Posts tagged replaced

Question : Has anybody ever heard of having to have a “trip cant” replaced in a room to avoid water leakage?
An add-on room to a 2 story home – constant leak coming in same spot. Had everybody and anybody to fix and including engineer’s and complete removal of drywall and ceiling and insulation also mold remediation. The door above the room on the deck that is above this room was fixed also.. In 5 years this problem never stopped no matter what was done. New owners bought it (we explained all problems including receipts and all information). Their home inspector was aware of this and in a about 3000 ft beautiful home/beautiful landscaping, he did a 10 minute inspection. Three month’s later the new owners claimed a repairman (they sent us a letter) told them they needed to buy a new “trip cant.” So…….we still wonder, what’s that???
Fact is, of course, they bought the house ‘as is’ but they kept up with the letters and threats – driving us crazy. They knew they were wrong but they have a family full of lawyers and judges.
mold remediation in homes

Best answer:

Answer by 1REWD1
Never heard of a “trip cant” and I’ve been in the business for 30 years. Probably someone made up the name for something they didn’t know the proper name for. And if they did that then you can rest assured they don’t know what they’re doing to begin with. You’re right, the new owners have no recourse. They bought the house as is and were made aware of the problem beforehand. If you are inclined to pay for this repair however, get something more than this “handyman’s” solution to the problem and I’d also get a lawyer. It may cost you more than the supposed repair but it would teach these people a lesson. I hate people like this. Good luck.

Addendum: I’ve been thinking about this more since I posted a response, I love a good puzzle. They may possibly be referring to what is known as a door “sill”. It is the bottom of the door jamb assembly and runs from one side of the jamb to the other. Think of a vertical rectangle and this would be the side on the bottom. These usually slope or “cant” downward to the outside in order to shed water and keep it from coming in under your door. They can be made of wood or metal. Since it is positioned at the bottom of this frame and you walk over it the word “trip” might come to mind. This is all way hypothetical but you never know. Sills made of wood CAN go bad after many years, metal ones rarely. More than likely if this is the area of concern it’s not the sill itself but the installation of the door that is at fault, usually improper flashing (metal, rubber waterproof membranes) underneath of the sill/jamb assembly. In order to repair this, if it IS the cause, would require removing and replacing the sill in order to reflash. It is NOT expensive, depending on the length of the sill say 100 to 150 for materials, labor maybe 2 hours. Worse case would be to remove the entire door assembly, redo the flashing and then reinstall the door. Add about another two hours labor and maybe 50 more in materials. I have my doubts about this is, as you say, you have had engineers out the wazoo looking into it. And again, it should not be your responsibility. I’d appreciate a note back whenever you find out what this turns out to be …… e-mail me? Never hurts to have another piece of knowledge tucked away! Again, GOOD LUCK!