44854.1
I wish to construct a stone patio that goes between my front door and my garage. For a variety of reasons that I won’t bore folks with here, the desired grade level for the stonework is such that I would be covering the bottom 8″ or so of the exterior framed wall on the front of the house with compacted granular fill (even so, I will have a step down from the front door). Naturally, I am concerned about water damage to the wood framing over the long haul. My sill plate is pressure treated lumber, but the band joist is untreated spruce covered with 7/16″ OSB sheathing (also untreated). I covered the bottom 18″ of the exterior wood surface with Grace Ice and Water shield and Typar house wrap over that. The entire area around the front of the house is granular fill with excellent drainage. The house has gutters and proper landscape drainage.
1. Once the stone is in place – and assuming that I seal the mortar joints between the stones to waterproof them – are the measures I’ve taken so far (Ice and Water shield) sufficient to prevent water damage to the wood framing? The I & W shield will prevent moisture contact with the face of the sheathing, but I am still concerned about moisture possibly soaking up through the uncovered bottom edge of the OSB panel and migrating to the band joist.
2. Are there any other “after the fact” construction strategies (coatings, etc.)that would make this situation acceptable in terms of protecting the wood framing from moisture damage/rot?
3. Am I being overly concerned with this situation?

Comments are appreciated!

Thanks.

James Cross