Hello everyone,
The topic of woodpeckers has already been discussed in the forum. However, from what I have read, the focus was mainly on how to get rid of the woodpeckers. I am now interested in whether there is a rough guideline on how much damage caused by woodpeckers affects the value of a property. In theory, the property value should decrease because the facade needs to be repeatedly repaired or replaced, or preventive measures have to be installed. Although it is not 100% guaranteed that these measures will be effective. Are there any experiences or data indicating by approximately how much percent a property value is reduced due to this issue?
Thank you.
The topic of woodpeckers has already been discussed in the forum. However, from what I have read, the focus was mainly on how to get rid of the woodpeckers. I am now interested in whether there is a rough guideline on how much damage caused by woodpeckers affects the value of a property. In theory, the property value should decrease because the facade needs to be repeatedly repaired or replaced, or preventive measures have to be installed. Although it is not 100% guaranteed that these measures will be effective. Are there any experiences or data indicating by approximately how much percent a property value is reduced due to this issue?
Thank you.
McStarProjekt schrieb:
But ultimately, the insulation no longer functions properly because the woodpecker apparently pecks right through to the actual wall. This creates a thermal bridge.We don’t know the year of construction, but for older houses, an energy certificate is usually issued, which can sometimes show thermal bridges.
P.S. I used to know, but not at the moment—isn’t a current energy certificate required for every property sale?
N
nordanney5 Nov 2015 15:43I would argue that woodpeckers have zero impact on property value. Woodpeckers come and go, just like all other animals.
Have you ever checked your garden to see if voles are damaging plants or ants undermining the patio?
If YOU believe there is an impact, then make an offer. But don’t be upset if another interested party is awarded the contract.
Have you ever checked your garden to see if voles are damaging plants or ants undermining the patio?
If YOU believe there is an impact, then make an offer. But don’t be upset if another interested party is awarded the contract.
M
McStarProjekt5 Nov 2015 15:56Yes, we won’t be annoyed 🙂.
However, ants and mice are not protected, while woodpeckers are. This means that if a hole is inhabited, it cannot be repaired during the breeding season. In that case, thermal insulation would be compromised, moisture could enter, etc.
From the perspective of just "woodpecker and hole," there may not be a direct reduction in value. But because of the "surroundings" and the fact that woodpeckers usually stay and do not leave (unless the woodpecker dies), and because pest control cannot be done right away, this situation is different from damaging plants. Plants are not part of the building structure.
However, ants and mice are not protected, while woodpeckers are. This means that if a hole is inhabited, it cannot be repaired during the breeding season. In that case, thermal insulation would be compromised, moisture could enter, etc.
From the perspective of just "woodpecker and hole," there may not be a direct reduction in value. But because of the "surroundings" and the fact that woodpeckers usually stay and do not leave (unless the woodpecker dies), and because pest control cannot be done right away, this situation is different from damaging plants. Plants are not part of the building structure.
McStarProjekt schrieb:
We were offered a property by an agent that a woodpecker currently seems to like as well 🙂 A slightly different thought on this:
You might want to consider the reason why the woodpecker is attracted to the property!
As far as I know, woodpeckers usually peck where they expect to find food. They don’t hammer just for fun.
Therefore, it is possible that the woodpecker itself is not the problem, but rather pests that may be living inside or beneath the masonry or timber framework.
M
McStarProjekt6 Nov 2015 14:31Hello,
thank you, that is also a good point.
Basically, I also suspect that the woodpecker damage is just a symptom, and the actual cause is something else. Either the food source or the insulation itself, which the woodpecker mistakes for a tree.
In any case, I have already received a preliminary quote for repairing the holes including protective measures, which would be around 7200 euros including VAT.
This does not take into account any possible consequential damage such as mold, moisture, etc., if the holes have been there for a longer time.
thank you, that is also a good point.
Basically, I also suspect that the woodpecker damage is just a symptom, and the actual cause is something else. Either the food source or the insulation itself, which the woodpecker mistakes for a tree.
In any case, I have already received a preliminary quote for repairing the holes including protective measures, which would be around 7200 euros including VAT.
This does not take into account any possible consequential damage such as mold, moisture, etc., if the holes have been there for a longer time.
The woodpecker likes the sound, so it starts pecking. The plaster layer on the polystyrene insulation is usually only a few millimeters thick, so it breaks through quickly. To my knowledge, even mesh-reinforced filler doesn't stop it. Once it gets inside, it has found a perfect nest, right? 😀 Insulated all around, with additional heat coming through a thermal bridge from the house—ideal conditions for nesting.
As a temporary measure, I’ve read about:
- an extra thick plaster layer and extra thick mesh filler, together at least 1 cm (0.4 inches)
- a very smooth plaster surface so it has no grip
What protective measure are you planning? I assume it’s something else since you mentioned a “device.”
In a recent NDR broadcast, they also mentioned mineral foam boards (similar to aerated concrete at the core), which are said not to sound hollow and to be less attractive to woodpeckers. Whether that’s true or not, I don’t know. But a complete replacement of the insulation is obviously an extreme solution. Another option might be installing a brick veneer. 😀
As a temporary measure, I’ve read about:
- an extra thick plaster layer and extra thick mesh filler, together at least 1 cm (0.4 inches)
- a very smooth plaster surface so it has no grip
What protective measure are you planning? I assume it’s something else since you mentioned a “device.”
In a recent NDR broadcast, they also mentioned mineral foam boards (similar to aerated concrete at the core), which are said not to sound hollow and to be less attractive to woodpeckers. Whether that’s true or not, I don’t know. But a complete replacement of the insulation is obviously an extreme solution. Another option might be installing a brick veneer. 😀
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