Hello everyone!
At the beginning of April, construction of our semi-detached house finally started 😉
So far, so good.
We are building with solid construction, and since last week the basement walls are up. The basement exterior walls are made of prefabricated double walls, and the joints were fully sealed with waterproof concrete during the pouring process. And here comes my question/uncertainty. The gap between the basement wall and the floor slab is not completely sealed everywhere (see pictures). Because we have very high groundwater, the construction company has additionally sealed this area with bitumen and waterproof membrane on their own initiative. We also have a joint flashing, which is said to make it watertight now.
Although our architect is moving right next door, you never know.
At the two semi-detached houses next to us (same construction company and architect) everything is completely sealed...
Do we already have our first construction defect here?
I appreciate any help!
At the beginning of April, construction of our semi-detached house finally started 😉
So far, so good.
We are building with solid construction, and since last week the basement walls are up. The basement exterior walls are made of prefabricated double walls, and the joints were fully sealed with waterproof concrete during the pouring process. And here comes my question/uncertainty. The gap between the basement wall and the floor slab is not completely sealed everywhere (see pictures). Because we have very high groundwater, the construction company has additionally sealed this area with bitumen and waterproof membrane on their own initiative. We also have a joint flashing, which is said to make it watertight now.
Although our architect is moving right next door, you never know.
At the two semi-detached houses next to us (same construction company and architect) everything is completely sealed...
Do we already have our first construction defect here?
I appreciate any help!
H
Häuslebauer8215 May 2016 22:44Not exactly level with the basement walls, but close enough.
And yes! That’s the gravel from the concrete.
The black coating is supposed to provide a waterproof seal now. However, I’m feeling quite uncertain at this point.
Where can one find a reliable building inspector or expert?
And yes! That’s the gravel from the concrete.
The black coating is supposed to provide a waterproof seal now. However, I’m feeling quite uncertain at this point.
Where can one find a reliable building inspector or expert?
A
alter002916 May 2016 18:11You could, for example, inquire with the Building Owners' Protection Association.
A
alter002916 May 2016 18:12There is also the Federal Association of German Building Surveyors
A
alter00294 Jul 2016 16:01Today, our foundation slab was poured. On this occasion, I asked one of the workers about the issue you described and what solutions are available. He told me that these are gravel pockets, which occur when the concrete is not properly compacted. The only truly reliable solution is to seal them using a special synthetic resin that is injected under high pressure into the joints from the inside. The cost is roughly around 20,000 € (about 22,000 USD). However, this information is second-hand.
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