by Jerry Peck - Codeman on Tue Jun 14, 2011 7:51 pm
I'm having difficulty visualizing what you are describing.
This "It has an insulated stem wall waterproofed on the outside." indicates to me that the stem wall is waterproofed on the outside of the stem wall and is insulated on the inside of the stem wall. Is that correct?
This "This duplex has exposed foundation covered by a foam board and black (frost?) cloth." is referring to the outside or the inside of the stem wall. If it is referring to the outside of the stem wall, then how is it waterproofed outside, and if it is referring to the inside of the stem wall, then how is it insulated?
Typically, the stem wall will be waterproofed from grade level down, or from just above grade level down, a you know it is waterproofed, that indicates the stem wall is waterproofed from just above grade (or higher) down on the outside of the stem wall.
What is indicating that the backfilling was done improperly?
When you say "tin skirting" are you referring to the skirting around a mobile (manufactured) home? Typically, if not a mobile (manufactured) home, the siding is not referred to skirting and is not extended down to grade so as to leave a termite inspection area around the stem wall. Exposed stem walls are typically required for this reason.
Mobile (manufactured) homes are set on piers and have a skirting which encloses the bottom area beneath the home, there would not be a stem wall in these cases.
Jerry Peck - CodeMan
AskCodeMan.com
Construction Litigation Consultant - Retired
Construction and Code Consultant - Semi Retired