Case Studies
Preserve Services managers have in-depth knowledge of how building envelopes and materials function. This allows us to observe problems and provide the best solution, saving you money and hassle.
Case Study
Perceived Problem – Poor Workmanship
The owner thought the last couple of painters had done a poor job prepping the home. The home had peeled after a couple of years.
Real Problem – Moisture Issue and Defective Clapboards
The Preserve Services manager tested the siding with a moisture meter and determined that the home had an interior moisture problem. Some homes built in the 1970’s were built too airtight and without appropriate ventilation. In addition to the moisture problem the manager noticed that the clapboards were installed smooth-side out. Preserve Services removed the siding and found that the moisture barrier was an outdated product that did not breathe. The airtight moisture barrier created distinct zones between hot and cold which creates moisture. The siding also had a manufacturing defect know as mill glazing. Mill glazing is caused when the blades on the planer at the mill become dull and slightly burn the surface of the wood. This leaved a slight glaze on the clapboard that does not allow paint or stain to bond to the wood properly.
Solution
Install an engineered underlayment that breathes and replace the clapboards, installing the new ones rough-side out. The new siding holds the paint very well.
Project location: Strawberry Lane, North Reading, MA
Case Study: Decks
Perceived Safety Issue – Deck Flooring
The deck floor and railings were old and a safety hazard. The owners wanted to replace them with low-maintenance synthetics.
Real Safety Issue – Deck Flooring and Attachment
After removal of the old flooring it became evident that the deck had been attached by nailing the ledgerboard, the 2” x 10” that the floor joists were attached to, to the top of the shingles. The Preserve Services manager diagnosed this as the real safety issue. Decks attached with nails are prone to collapse because the nails can simply pull out of the structure.
Solution
Replace the entire deck with the proper attachment of ½” galvanized lag bolts with through-bolted lateral load brackets.
Project location: Stanwood Lane, Swampscott, MA
Case Study
Perceived Problem – Poor Workmanship
The owner thought the last painters did a poor job on preparation and the house peeled soon thereafter.
Real Problem – Shingles Too Old to Hold Paint
The Preserve Services manager pulled off the peeling paint and noticed that the wood fibers were adhering to the back of the old paint. The wood fibers were disintegrating and had become too soft to hold the paint. The paint stuck to the wood but the wood fibers were falling apart.
Solution
Install new shingles. The newly shingles hold paint very well.
Project location: Elm Street, Marblehead, MA
Case Study
Perceived Problem – My Roof is Leaking
The owner contacted us in January about a leaky roof. Water was dripping off of his roofing nails and coming through the roof sheathing.
Real Problem – Lack of Insulation
The Preserve Services manager, understanding of how a building envelope and roof function, quickly found the real problem. The attic of the home was poorly insulated. Heat was rising to the attic ceiling where it condensed on the cold roofing nails.
Solution
Install additional insulation. Preserve Services currently does not install insulation, but we recommended several reputable contractors in the area.
Project location: Main Street, North Andover, MA
Case Study
Perceived Problem – My Roof is Leaking
The owner contacted us about re-flashing a chimney. The chimney only leaked after several days of heavy rain.
Real Problem – Porous Bricks
The Preserve Services manager examined the chimney and noted that it was counter-flashed correctly. However, it was an old historic home. Old bricks are very porous and can absorb water. After several days of rain the bricks become saturated with water, which will leak into the house, appearing to be a flashing issue.
Solution
Seal the bricks.
Project location: Chestnut Street, Salem, MA