Wood so damaged by moisture that it crumbled at the touch. Wall studs, floor joists and corner posts that crumbled to dust when they were touched. The serious rot was everywhere.
Even carpenter ants had moved into the welcoming damp wood.
This was what the team from GBS Contracting Services found at a project they were recently hired to work on.
“The only thing holding everything together on one wall was the pine board finishes,” says Mike Vettese of GBS Contracting Services. “This was a potentially disastrous situation where the owners’ safety was threatened by a building that was failing.”
It’s the perfect example of how an improperly built or renovated structure, from the roof to the siding and all the way through, can suffer due to moisture issues caused by ice build-up and heat loss.
Relative humidity levels inside a building should not exceed 50 percent in the summer or 30 percent in the winter; in this building, measurements showed 80 percent humidity. That damp environment is a perfect place for mould to grow.
This home was once a three-season cottage that was renovated to be a four-season home by previous owners – much to the dismay of the current owners. Mike notes they could tell the roofing, siding and other parts of the project were not done to code during the renovation.
The property had been purchased by the current owners a year and a half before they called GBS: they even had a home inspection, but the person missed all the issues.
“It’s a common story in Muskoka when we see older three-season cottages turned into year-round homes: the owners did the project themselves and the work done wasn’t up to snuff,” says Mike. “The building envelope is the most critical element, and the biggest part of that is the roof and the siding. If it’s done properly, it seals the building while still allowing water to exit, preventing moisture from building up in the walls.”
A good roofing system includes sufficient ventilation and insulation, and is sealed in the right places to avoid ice damming.
Otherwise, the build-up of ice will cause condensation that can seep back into the home – all the way down the walls – and most people won’t notice the damage being done until it’s too late. Aside from destroying the structural integrity of the walls, moisture will lead to mould growth that can cause respiratory issues for anyone living in the building.
Moisture also can infiltrate through siding if it’s not installed properly. Siding, when done right, prevents damage from wind, rain, sleet and snow. Good tight seals around the walls of your home or cottage are a must.
“The building envelope, including roof and siding, are the first line of defense to protect the bones of your building from the elements,” explains Mike. “Your home or cottage should feel warm in the winter and cool in the summer with low humidity.”
Hire the professionals
While metal roofing or quality shingles built to withstand Canadian winters are both good choices, they need to be properly installed, or it won’t matter. Good insulation and air flow are key elements in a good roofing system.
“You can have the best materials, but they also need to be installed by experienced professionals who warranty their work,” advises Mike.
Since 1999, GBS Contracting Services has been completing quality work. They are experts at roofing, siding, and other projects. Their team is fully insured, fully trained and dedicated to the business. Mike says they happily provide references to their clients.
“Unless you have the experience needed to do it yourself, don’t try to do the intensive renovations and additions needed to create a four-season home from a three-season cottage,” says Mike. “It’s much better to hire a team of professionals that will ensure the project is completed up to code.”
Early warnings
Do you have to empty your dehumidifier multiple times a day? Or even once a day?
That’s a sign your humidity levels are way too high, and moisture is becoming a problem in your building.
Other noticeable warning signs that something isn’t right include ice damming, ice build-up, or large icicles forming on your roof in the winter. Water coming through the soffit is another concern, indicating that heat pockets are forming that can cause ice and moisture issues.
In the summer, do a quick inspection of your roof and its ventilation components. Brown marks on the soffits and roof lines will indicate rust stains that were most likely caused by water from ice damming.
“If you notice any of these things, call an expert to do a full inspection and offer advice on how to best proceed.”
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
