ᐅ Water Stain on Wall: Suspected Thermal Bridge. How to Proceed?
Created on: 12 May 2016 11:08
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fraubauer
Good day.
During an inspection in spring, when it was very cold outside and the interior was heated, I noticed a kind of water stain on the wall next to the balcony door.
Above this is a roof terrace.
Now, I (and others) suspect that there is a thermal bridge here.
I reported this to the builder verbally, and their only response was “there is nothing there.”
Now that the weather is warm, the stain has naturally disappeared.
I expect it will probably reappear next winter.
I would like to note this reservation in the handover protocol.
What are your thoughts on this?
An expert can only come to the site at handover.
However, they probably won’t see anything since everything is now covered up.
It can only be measured when it is cold outside and well heated inside, which means in winter.
Thank you very much for your help.
erika
During an inspection in spring, when it was very cold outside and the interior was heated, I noticed a kind of water stain on the wall next to the balcony door.
Above this is a roof terrace.
Now, I (and others) suspect that there is a thermal bridge here.
I reported this to the builder verbally, and their only response was “there is nothing there.”
Now that the weather is warm, the stain has naturally disappeared.
I expect it will probably reappear next winter.
I would like to note this reservation in the handover protocol.
What are your thoughts on this?
An expert can only come to the site at handover.
However, they probably won’t see anything since everything is now covered up.
It can only be measured when it is cold outside and well heated inside, which means in winter.
Thank you very much for your help.
erika
B
Bauexperte13 May 2016 00:00Here are some more posts from another thread that relate to this topic:
@BeHaElJa - 9:18 AM:
Thermal bridge? Sounds more like inadequate sealing – I don’t think condensation would occur there (but I’m not an expert either).
Is anything stated about acceptance in the contract? I believe ownership only transfers at handover with the developer, right? Then the initial appointment would be voluntary.
Defects that are hidden – and that certainly includes errors like thermal bridges or sealing issues – are, as far as I know, not considered accepted even if they haven’t been reported.
But again, I’m just an amateur.
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@Bieber0815 - 10:19 PM:
If you suspect a defect, you should send a formal defect notification to the builder before acceptance. There are templates online; if in doubt, you really need to hire someone knowledgeable. In short, describe the defect briefly and request that the builder remedies it. Send this by registered mail with proof of delivery (for evidence purposes later on, if needed).
It’s not nice that you’re not allowed to bring anyone with you for the preliminary inspection, but the builder has the house rules. Whether it is legal to deny you the inspection, I can’t say. If installments are requested, you should have the right to verify the construction progress, and of course, you can hire a third party for that. ==> Consult a construction law specialist.
Overall, this sounds very stressful. Invest around 1000 euros and consult a specialist lawyer for construction law (bring all contracts and documents) for advice (call ahead and ask about the cost for an initial consultation or contract review). The lawyer can also recommend an expert who will review the building specifications with you and accompany you on the preliminary inspection. You then carry out the acceptance with the lawyer’s support.
Do you have contact with other buyers? Is there already a property manager?
Make sure to get legal advice before potentially accepting common property!
@BeHaElJa - 9:18 AM:
Thermal bridge? Sounds more like inadequate sealing – I don’t think condensation would occur there (but I’m not an expert either).
Is anything stated about acceptance in the contract? I believe ownership only transfers at handover with the developer, right? Then the initial appointment would be voluntary.
Defects that are hidden – and that certainly includes errors like thermal bridges or sealing issues – are, as far as I know, not considered accepted even if they haven’t been reported.
But again, I’m just an amateur.
--------------------------
@Bieber0815 - 10:19 PM:
If you suspect a defect, you should send a formal defect notification to the builder before acceptance. There are templates online; if in doubt, you really need to hire someone knowledgeable. In short, describe the defect briefly and request that the builder remedies it. Send this by registered mail with proof of delivery (for evidence purposes later on, if needed).
It’s not nice that you’re not allowed to bring anyone with you for the preliminary inspection, but the builder has the house rules. Whether it is legal to deny you the inspection, I can’t say. If installments are requested, you should have the right to verify the construction progress, and of course, you can hire a third party for that. ==> Consult a construction law specialist.
Overall, this sounds very stressful. Invest around 1000 euros and consult a specialist lawyer for construction law (bring all contracts and documents) for advice (call ahead and ask about the cost for an initial consultation or contract review). The lawyer can also recommend an expert who will review the building specifications with you and accompany you on the preliminary inspection. You then carry out the acceptance with the lawyer’s support.
Do you have contact with other buyers? Is there already a property manager?
Make sure to get legal advice before potentially accepting common property!
blockhauspower13 May 2016 06:49Was it really a water stain, or perhaps just plaster that hadn’t fully dried because of a sinter layer?
A photo would have been helpful.
A photo would have been helpful.
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fraubauer13 May 2016 10:33blockhauspower schrieb:
Was it really a water stain, or perhaps just plaster that hadn’t fully dried due to a sinter layer?
A photo would have been helpful.Hello.
Attached is the photo. Not much can be seen here. The stain was more visible on site.
Regards
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fraubauer13 May 2016 10:34Ulrich Fuckert schrieb:
That is not entirely correct. Based on the structural component design, you can only show what was planned. What was actually executed is a completely different matter. If everything that was planned was always carried out, fewer experts would be needed.
Thermal bridges can, however, only be effectively detected during the cold season. Then, as an expert, you can determine whether there is a defect by measuring surface temperatures.Hello.
Thanks for the information.
Would it therefore be sufficient to report a possible thermal bridge or similar only during the warranty period when the problem occurs?
Or is it better to raise concerns beforehand, for example before final acceptance, based on suspicion?
Thank you.
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