So I’ve been wanting to write an article on this topic for a long time now. As a contractor and now a home inspector I sometimes get some pushback when I call out some problems on newer installs.
This article is aimed at educating the general public on this issue and doesn’t dive too deep into the details.
I hope you enjoy reading it.
Masonry veneer Stone issues.
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I did enjoy reading it, Arthur. It is a good informational article without boring people to death. Nice job!
And, I didn’t know this:
Arthur Duhaime is a Ohio Licensed Home Inspector and Ohio Department of Commerce Certified Instructor for Real Estate Continuing Education.
Congratulations!
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Thanks for sharing this, great article
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Thanks Larry! I couldn’t have achieved that certification or even wrote the article as well without the help from InterNACHI and the folks on this forum.
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Agree with the boys above! Great article, well written! Congrats on the certification as well! 
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Thank you Arthur.
Good article! Informative and concise. Leaves no room for doubt about the issue. I liked the inclusion of the photos and graphics. As they say; “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
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Great article. Do you have a disclaimer narrative when you see it on the house?
I certainly hope everyone does.
Here it is if you are interested, I have a list of defects with checkboxes in my system so I include only the defects observed at that property.
Manufactured stone veneer has been installed on the home. An inspection of the visible components has revealed that the stone veneer has not been installed in compliance with installation guidelines provided by the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association (MVMA). Specific problems observed with the visible components include, but may not be limited to the items listed above this paragraph. The lack of proper detailing and flashing will allow for water penetration behind the stone veneer.
Attached is information on some commonly found defects. See the link above for complete information on the correct installation of this type of material. I recommend correction and further evaluation by a reputable masonry contractor that adheres to MVMA guidelines.
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Very good read, Arthur. Unfortunately, I see incorrect installations like you show all too often.
Keep up the good work!
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This was a 18-month-old home I inspected in August and called out the incorrect stone veneer installation. The client just sent me this pic a few days ago after he hired a contractor to make repairs. They are going to pull all of it down.
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What issues did you spot that made you call it out as “incorrect” installation?
Thanks for sharing this Joseph, I see more done wrong than I do right.
I see you’re not too far from me we should set up a time to have coffee after this covid junk is over.
Shouldn’t that wall sheathing be extended down and nailed to the bottom plate to meet uplift requirements?
The absence of head flashing at the windows. At the sides of the windows, the mortar was directly against the window when backer rod and sealant should have been used to allow for movement between dissimilar materials.
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Yep, it should have been.
I would enjoy meeting up with you, Arthur. Let me know!
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How did you determine this?
Visually, Simon. The mortar joint should not be directly against the window.
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My bad, I misread your reply. I thought you said the sides had a missing flashing.
No problem, Simon!
Hi, Joseph, I was wondering if the casing around the windows were vinyl siding casing or solid PVC trim? It looks like a vinyl siding casing from the pic, just curious.