dry day finally, so the electrical box was replaced. Looks much better and safer. Next up will be a water test. More rain is expected this week, but it's supposed to be only light showers.
SewLibra:
Even the inside of the wall looks better. This time the electrical box will not be covered with a ton of gunk that was over the old one. I get so upset when I see a contractor has done a "quick fix" in the past, instead of doing it the right way!
SewLibra:
May 3, 2019. Things are finally moving forward. The first coat of stucco was applied and they will be back in a couple of days to apply the second (final) coat.
SewLibra:
After the first coat was applied, we were to get light rain so hubby taped the electrical box. Fortunately it held up.
SewLibra:
May 7, 2019, the stucco got the second coat in the morning and the texturing in late afternoon. I hope that's the last we see of them!
SewLibra:
Again, we have to wait a month to paint (elastomeric is what we use) the stucco, then the porch light can be installed.
SewLibra:
Oh give me a break. Heavy rain storms predicted for several days and in mid-May that is very unusual for northern CA. Restoration came the day before it hit and caulked this plate over the electrical box. It's raining like crazy right now!
SewLibra:
Before the wall is closed up, I want all the holes in the box plugged up. Even though I have been told it's not "necessary", I don't care. I can see outside through those holes and they serve no purpose other than invite water down the wall.
SewLibra:
June 11. 2019. The wood rot was treated with Copper Green preservative before closing up the wall.
SewLibra:
June 11, 2019. The contractor filled the holes in the new electrical box, as per my request. Both he and our electrician said it wasn't "necessary" but wouldn't hurt. After 3 times, I want the holes plugged!
SewLibra:
June 11, 2019. R-13 insulation was placed in the wall. I was told R-13 is the type that fits in small wall spaces such as this.
