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?
K
kkk2727296 Nov 2017 08:18Especially when grouting immediately ("grouting in the plastic"), there is a much higher risk of staining because the consistency of the mortar for the outer wall is much more plastic compared to grouting done afterward. In the latter case, the consistency is more chalky.
In my case, grouting was done immediately as well. Here, it is called "grouting with a hose." A piece of garden hose is used to shape the joint.
Different joint colors can also result from varying mix ratios of water and outer wall mortar. This needs to be done quite precisely.
Attached is a photo of a wall grouted with a hose. The joint is set slightly recessed, which gives the brick a more rustic appearance.
In my case, grouting was done immediately as well. Here, it is called "grouting with a hose." A piece of garden hose is used to shape the joint.
Different joint colors can also result from varying mix ratios of water and outer wall mortar. This needs to be done quite precisely.
Attached is a photo of a wall grouted with a hose. The joint is set slightly recessed, which gives the brick a more rustic appearance.