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<br />' Memo to Susan McCannon <br />Report for Tatums by John D. Reins, P.E. <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />drawbacks, however. The principle one is that it has a different coefficient of <br />expansion than adobe, and allows little moisture migration through the surface. <br />Although this might seem desirable, it will ultimately lead to a separation from the <br />earth surface, and may conceal water erosion problems from other sources such as <br />leaky roofs, pipes, and fleshings, which may have severely damaged the wall fabric. <br />The damage may not be apparent until seriqus structural problems or collapse <br />occurs." During my discussion with Mr. McHenry, he commented that because of this <br />problem he recommends the removal of the cement stucco finish from most houses <br />he restores and replacement with adobe stucco finish. Mr. McHenry is co-founder of <br />the recently initiated Earth Architecture Center International, Ltd., located in <br />Albuquerque, New Mexico. <br />Characterization of Structure's Distress <br />Mr. Reins' observations regarding the structural and cosmetic distress being suffered <br />by the Tatums' residence, included on pages 2, 3, and the first paragraph on page 4, <br />are generally consistent with my own. <br />"Foundations" <br />Mr. Reins states, when discussing "Foundations" that no significant distress was <br />evident in the walls of the west basement. Further, he mentions that MKA spent a <br />considerable amount of time examining the crawl space foundational walls. He <br />observes; "During our examination of the rubble stone foundation for the central <br />portion of the house, we saw no indications of significant deterioration or distress. <br />These foundations were in surprisingly good condition considering the age of the <br />structure." In relation to the foundation beneath the eastern two-story portion of the <br />Tatums' residence, Mr. Reins comments that "limited access prevented us from <br />making a close and detailed inspection of the foundations for the eastern (two-story) <br />portion of the house." When I conducted my inspection of the crawl space, it <br />appeared to me to be impossible to make any observations regarding that portion of <br />the foundation. I am interested to know how Mr. Reins and his associates found a <br />way to make any observations? <br />"Exterior Finishes" <br />Mr. Reins observes that "The exterior of the house exhibited various signs of distress, <br />however, the magnitude and extent of vertical cracking was not as widespread as we <br />