ᐅ Martens in the roof space of a new build? Construction defect?
Created on: 26 Jan 2016 15:17
K
kklaus
Hello everyone,
We have been living in our own home, a mid-terrace house, since summer 2014. Our problem is a marten. We have had this marten issue since the first winter after moving in (2014). At first, we couldn’t identify it—just some scratching and rummaging noises under the sloped ceiling in our daughter’s room, and then nothing for a long time. Last autumn (2015), it happened a few times again, as if something was about to claw through the drywall and OSB panels. That’s when we started researching and concluded that it must be a marten. It appeared again just yesterday.
Reading reports online, this unwanted visitor can cause a lot of damage, and I don’t even want to imagine what the insulation looks like now and how many carcasses have decomposed there! All suggestions for repelling martens using "smells" that need to be placed regularly nearby won’t work for us because the marten moves in an area under the tiles within the insulation, which we cannot access. We also don’t have an attic; it has been converted and now houses the heat recovery unit. Our neighbors don’t have this problem—or don’t notice it—but we are the only ones with dormer windows on the roof, and I imagine this might make it easier or even enable the marten to enter.
Shouldn’t a new house be built in a way that keeps unwanted guests out?
What options do we have with our builder, who casually says that we first have to prove there is a building defect or damage they are responsible for?
Who establishes or can handle this chain of evidence for us?
Would legal expenses insurance and then a lawyer help?
I don’t have the funds at hand to quickly erect scaffolding and hire tradespeople to repair everything and secure the house against re-entry and/or collect evidence.
I have already spoken with building experts, but they are not familiar with these kinds of problems and refer me to pest control or the forestry office. However, martens are protected by conservation laws, and if one is removed, another will come. Also, pest control services are costly, especially since the animal is not regularly present, and this is a building with five units and many access points to the roof for the marten, which certainly increases the expense. Setting traps, inspections, questioning neighbors—who knows?
Help, what should I do, how should I proceed? Something needs to be done!!
Best regards,
Klaus
We have been living in our own home, a mid-terrace house, since summer 2014. Our problem is a marten. We have had this marten issue since the first winter after moving in (2014). At first, we couldn’t identify it—just some scratching and rummaging noises under the sloped ceiling in our daughter’s room, and then nothing for a long time. Last autumn (2015), it happened a few times again, as if something was about to claw through the drywall and OSB panels. That’s when we started researching and concluded that it must be a marten. It appeared again just yesterday.
Reading reports online, this unwanted visitor can cause a lot of damage, and I don’t even want to imagine what the insulation looks like now and how many carcasses have decomposed there! All suggestions for repelling martens using "smells" that need to be placed regularly nearby won’t work for us because the marten moves in an area under the tiles within the insulation, which we cannot access. We also don’t have an attic; it has been converted and now houses the heat recovery unit. Our neighbors don’t have this problem—or don’t notice it—but we are the only ones with dormer windows on the roof, and I imagine this might make it easier or even enable the marten to enter.
Shouldn’t a new house be built in a way that keeps unwanted guests out?
What options do we have with our builder, who casually says that we first have to prove there is a building defect or damage they are responsible for?
Who establishes or can handle this chain of evidence for us?
Would legal expenses insurance and then a lawyer help?
I don’t have the funds at hand to quickly erect scaffolding and hire tradespeople to repair everything and secure the house against re-entry and/or collect evidence.
I have already spoken with building experts, but they are not familiar with these kinds of problems and refer me to pest control or the forestry office. However, martens are protected by conservation laws, and if one is removed, another will come. Also, pest control services are costly, especially since the animal is not regularly present, and this is a building with five units and many access points to the roof for the marten, which certainly increases the expense. Setting traps, inspections, questioning neighbors—who knows?
Help, what should I do, how should I proceed? Something needs to be done!!
Best regards,
Klaus
EveundGerd27 Jan 2016 10:14Musketier schrieb:
This matter is settled. Klaus is no longer among the forum users. The admin has made the decision.I guess I was too late.
No, it does make sense to summarize the constructive suggestions here again. Maybe the OP is still following the thread...
In summary, in my opinion:
- Check where the animal (or whatever got in) entered
- See if there is a gap that can be sealed
- Possibly have a roofer take a look
- Consult a forester
In summary, in my opinion:
- Check where the animal (or whatever got in) entered
- See if there is a gap that can be sealed
- Possibly have a roofer take a look
- Consult a forester
B
Bauexperte27 Jan 2016 12:28Hello,
Many factors contributed here that justified the temporary ban of the original poster; if I had been online at that time yesterday, the OP would not have gotten away with it either. And no, "loan shark" is not an acceptable professional term for a bank clerk. Not every bank clerk is automatically an exploiter or usurer, which roughly corresponds to the meaning of "loan shark."
Do they really have to? I see respectful interaction—especially online—steadily declining; the internet is anonymous, and manners are, in my opinion, a relic of face-to-face communication. Spiegel Online recently published an interesting article on this subject.
