Diagnose Patio Base Contact Damage
At 0:00 in
I have seen homes where I could put my entire hand through the hole that moisture rotted out.
What happens here
The video begins by showing a patio area where the base material (referred to as "grade 8 base material" or stone) is installed directly against the house. The creator points out that this is a "no bueno" situation. A close-up reveals significant wood rot and damage to the non-concrete parts of the house (e.g., siding, rim joist, sill plate) where the base material has been in direct contact. This direct contact traps moisture against the wood, leading to decay. The goal of this initial step, as highlighted by the video, is to thoroughly inspect the perimeter of any patio or structure built against the house to identify similar issues.
Goal: Understand and identify the problem of patio base material causing damage to the house.
Tools and materials
- Flashlight — Illuminating dark or obscured areas for better inspection
- Pry bar — Gently prying away small sections of material to inspect hidden damage, if needed
- Work gloves — Protecting hands during inspection and potential light probing