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itsmemario12 Nov 2015 14:20Hello,
I have done quite a bit of research online and understand that this is a quite difficult topic.
Often, you have to seal these cracks yourself, or the painter/joiner uses flexible joint tape so that when the materials expand or contract, the cracks are concealed as much as possible.
Sometimes, however, a contract explicitly excludes these types of "repairs."
Our contract states that we are responsible for sealing the "gaps between the pitched roof and the masonry" ourselves.
However, the wall where the drywall panels of the pitched roof meet is also made of wood—not masonry. Would this possibly increase our chances of having repairs done?
The final inspection/key handover was over 2 months ago. The cracks started to appear about 2 weeks ago.
We were informed that so-called settlement cracks could occur and that there was no need to panic immediately.
The cracks look like this: approximately 1mm (0.04 inches) wide, zigzag-shaped, extending across the entire slope (1.80m (5 feet 11 inches)), continuing over the windows. They appear in all four rooms bordering the exterior wall, including bathrooms and bedrooms. Sometimes they are broken up and range from 30cm (12 inches) to 120cm (47 inches) long. They are still "growing."
Before I write a letter, I would like to gather some experiences and information.
1.) Is this acceptable? Are these cracks within acceptable limits (according to DIN standards)?
2.) The contractual clause “between pitched roof and masonry” would only apply to masonry, right?
3.) Is there perhaps a template letter available for these kinds of “cracks”?
4.) There are also cracks forming in the plaster on the ground floor—around windows, doorways, and above the terrace door. Fortunately, these are not yet 1mm (0.04 inches) wide and can only be seen clearly from a distance of about 1-2m (3-6 feet) so far.
Thanks in advance.
I have done quite a bit of research online and understand that this is a quite difficult topic.
Often, you have to seal these cracks yourself, or the painter/joiner uses flexible joint tape so that when the materials expand or contract, the cracks are concealed as much as possible.
Sometimes, however, a contract explicitly excludes these types of "repairs."
Our contract states that we are responsible for sealing the "gaps between the pitched roof and the masonry" ourselves.
However, the wall where the drywall panels of the pitched roof meet is also made of wood—not masonry. Would this possibly increase our chances of having repairs done?
The final inspection/key handover was over 2 months ago. The cracks started to appear about 2 weeks ago.
We were informed that so-called settlement cracks could occur and that there was no need to panic immediately.
The cracks look like this: approximately 1mm (0.04 inches) wide, zigzag-shaped, extending across the entire slope (1.80m (5 feet 11 inches)), continuing over the windows. They appear in all four rooms bordering the exterior wall, including bathrooms and bedrooms. Sometimes they are broken up and range from 30cm (12 inches) to 120cm (47 inches) long. They are still "growing."
Before I write a letter, I would like to gather some experiences and information.
1.) Is this acceptable? Are these cracks within acceptable limits (according to DIN standards)?
2.) The contractual clause “between pitched roof and masonry” would only apply to masonry, right?
3.) Is there perhaps a template letter available for these kinds of “cracks”?
4.) There are also cracks forming in the plaster on the ground floor—around windows, doorways, and above the terrace door. Fortunately, these are not yet 1mm (0.04 inches) wide and can only be seen clearly from a distance of about 1-2m (3-6 feet) so far.
Thanks in advance.
Hello,
according to our architect, these cracks are normal and will likely appear in a few other areas over the next few months. Our builder has specifically included in the contract that these cracks will be repaired under the warranty after 1 to 2 years.
A masonry structure usually consists of bricks or blocks, but here – at least to me – it is quite clear what is meant. Therefore, I think your chances are rather slim.
That should clear everything up anyway.
according to our architect, these cracks are normal and will likely appear in a few other areas over the next few months. Our builder has specifically included in the contract that these cracks will be repaired under the warranty after 1 to 2 years.
A masonry structure usually consists of bricks or blocks, but here – at least to me – it is quite clear what is meant. Therefore, I think your chances are rather slim.
itsmemario schrieb:
Our contract states that you are responsible for sealing the "gaps between the roof slope and the masonry."
...
We were of course informed that so-called settlement cracks might form and that there is no need to panic right away.
That should clear everything up anyway.
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