Dear forum members,
Since I couldn’t find any information through the search function (which somehow doesn’t work for me), I’m creating my first post.
A little about myself: I’m approaching 30 and live in a 3.5-room condominium apartment for rent in the Luzern countryside.
Now to my question:
Due to the floor area ratio, the stairwell was designed as an open space and the apartments were insulated facing the stairwell. The problem now is with the metal door frames: whenever the temperature difference between outside and inside becomes too large, condensation forms on the solid metal door frames, and a small accumulation of water forms on the floor every day. The door itself is wooden and well sealed, and the peephole and lock also develop some condensation, which I don’t mind as much.
I assume there are different types of metal door frames, right? I believe that ones intended for heated living spaces were installed, not those meant for open stairwells. The metal transfers the cold completely inside without any thermal break.
Can someone tell me what alternatives exist or what might have gone wrong?
I can’t provide more details about the installed components since I’m not an expert. Just to add: various other workmanship issues were caused during construction (by both the builders and the architect), so I’m not surprised by much anymore.
Thanks for your answers,
Greetings from the Luzern countryside
hunki
Since I couldn’t find any information through the search function (which somehow doesn’t work for me), I’m creating my first post.
A little about myself: I’m approaching 30 and live in a 3.5-room condominium apartment for rent in the Luzern countryside.
Now to my question:
Due to the floor area ratio, the stairwell was designed as an open space and the apartments were insulated facing the stairwell. The problem now is with the metal door frames: whenever the temperature difference between outside and inside becomes too large, condensation forms on the solid metal door frames, and a small accumulation of water forms on the floor every day. The door itself is wooden and well sealed, and the peephole and lock also develop some condensation, which I don’t mind as much.
I assume there are different types of metal door frames, right? I believe that ones intended for heated living spaces were installed, not those meant for open stairwells. The metal transfers the cold completely inside without any thermal break.
Can someone tell me what alternatives exist or what might have gone wrong?
I can’t provide more details about the installed components since I’m not an expert. Just to add: various other workmanship issues were caused during construction (by both the builders and the architect), so I’m not surprised by much anymore.
Thanks for your answers,
Greetings from the Luzern countryside
hunki
M
MODERATOR8 Feb 2012 11:19Hello hunki,
You are correct in suspecting that the wrong construction was chosen for the apartment doors. In your case, since it is the main entrance door, it should have an insulated frame rather than a traditional door jamb.
The condensation forming on the continuous jamb from the outside to the inside is normal from a building physics perspective, but over time it can damage the door.
Please explain the problem to your landlord, as it is their door that is being damaged; however, the landlord alone cannot make changes. This would need to be addressed by the landlord in coordination with the homeowners’ association.
You are correct in suspecting that the wrong construction was chosen for the apartment doors. In your case, since it is the main entrance door, it should have an insulated frame rather than a traditional door jamb.
The condensation forming on the continuous jamb from the outside to the inside is normal from a building physics perspective, but over time it can damage the door.
Please explain the problem to your landlord, as it is their door that is being damaged; however, the landlord alone cannot make changes. This would need to be addressed by the landlord in coordination with the homeowners’ association.
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