Source: http://www.krcrtv.com, August 9, 2017
By: Jerry Olenyn

Heavy rains expose design flaw in gutter system

Six condominiums in the Doe Mill subdivision at East 20th and Hutchinson Streets are being cleaned, repaired and redesigned because of a design flaw in the gutters, after non-toxic black mold was discovered inside.
Tom DiGiovanni, the president of New Urban Builders, acknowledged that his company is responsible and is paying for the temporary living costs of the three homeowners and three landlords.
The flaw was in the metallic gutters, which weren’t large enough to handle the torrential downpour of rain and wind that came crashing into the condos during the severe winter storms, as the water seeped into the walls.
“Especially when it was driving rain…that was wind-driven,” said DiGiovanni.
Chico code enforcement officer Leo DePaola said it appeared to him that this was a design issue that was exposed by the severe weather.
“Typically if you have a failure in one particular facet, it’s repeated multiple times,” said DePaola.
The three homeowners and three landlords will to have remain patient, as work may not be completed for at least three months.
DiGiovanni said his company recently received permission from their insurance company to complete the work, which includes re-stuccoing the outside of the buildings.