Butt joints, overlap measure, ...

Hello everyone,

During my absence, the ground floor was built last week and somehow I am not really satisfied with the execution of the whole thing.

There seems to be no exact standard regarding the permissible width of mortar joints, but they should at least be reduced to a minimum. To me as a layman, our masonry does not look like that. Furthermore, within one row of bricks, several split bricks were partially used. This leads to a somewhat "strange" looking masonry bond and, on the other hand, to an overlap dimension which, in my opinion, is not within the standard.

Last point: There is no horizontal barrier layer under the first row of bricks. My attentive neighbor already informed me about this last week, which is why I have already received feedback from the general contractor on this matter, although I now somewhat question it.
“It is correct that a barrier sheet must be applied under the first layer of bricks on floor slabs. However, we are above the basement here, and according to my knowledge, the DIN standard does not require a masonry barrier sheet in this case. On the one hand, these are not earth-contacting components, and on the other hand, in the transition area between the first row of bricks and the ceiling above the basement there is a vertical barrier layer applied. (Sealing slurry – insulation – base plaster).” There was also the note that the shell builder is very conscientious.

Since yesterday, I have had doubts especially about the last statement. I also talked over the weekend with several people from my circle of acquaintances who have built in recent years, and all of them had a barrier layer underneath and partially additionally on the first brick.

In the construction planning, it also looks to me as if a horizontal barrier layer under the first row of bricks is foreseen.

The building surveyor has been involved; nevertheless, I would appreciate additional opinions from independent third parties. Unfortunately, I only had my old phone with me yesterday, so the photos are not ideal, but I hope my concerns can still be recognized.

Best regards

I am glad that I finally read the note about your building expert. Because I believe that this is also where the understanding of builders who like to share their knowledge ends.

I am not a bricklayer either, but a builder and information-absorbing moderator: I cannot see any mistakes in the pictures of the Poroton brick walling. The adhesions seem completely normal to me (possibly untidy to a complete layman?), there is offset, and I have seen much worse adhesions in photos, which were also normal – not to mention broken corners and edges. I believe that laypeople overestimate the neatness of the joints far too much, even though these disappear in the plaster.

I hope the expert sees it the same way and look forward to hearing from you when the expert has been with you.
Good luck continued wishes Yvonne

In the workshop planning, it also appears to me that a horizontal barrier layer is intended under the first row of stones.

I see it the same way. Please report what the expert says about it! Apparently, there is a deviation from the plan. Now the question is whether dismantling and rebuilding are necessary, or if it can stay as it is. By the way, I find the wall itself completely fine! The rest, especially the tightness, will be done later by the plaster.