Mr. Rios's masonry company was subcontracted by our builder to do the stone and masonry work on our home. I had extensive conversations with Mr. Rios prior to and during construction concerning water intrusion issues and the methods he used to mitigate that threat. I have now discovered that the top of the entire front wall of our front porch and much of the roof decking behind it has rotted due to improper preparation/installation of the subterranean flashing below and between layers of the stonework. This has required the complete removal of the existing stonework and replacement of the underlying wooden substructure. The first hole was discovered in our attic ceiling approximately two months ago. Examination by a roofer indicated that the external flashing around the stonework was sealed, but that the water intrusion appeared to be entering "through" the stonework. I requested that Mr. Rios investigate and give me a repair quote. He advised that he would, but I have not heard from him since. Subsequent repairs from a different masonry company have revealed that the initial stonework installation was left improperly protected from water intrusion, leading to the rotting of the wooden substructure. After advising Mr. Rios of the findings, he disavows any responsibility for the preparation/installation of the proper water mitigation strategies to prevent the exact type problem which we are now addressing. Pointing fingers of blame in every direction but his crew, he blames the roofer, builder, etc. Notably, the roofer's external flashing was sealed. I would agree the builder was deficient in trusting Mr. Rios's crew to professionally know the requirements for their work and ensure they were completed. As professional stonemasons, either they should have properly prepared the underlayment for their stonework, or if they felt that part was not their responsibility, they should have brought it to the builder's attention to ensure that it was done prior to their work. No such concern was voiced. read more
