ᐅ After installing the external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS), the roller shutters are rubbing against the housing.

Hello everyone,

The renovation of our small house is steadily progressing, and we are getting closer to moving in. Unfortunately, we have now encountered our first real setback—actually, the first problem that is causing me some real headache. Since the plasterer applied the external wall insulation system (ETICS), some of the roller shutter slats have started to rub against certain windows. Unfortunately, the entire house has already been fully plastered and painted. Here is a summary:

• New Schüco uPVC windows with Lakal roller shutter boxes
• Windows including the roller shutter boxes were installed flush with the exterior wall to avoid deep reveals after applying the ETICS
• To do this, the concrete sills were cut out, so the ETICS was applied directly onto the roller shutter boxes
• The plasterer used a transparent adhesive suitable for plastics (Powerfix?) and pressed and tapped firmly during installation, similar to applying facade adhesive
• The problem now: The ETICS adhesive pushes the roller shutter box inward in the middle (the wider the window, the worse), causing it to rub against the slats in some areas

Now the window installer and plasterer are somewhat half-heartedly blaming each other:

• The window installer says the plasterer damaged his work. When he left the site, the shutters did not rub, and the boxes were straight
• The plasterer, who is definitely a skilled company with continuous training and has otherwise done all work to our utmost satisfaction, says he has never seen this happen with ETICS before. I know he has insulated quite a few houses
• The plasterer complains that the window installer should at least have left a warning about this issue
• Technicians from Lakal were on site because a roller shutter motor was defective right after installation. They said it is common practice to wedge between the shutter slats and box when applying the ETICS to prevent deformation. According to the plasterer, he had never heard of this before

Can anyone tell me who is responsible for fixing this defect?
And does anyone know if there is a minimum clearance that should be maintained between the slats and the box?

Thanks and best regards from the Southwest Palatinate

Benjamin