Structural damage caused by water, mold, insurance claim.

Recently, we assessed an insurance claim in Regina Saskatchewan where water was leaking from the main floor kitchen. The leak was hidden as it was caused by strain on a pipe below the sink drain Y to the stand pipe and caused it to crack the pipe in behind the cabinets.

The leak went completely unnoticed for a long period of time. The insured only knew he had a leak when he found what looked like mold growing above the baseboards in the basement. Insurance was called and a claim ensued. The insurance company agreed on a scope of work and a price to get the water damage cleaned up and we commenced services.

Once we opened up the ceiling of the basement, we found that the structural integrity of the building was compromised. The I joists had water damage over what appears to be a long period of time. The long term moisture damage has caused the growth of mold and dry rot on the joists.

When we contacted the insurance adjuster to discuss the issues we found, she informed us that they will not be covering any further damages as the damages are not due to the immediate resulting damage from the water. Since there is a structural concern, we retained the services of an engineer on behalf of our client.

A total of three wood I joists were damaged and the wood webs along with the top and bottom flanges on each of the I joists have excessive decay and the remaining wood structure is soft. Sections of the web and flanges have been eaten by the mold to the point that they are missing. The rim joist in the area of the damaged wood I joists along with the 2" x 4" wood sill located at the top of the concrete foundation wall have also decayed, leaving the remaining structure soft.

Following the engineers instructions, we will replace the three I joists that span 13 feet. The I joists will need to be replaced from the outside as there is no way to twist them in. Replacing from the outside requires us to remove and replace some of the siding on our clients home.

In order to follow through with the engineers recommendations we must have an electrician remove wiring and a mechanical contractor remove the ducting that is in the way. We will replace the existing damaged rim joist and sill plate at the top of the concrete foundation and the floor sheeting.

An annual inspection could have potentially saved this homeowner thousands of dollars in repairs that are not being covered by insurance. For more information in regards to our inspections and moisture mapping please visit our web site got mold??