Question
QUESTION: Hello Russel, I did a search on dirt over weep screed and your site came up.  Looks like you are also in the San Diego area as am I.  I have a condo in a complex where my unit is at the front of the complex and thus abuts the front yard.  The street is at a higher level than the slab on grade and the landscapers seem t continue to add mulch and cover up the weep screed.  I have attached some photos.  Wondered if you have any simple solutions.  Maybe a french drain.  I have a closet along this wall and it consistently has a smell of mold.

ANSWER: Hey, Mark.

The pictures didn't come through. If you want, send them to me at [email protected].

A French drain is an option but since you live in a condo complex, you would have to get approval from the HOA. Definitely don't do anything outside without their approval.

I don't want to be a party pooper, but I see problems here with the HOA. You might have to prove to them that you have elevated mold problems in that closet. That would require a mold test. Home Depot as DIY tests. They are not the greatest but they might suffice. There are some mold testers in town but many of them are questionable as well. If you have to prove things, get a flood remediation specialist. They've seen mold, know how to work with it, understand it, and have the best testing procedures.

Another option would be to create a planter there and plant some xeriscape plants, those that don't require a lot of watering. I always recommend cactus or succulents. Cactus have thorns, succulents don't. Most people choose the succulents.

Yet another options is to install some planter pots or boxes that protect the wall from the landscapers.

Just make sure that if anything you do is visible from the street, you have the approval of the HOA.

If you're not too far away from me, or are in my normal areas of travel, I could stop by and look at things. No charge to you. Le me know.

Hope that helps some.

Russel

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Russel,

I forwarded the photo to your email.  I am not too worried about the HOA.  The HOA has twice paid for remediation of my closet by ServePro, due to this problem, so it is a well established problem.  We are a small complex, 8 units, and self governing.  I am actually the president of the HOA.  I don't know if xeriscape would go over very well with my fellow landlords.  The complex is in Pacific Beach.

Answer
Hey, Mark.

If you're the president, you should be able to solve all problems!...........lol

I suspect the first problem is the watering schedule. Cut down on that, save water money, save on problems.

After that, whenever the landscape company comes out, have someone meet them and tell them what to do. It's not unusual for landscape installers to not have a clue about what they are doing and how what they are doing affect other things. Just because a landscape company has a license doesn't mean that their employees are landscapers. Often they are just hourly workers with a job.

Let me know if you would like me to come out and look at things. I can help you with the other landlords if you need some votes at the HOA meeting.

Russel