Hello everyone,
We have purchased a townhouse apartment from the developer, which is currently in the shell construction phase.
It turns out that our residential building was the first of three houses to be built, and for the entire ground floor, different bricks were used. Afterwards, they completely switched to new/different bricks for the remaining houses and upper floors. The reason for this is unknown to us.
As laypersons, we have noticed that the “old” bricks on the ground floor have so many small cracks in similar places that we are concerned whether this is still “normal.”
(Cracks marked in yellow)
Additionally, there are also 3-4 larger cracks (see example photo) that go completely through the bricks.
The “new” bricks look much better overall and have almost no cracks. It would be great to get an opinion from someone with more expertise than we have :-)
Many thanks in advance to everyone who responds!
We have purchased a townhouse apartment from the developer, which is currently in the shell construction phase.
It turns out that our residential building was the first of three houses to be built, and for the entire ground floor, different bricks were used. Afterwards, they completely switched to new/different bricks for the remaining houses and upper floors. The reason for this is unknown to us.
As laypersons, we have noticed that the “old” bricks on the ground floor have so many small cracks in similar places that we are concerned whether this is still “normal.”
Additionally, there are also 3-4 larger cracks (see example photo) that go completely through the bricks.
The “new” bricks look much better overall and have almost no cracks. It would be great to get an opinion from someone with more expertise than we have :-)
Many thanks in advance to everyone who responds!
My personal amateur opinion:
The cracks are not structurally relevant, and since the external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) provides the thermal insulation and the interior plaster ensures airtightness, I would assume: no problem.
But if you want to be sure, find a building expert you can ask these kinds of questions—it’s worth it.
And make it clear to your construction company that someone is watching. They will be much more thorough then.
The cracks are not structurally relevant, and since the external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) provides the thermal insulation and the interior plaster ensures airtightness, I would assume: no problem.
But if you want to be sure, find a building expert you can ask these kinds of questions—it’s worth it.
And make it clear to your construction company that someone is watching. They will be much more thorough then.
B
Bauexperte16 Feb 2016 12:14Cloud schrieb:
The "old" bricks on the ground floor now have so many small cracks in similar spots that, as non-experts, we are worried whether this is still "normal." First of all, you should keep in mind that no precision technicians are building your apartment; then you can also relax a bit.
From what I can see in the pictures, everything looks normal; the surfaces will still be filled and plastered. Hiring an expert is _always_ a good decision!
Regards, Bauexperte