With your opinion, you are in growing company these days. A critical examination is lacking; instead,—as in your response—the scapegoat is defended. Or how do you define "cyberbullying in the forum"?
Yes, certainly there are worse annoyances; however, this does not mean that mutual respect may be lacking here when weighed against each other. This forum is growing steadily; I firmly believe this is also due to the general tone of this forum. As a rule, everyone is expected to follow the netiquette; if you do not like that, you are welcome to reflect on your behavior here or kindly take your virtual hat and leave.
Best regards, Bauexperte
arubau36 schrieb:
Isn't that the professional term "bank clerk"? After all, they want to "sell" something to their customers, right?
Many factors contributed here that justified the temporary ban of the original poster; if I had been online at that time yesterday, the OP would not have gotten away with it either. And no, "loan shark" is not an acceptable professional term for a bank clerk. Not every bank clerk is automatically an exploiter or usurer, which roughly corresponds to the meaning of "loan shark."
arubau36 schrieb:
Well, insults depend on the perspective of the person receiving them...
Do they really have to? I see respectful interaction—especially online—steadily declining; the internet is anonymous, and manners are, in my opinion, a relic of face-to-face communication. Spiegel Online recently published an interesting article on this subject.
arubau36 schrieb:
There are worse things... if the actual topic is no longer the focus here, I tend to think this thread belongs more in "Cyberbullying in the forum"... that is my opinion.
With your opinion, you are in growing company these days. A critical examination is lacking; instead,—as in your response—the scapegoat is defended. Or how do you define "cyberbullying in the forum"?
Yes, certainly there are worse annoyances; however, this does not mean that mutual respect may be lacking here when weighed against each other. This forum is growing steadily; I firmly believe this is also due to the general tone of this forum. As a rule, everyone is expected to follow the netiquette; if you do not like that, you are welcome to reflect on your behavior here or kindly take your virtual hat and leave.
Best regards, Bauexperte
My final comment on this thread: This is a house building forum, and everyone should be taken seriously, even if questions are repeated several times. I also wouldn’t get emotionally involved so quickly… how often do we hear about relationships online, despite never having met in person, or bullying on Facebook, and so on. To me, calling someone a "money shark" is actually the mildest form… well, luckily I don’t know any of you personally—that’s what the internet is for: not having to look someone in the face and be confronted with the truth. Oh, how close relationships on the internet can be…
Also great that there are good tips for dealing with the marten problem. I wish “Klaus” much success and goodbye… I’m going to spend some time around real people now.
Also great that there are good tips for dealing with the marten problem. I wish “Klaus” much success and goodbye… I’m going to spend some time around real people now.
B
Bauexperte28 Jan 2016 00:42@arubau36
I'm sorry, but I really don't understand what you are trying to tell me. Could you please help me get a better idea?
Regards, Bauexperte
I'm sorry, but I really don't understand what you are trying to tell me. Could you please help me get a better idea?
Regards, Bauexperte
arubau36 schrieb:
My last comment on this thread: This is a home building forum, and everyone should be taken seriously,The original poster was taken seriously from the beginning.
The first comparison with the pigeons just means: "That’s how it is with nature. When a wild animal causes damage (in any form), you can’t immediately blame the builder. Whether it’s pigeons (probably causing the least damage), woodpeckers, or martens."
He probably wouldn’t hold his car manufacturer responsible if a marten wreaked havoc in the engine compartment, either.
arubau36 schrieb:
… and in my opinion, calling someone a ‘loan shark’ is the milder form… well… luckily I don’t know any of you personally… that’s what the internet is for… just don’t look someone in the face and be confronted with the truth.Personally, as a banker, I also found the term ‘loan shark’ offensive. That term is inherently negative and describes someone who is ruthless for money. I believe it is an insult.
Do you think the cashier at the register is raking in millions? Or the person handling your loan? Or the controller, accountant, risk management employee, payment processing staff, back office employee, etc.?
I also get annoyed when people generalize and say ALL bankers earn millions and throw extravagant parties. The reason I’m bothered by that: it is a small minority of investment bankers (and only a small part of those) who earn millions and have such parties. Every “normal” banker shakes their head in disbelief and could throw up—because they also find that unacceptable and don’t want to be lumped together with them.
It’s the same as when all home builders are portrayed as scammers, or every doctor is labeled a quack who keeps making malpractice errors. Every IT professional is a hacker, and every baker puts sawdust in the dough.
Lastly:
If you met @nordanney in person and looked him in the face, you would probably meet a nice person with whom you could have a good conversation.
Take a look at the number of his posts here and the amount of support he receives. In my opinion, that shows he is actively engaged and tries to offer help whenever possible. He has not displayed any provocative or insulting behavior here.
However, I agree with you on one point: eventually, the discussion should return to the original question—if participants still want to continue.