AE Home Inspectors, LLC

Quality Visual Observations and Evaluations
(404) 406-9031

Atlanta - North Atlanta - Cobb County
New Homes - Resales - Town Homes - Presales - Condos

Polybutylene pipe has been used in construction for several years, but has a higher than normal failure rate and is no longer being used in new construction. For further details, contact the Consumer Plumbing Recovery Center at 1-800-392-7591 or visit them at http://www.pbpipe.com .

Processed wood (hardboard) siding has been manufactured by several companies over the past few years and has been installed on hundreds of thousands of homes all over the country built or remodeled form 1980 to 1998. This siding has proven to have a high failure rate, particularly in humid areas such as Florida. If water from any source gets past the finish and into the siding, the wood fibers will absorb and retain this water. The wet wood fibers will swell, causing the siding to expand. When the siding expands, it can swell and buckle with enough force to pull fasteners. Wet siding will eventually rot. It is being used on very little new construction. Each homeowner must identify the manufacturer before they can file a claim under the class action settlements. Visit the websites www.mhoai.org, lpsidingclaims.com, abtcoclaims.com, and www.hadd.com for assistance in identifying the manufacturer.

Additional informational resources are:
Masonite® Omniwood®: 1 800 256-6990
Masonite® Hardboard: 1 800 330-2722 www.masoniteclaims.com
Louisiana Pacific Inner Seal: 1 800 245-2722 www.lpsidingclaims.com

Synthetic Stucco, also known as exterior insulation and finishing system (EIFS) has been used on new construction for several years. Many EIFS clad houses have revealed moisture-related problems such as deteriorated wood framing and pest infestation. Extensive testing of this cladding is beyond the scope of our Inspectors. Maintenance and testing guidelines are available at www.ncdoi.com (search for EIFS) Additional information is available at www.ncstucco.com.