ᐅ Roof removed, waterproofing membranes applied, yet water intrusion still occurs.
Created on: 9 Oct 2022 11:57
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BayerwaldlerB
Bayerwaldler9 Oct 2022 11:57Hello everyone,
We are in the middle of an extension using timber frame construction on a solid masonry house. In other words: the roof structure has been removed, the walls and two chimneys were taken down, and the flat, bare concrete ceiling is exposed.
The construction company has now installed expensive V60 bitumen membranes by torch-on application and covered everything with tarpaulins after laying leveling strips—as moisture protection. Unfortunately, this has not been successful.
In the depressions of the tarpaulin caused by the already installed strips, large pools of rainwater have formed. Through other holes in the tarpaulin, water has accumulated beneath on the bitumen membranes. These were not watertight, so the masonry around the chimneys on the ground floor and even down to the basement has absorbed a lot of water.
The question now is how to proceed. The company has set up two drying devices, saying “It will dry out.” The wall has turned yellowish, and after one week everything smells musty. Almost all interior walls are affected, along with a wooden ceiling and part of a kitchen.
Shouldn’t all the plaster be removed here? How should one proceed?
By now, the upper floor and the roof are in place, preventing any further water intrusion.
Best regards,
Daniel
We are in the middle of an extension using timber frame construction on a solid masonry house. In other words: the roof structure has been removed, the walls and two chimneys were taken down, and the flat, bare concrete ceiling is exposed.
The construction company has now installed expensive V60 bitumen membranes by torch-on application and covered everything with tarpaulins after laying leveling strips—as moisture protection. Unfortunately, this has not been successful.
In the depressions of the tarpaulin caused by the already installed strips, large pools of rainwater have formed. Through other holes in the tarpaulin, water has accumulated beneath on the bitumen membranes. These were not watertight, so the masonry around the chimneys on the ground floor and even down to the basement has absorbed a lot of water.
The question now is how to proceed. The company has set up two drying devices, saying “It will dry out.” The wall has turned yellowish, and after one week everything smells musty. Almost all interior walls are affected, along with a wooden ceiling and part of a kitchen.
Shouldn’t all the plaster be removed here? How should one proceed?
By now, the upper floor and the roof are in place, preventing any further water intrusion.
Best regards,
Daniel
A V60 bitumen membrane is relatively inexpensive (4€ per m² (4.3 sq ft)?).
As a layperson, I see a significant risk with a single layer that this rather cheap torch-on membrane might fail, as it did in your case.
I consider this a serious defect. You should urgently consult an independent building expert!
As a layperson, I see a significant risk with a single layer that this rather cheap torch-on membrane might fail, as it did in your case.
I consider this a serious defect. You should urgently consult an independent building expert!
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Bayerwaldler9 Oct 2022 21:23i_b_n_a_n schrieb:
A V60 bitumen membrane is quite affordable (around 4€ per m² (4.5 per yd²)? From my layman’s perspective, using a single layer carries a high risk that this cheaper torch-applied membrane will fail, as it did in your case. I consider this a serious defect. You should urgently consult an independent building expert!Well, the coating cost us 2500€ (about 2700 USD)… Now we have damp walls. Thanks for the advice.The contract was presumably to keep the house dry during the construction phase. This was not achieved. A work contract guarantees performance.
€2500 (about $2700) covers some materials and a lot of labor. It is suitable for temporary sealing, but you (actually the contractor) were unlucky that there was heavy rain. The contractor now has to fix this. It may be that they won’t do this voluntarily, because their insurance is paid by the living, and if they have to pay for it themselves, the project becomes a loss. Therefore: call an expert.
€2500 (about $2700) covers some materials and a lot of labor. It is suitable for temporary sealing, but you (actually the contractor) were unlucky that there was heavy rain. The contractor now has to fix this. It may be that they won’t do this voluntarily, because their insurance is paid by the living, and if they have to pay for it themselves, the project becomes a loss. Therefore: call an expert.
i_b_n_a_n schrieb:
Call an expertI would do that as well. Still, I would be optimistic that the interior of the house can be dried out again. This is not the first house to be dried out.