AboutBruce E. Johnson Expertise I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.
Experience Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.
Expert: Bruce E. Johnson Date: 8/24/2008 Subject: Help with rim joist wrap
Question QUESTION: I have just recently removed the lower siding from our new house (5 years old) to install a deck, only to find the sheathing rotten and moldy along the bottom 18". There is a layer of wrap that appears to go under the sill plate of the house, then up 20" and under the house wrap and I believe it is trapping water here instead of shedding it. As my entire house is wrapped like this, is this proper? What action can I take to fix this? Thanks for any input, Rob
ANSWER: Hi Rob, you are correct. The bottom layer of house wrap should not be installed in such a way to trap moisture. This is why you are having this problem. You need to address the situation as soon as possible and remove the bottom rows of siding so that you can A. examine the rest of the house for rot or termites B. cut the bottom of the wrap to allow trapped moisture to be relieved properly. I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com
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QUESTION: Thanks very much for you response, and in following your directions we identified one other location where water was trapped and causing rot. My follow-up question is in-regards to the water damage to the rim joist where the rot was the worst. Though there is no black rot the wood of the 2x10, in several places feels soft and spongy but the integrity seems ok. Will these areas cause future problems? If it needs to be replaced how is this accomplished?
Thanks, Rob
Answer Hi Rob, If you only have a few soft spots in the joist and it is dry you can repair it with a product generally used by the boating industry call "git-rot". It is a thin epoxy that can be injected into soft wood and it restores the cells by fortifying them with the epoxy when it hardens. I have used it in similar situations and it works pretty good. It can be found online or at larger marine parts stores. Simply drill a hole into the soft spot and inject the solution.
As far as replacing the rim joist, if only a few soft areas exist then you can take a sawsall and cut out the offending areas and just replace them in 2-4 foot sections. This way you aren't trying to remove an entire joist and undermine large sections of wall at a time. If you are doing it from the inside take the section out and then start the new piece at a slight angle out at the bottom and then with a block of wood and a small sledge hammer gently force the new piece up into place. Then you can put a scab on each side of the repair to tie it into the existing joist.I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com
