Cracks in plaster facade WDVS (expansion joints?)

No, from the inside to the outside. So first bitumen, then insulation, then plaster! I had another appointment with the builder today. The fourth one, and he didn’t show up again... But the expert was there. The new problem: compressible tapes are also missing between the baseboard and the plaster (so between the projection (horizontal)). Great! A thermal bridge can form there. Also, these compressible tapes are missing on the plastering strips (windows, front door). You could look inside there since the gaps are quite large. However, he could not explain the detachments either. The OSB boards behind look dry. According to the level, the windows and plaster are also straight, nothing crooked! With the step, you would have had to go a little deeper, said the expert. My fault! But as I said: partly no compressible tapes, the other window, where there are no detachments, has these tapes! Probably installation error???

Something must be causing the detachment. The OSB boards are somewhat moisture-resistant. But they cannot tolerate permanent moisture either.

Again: Was the sealing done only up to the top edge of the foundation slab? And were the base rails for the ETICS screwed onto the lowest edge of the timber formwork/OSB boards? So they are not within the sealing area?
Is there a sealing tape between the perimeter slab and the base rail? (Check underneath, especially at the floor-level window to see if there are any open gaps, also check all around.) If there is nothing in there, splashing water can penetrate the gap and reach the OSB board at the end of the base rail.

Yes, the entrance area should have been lower. You should have sealed it like a terrace or balcony and created a sealing upstand on the wall (Flat Roof Guideline!)

Hopegro

No, the sealing definitely goes onto the OSB board on top! However, I no longer know how high. I was still able to see it back then. The joint sealing tape is missing between the perimeter insulation and the base. The expert noticed that today... Can I still do something retroactively in the area of the entrance door?

No, the sealing definitely goes onto the OSB board underneath!

Well, at least some good news...

Proper sealing according to DIN is not possible afterwards without dismantling. With a certain residual risk, you can seal the joint between tile/EPS insulation system/door threshold with weather-resistant, outdoor-suitable construction silicone (please use branded silicone from a specialist building materials store). Do not do this now (too cold, too humid), but wait until spring, during an extended dry period.

Moisture penetration through the tile joints should not reach the OSB boards, as the vertical sealing, as you say, has been carried up to the OSB boards here.

Hopegro

Well, at least some good news...

A proper sealing according to DIN standards is not possible afterwards without dismantling. With a certain residual risk, you can seal the joint between tile/ETICS/door threshold with weather-resistant construction silicone suitable for outdoor use (please use branded silicone from a building materials specialist retailer). Do not do it now (too cold, too humid), but wait until spring during a longer dry period.

The moisture ingress through the tile joints should not reach the OSB boards, as the vertical sealing, as you say, extends up to the OSB boards.

Hopegro

Well, in the entrance area I am therefore directly flush with the sealing. And if, as of now, there aren't even joint sealing tapes installed. That's not great. I am considering whether I should save myself the cost of an expert (court procedure) and instead have an offer made to me by a competent specialist company that will give it their best... The sealing between the plinth and the facade, i.e. the joint sealing tape that is not present in our case, can surely be replaced with approved systems (whichever ones)... There is definitely a gap there that could be filled. I could kick the painter’s ass. And now they’re even ignoring it, despite the warranty!

Hello Zeus,

how large is the gap? (mm) Is it relatively even around the house? (I mean the one between the perimeter insulation and the base rail...) Could you maybe take a close-up photo over the weekend.

You are wavering between an expert/court/litigation process to enforce the warranty or commissioning a specialist company.

Would there still be a third option: Do it yourself – if you don’t have two left hands...

Hello and Happy New Year!

Sorry for the late reply. Had a lot to do!

The gap is about 5mm wide, but not continuous. That means it is (so far) only at two spots over a length of about 30-40cm. Otherwise, the perimeter insulation (base) is everywhere attached to the ETICS or no gap is visible (plastered over?). I sent a letter (deficiency complaint created by the expert) to the company between the holidays. However, the deadline they had for a response, until January 9th, was not met. So an answer is still pending. However, the letter was received (return receipt).
Now I probably can only get in contact with a lawyer?
I might also be able to handle it myself, but I don’t know what can be done in the area of the windows. There is a plastering strip there, but no compressible sealing tape is visible or palpable. So rainwater can penetrate between the OSB board and the ETICS...
The gap between the base and the ETICS could possibly be foamed (e.g. construction foam?).
Regards