ᐅ Balcony support beam rotted after 9 years

Created on: 18 Nov 2017 10:19
R
Roswitha
Hello, we moved into our newly built prefabricated house in May 2008.
In 2012, the step plates and window sills were replaced because they did not meet EU standards. During this work, parts of the plaster were removed and rotted wood was sanded down. Upstairs, there is a small, narrow balcony supported by joists that extend from the house. These joists are now completely rotted. The balcony is no longer usable. Is this considered a hidden defect, and is there anything that can still be done? According to an expert report, the sealing tapes were installed too far inward. The expert was able to tear off one joist by hand because it was so rotten. What can we do now?
Best regards,
Roswitha
Y
ypg
19 Nov 2017 18:47
I would also be interested in a photo. Is it a Swedish-style house or something similar?
H
HilfeHilfe
20 Nov 2017 08:18
Here, consulting a lawyer is recommended, although my common sense says; NO CHANCE.

I would first try to get a coverage commitment. If nothing comes of that and the lawyer becomes uncertain during the initial consultation, I would drop it.

Do you know approximately how much new support beams would cost?

Is a legal dispute proportionate to the work needed?

Sometimes, you have to be able to move on.
R
Roswitha
20 Nov 2017 11:15
Hello, unfortunately I can’t upload the photos because they are too large. I need to figure out how to do that. The living room ceiling on the ground floor needs to be opened up to see how far the beams have rotted inside. Whether anything can still be done besides removing them is questionable. There is now a large hole in the plaster because the beam has been broken out.

The written expert report is coming soon, and then we will discuss the issue with the builder. I have no idea how things will proceed from here. The repairs can only be carried out in spring.
R
Roswitha
20 Nov 2017 11:19
Now you can see this on the mentioned beam.
The metal plate was placed directly on the wood, without any roofing felt.
This can also be clearly seen on the other beam.

Beschädigter Holzbalken am Balkon mit Baumängel und Feuchtigkeit.
N
Nordlys
20 Nov 2017 12:34
For the future, you absolutely need to protect the wood. It is completely untreated. Take a look at Remmers construction protection products. These are reliable and available throughout Germany.
B
baumann42
20 Nov 2017 14:47
That should have been addressed years ago. A house always requires ongoing maintenance; otherwise, it deteriorates quickly and becomes expensive. It’s better to regularly monitor the condition instead of complaining afterward.....