ᐅ Facade Defect: Mortar Residue and Smudges – Is It a Deficiency or Not?
Created on: 3 Nov 2017 19:26
G
Guschi
Hello dear users,
as we are about to complete our construction soon and the final inspection is approaching, I would like to know if there is a defect or if, as is often said, it "falls within the tolerance range." Problem 1:
Our facade was built with an off-white joint using a smooth joint finish. Since there are different types of smooth finishes, we were not informed about this, and as laypeople we only knew it as "smooth." Unfortunately, no one asked us which type we preferred. Now we have a ridge-shaped joint, which we do not consider to be "smooth." Problem 2:
Since one side was built during driving rain, we ended up with a color variation of three different shades on our facade. The general contractor, together with the joint mortar manufacturer, tried to explain that the colors would even out over time and that the problem could be fixed by washing with an efflorescence remover. Two such washings have been done so far, but only minimal improvement is visible. Problem 3:
Furthermore, mortar residues and smears are clearly visible over the entire house facade.
The question now is: What should we do? Should we hire an expert or is this case clear and am I just being too picky?
as we are about to complete our construction soon and the final inspection is approaching, I would like to know if there is a defect or if, as is often said, it "falls within the tolerance range." Problem 1:
Our facade was built with an off-white joint using a smooth joint finish. Since there are different types of smooth finishes, we were not informed about this, and as laypeople we only knew it as "smooth." Unfortunately, no one asked us which type we preferred. Now we have a ridge-shaped joint, which we do not consider to be "smooth." Problem 2:
Since one side was built during driving rain, we ended up with a color variation of three different shades on our facade. The general contractor, together with the joint mortar manufacturer, tried to explain that the colors would even out over time and that the problem could be fixed by washing with an efflorescence remover. Two such washings have been done so far, but only minimal improvement is visible. Problem 3:
Furthermore, mortar residues and smears are clearly visible over the entire house facade.
The question now is: What should we do? Should we hire an expert or is this case clear and am I just being too picky?
W
winnetou783 Nov 2017 20:42I would say that with a standard flush joint finish, you would notice edges all around the bricks. And honestly, now it’s too late anyway. If they cut out the joints again, you don’t want the mess that comes with it.
As for the dirt, it doesn’t look too bad on the phone here. But as I said, acid washing doesn’t really work properly on these rough stones.
As for the dirt, it doesn’t look too bad on the phone here. But as I said, acid washing doesn’t really work properly on these rough stones.
That's right, acid washing is also prohibited. It may not look too bad in the photo, but when you stand in front of the facade, it appears poorly executed.
I have edges like this everywhere as well, but as I mentioned before, the damage is already done.
Here is another picture. I can't imagine that this is acceptable to live with.
I have edges like this everywhere as well, but as I mentioned before, the damage is already done.
Here is another picture. I can't imagine that this is acceptable to live with.
I can understand the frustration... even if a third party might think you are overreacting, as a homeowner you naturally take things seriously and rightly expect that work is done properly. Judging whether the stains are still within acceptable tolerance levels or already constitute a defect is difficult, and I believe even experts would not all agree on this issue (especially since such matters always involve a subjective element). But would there be any reason not to initially report this as a defect during the final inspection and see if the general contractor is reasonable and willing to offer a compromise? By the way, I find the stone really beautiful—may I ask what type it is?
The general contractor has already reluctantly tried to make improvements twice. I will, of course, declare this as a defect again during the final inspection. If necessary, an expert will have to step in as a mediator if no agreement is reached. Financial compensation would not be an ideal solution for me either, as I will have to live with it as a homeowner for the rest of my life.
Of course, the brick comes from Röben. Sand yellow multicolor!
Of course, the brick comes from Röben. Sand yellow multicolor!
Hmm, maybe we should reconsider the colored clay plaster from Röben after all 🙂. But would a repair even be feasible (meaning without having to replace the entire façade)? I was thinking that only financial compensation would be possible since all options seem to be exhausted...
According to the opinion of our general contractor and the companies Röben and Quickmix, it should be possible to brush it off, but so far this has not been successful, unfortunately. The next question would be the amount of compensation to be discussed. This would also have to be clarified by an expert. We will probably have to take this detour, as we do not expect our construction company to agree to make further efforts.
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