Chemical odor from the exterior wall

Hello everyone,

we built a year ago. In one room, we noticed a chemical smell shortly after moving in.
We have now found out that the smell comes from the lowest row of bricks (hollow chamber bricks). It is an exterior wall.
First, we removed the plaster. This did not help. Then we drilled holes. This made the smell stronger.
The insulation was also removed from the outside at that spot. No smell is noticeable there.
The smell was also confirmed by an air analysis. Toxins were detected.
We just cannot pinpoint where the smell is coming from. Some wrong material must have been used somewhere.
Maybe someone has an idea or has experienced something similar.

Attached is also a photo of the spot.



Thanks

Best regards

Mark

We just can't pinpoint where the smell is coming from.

Is that your job? You still have a warranty and the right to file a complaint about defects.

The smell was also confirmed by an air analysis. Toxins were detected.

Oh dear, I also have a room that smells strange and I have no idea what it is. How did you come up with the idea to drill holes down there???

What was detected in your case? Which toxin? What concentration?

I mean, you have already proven through the holes that there is a problem with the wall. If the smell is coming from the hole, then open one of the holes further and check what is going on. The type of toxin should also provide clues.

Hello,

thank you for your quick responses. The builder and the construction supervisor are all very committed to solving the issue. However, since it seems very rare, I hope that someone here has experienced it before. The plan is also to enlarge one of the holes in the wall. We just don't want to damage the house too much.

The issue with the substances could be anything. Paint, sealant, etc.

So, feel free to share more ideas.

Best regards

Mark

What kind of wall construction do you have? Ideally the complete list of all layers and materials from inside to outside

What kind of wall structure do you have? Preferably the complete list of all layers and materials from inside to outside

From inside to outside:
Gypsum plaster - hollow chamber brick, several layers of plaster.
The brick rests on the floor slab. The floor slab has been treated at that spot with a primer and then there is a bitumen membrane and then the brick.

The brick itself protrudes slightly above the floor slab and is plastered from below. Insulation is attached from below to the protrusion.

The exterior insulation was removed; there is no smell there. We have also already removed screed and one can see the bitumen membrane. There is no smell there either. It is directly in the stone.

Best regards

Mark