ᐅ Thermal insulation facade damaged by nails in the exterior wall?

Well, that’s not quite correct for Danwood – the homeowner’s manual even explicitly and thoroughly explains how to attach (light) items to the external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS).

What is not allowed, however, is fastening heavy objects (such as awnings or similar). This is not related to the insulation itself, but specifically concerns the timber framing. If such installations are desired, Danwood plans additional reinforcements (beams), and the attachment points are predetermined accordingly. Depending on the mailbox, such reinforcement may also have been planned there.

It also depends on the external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS); one made of EPS can easily tolerate small nails, whereas one made of wood fiber insulation boards cannot.
If my tenant were to put nails into ETICS made of wood fiber insulation boards, I would be quite upset—that’s not acceptable!
Then, of course, seal the holes with a permanently elastic cartridge sealant—done.

I also strongly assume that the gutter is fixed with screws rather than nails (if attached to or within the ETICS).
Usually, gutters are attached to the wooden structure beneath the last layer of roof tiles.

There are special plastic anchors designed for ETICS. I have used such anchors for lamps and even applied cartridge sealant before screwing them in during the final millimeters to ensure they remain completely and permanently sealed.

ETICS made of wood fiber insulation boards can quietly rot behind the exterior render for years without you noticing.
The damage can become very severe, potentially requiring the affected wall to be replaced!

I’m reading a lot of contradictions here, mixed with concessions but also shifting of blame.

maulwurfhans schrieb:

I’m not saying that it was okay on our part. The question now is whether such damage could seriously harm the thermal insulation facade.

Yes! If the damage is 2 cm (1 inch) deep, the plaster has been penetrated and can no longer perform its function.

maulwurfhans schrieb:

It’s funny that the landlord installed a gutter right next to our little nails, which of course is attached with much larger nails. He probably wasn’t concerned about the insulation there 🙂

Check again: are those screws or nails? Nails don’t hold up a gutter.

maulwurfhans schrieb:

It should be added that the landlord has been trying to sell the house for a long time, and since this is probably easier with a vacant property than an occupied one, he is trying everything to get us out.

You won’t get an eviction for property damage. That’s covered by liability insurance anyway… mentioning this only shows a lack of insight.

maulwurfhans schrieb:

My common sense tells me this can’t be the case,

… Naivety can be explained by ignorance, but not by common sense.

maulwurfhans schrieb:

As far as I can see, this should be easy to repair (since the nails hardly penetrate the wall), or do you see it differently?

The nails damaged the plaster by 2–3 mm (0.08–0.12 inches). Plaster ensures the building’s tightness. Whether it’s two nails or a paving stone: damage is damage.

Aha. From what size of stone chip would it no longer be acceptable for my daughter to throw pebbles at other people’s cars? And up to what extent would the owner have to tolerate it because it doesn’t damage the metal underneath?

EPS, wood fiber, polystyrene, mineral wool—whatever the insulation type... the original poster has handed the landlord a perfect excuse. Because before drilling into the facade, you generally have to ask the landlord (unfortunately?).

And an expert report in such a case will always err on the safe side and say, “Well, you can never entirely rule out long-term damage.”

You simply can’t.

I find it concerning to accuse the landlord of overreacting now. It’s his property...

It is his property, yes. But there is a difference between a car coming into contact with a large boulder and having a polishable scratch in the clear coat. In the latter case, you cannot expect a new car. Sometimes you have to keep things in perspective.

ypg schrieb:

I’m reading an incredible number of contradictions here

You can also overdo it. Please just name one specific contradiction!?

ypg schrieb:

You won’t get evicted over property damage. That will be covered by liability insurance anyway... this comment only shows a lack of insight.

In what way does that show a lack of insight?? We have, in fact, received the eviction.
I didn’t take the time here to go over the entire history between us and our landlord because I wanted to focus on the one issue with the facade. The fact is the landlord has wanted to sell the house for some time and wants us out by any means. He hasn’t even properly examined the “damage” (which is on the facade of the first floor), but saw it from a distance and immediately included it in the eviction notice. He neither sought a conversation with us nor issued a formal warning.

ypg schrieb:

… Naivety can be rather explained by ignorance, but not by common sense.

Very philosophical and helpful...

ypg schrieb:

The nails damaged the 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inch) plaster. Plaster is essential for the building’s weatherproofing. Whether it’s two nails or a brick: damage is damage.

Damage is not damage. The question is also how extensive the repair is… whether it can be fixed easily or would require more elaborate work.