powerofbeef
2017-07-02 22:22:07
- #1
Hello everyone,
My wife and I had a roof terrace built above our garage. In total, three companies were involved in the work. The roof terrace has a slope towards the middle with a drain and an emergency drain.
The following problem: the terrace was sealed on top with a diffusion-tight waterproofing. Blisters have formed in the area of the drain. We contacted the company that installed the top waterproofing. The blisters were cut open and moisture was found in the screed. We explained the situation to the company that installed the drain, as it is suspected that the drain is leaking. The area around the drain was broke open and a new drain was installed after a few days. The company taped the open area with foil and aluminum tape to prevent moisture from entering the open area. Afterwards, a leak test was conducted.
Then the screed installer was hired, who also installed the screed. The open hole was filled with epoxy resin. We asked the screed installer whether the resin was watertight or whether the area needed to be sealed, as the company responsible for the top waterproofing had time in the following days. We were told that the resin hardens within two hours and cures after 24 hours. It was very warm on those days and the resin was hard the next day. After a few days, it rained overnight and for half a day. My wife noticed that we had a water stain in the stairwell. The stain kept getting bigger. The stairwell adjoins the roof terrace. We now also have a damp area in the heating room. We immediately suspected that the epoxy resin was not watertight after all.
We have a screed installer among our friends, whom we asked for advice. The specialist company that installed the screed on the terrace did not waterproof underneath the screed. Our invoice states that waterproofing was installed. Together with our acquaintance, I looked at the photos I took during the installation of the screed. The company simply installed a bitumen sheet (Erika or Katja) under the screed, then laid a thin PE foil on top, and then installed the screed. That can hardly be waterproofing for a terrace, right? We called the company and explained the situation. So far, they are not acknowledging any fault. Yesterday, I sent a notice of defects by registered mail to the company.
My questions are as follows:
I think the company has two options: remediate (remove screed, waterproof, reinstall screed) or refund the money and restore the original state. But who will reimburse us for the top waterproofing? Approximately €15,000 have been invested here. I assume there will be a legal dispute. What are the chances of winning?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
My wife and I had a roof terrace built above our garage. In total, three companies were involved in the work. The roof terrace has a slope towards the middle with a drain and an emergency drain.
The following problem: the terrace was sealed on top with a diffusion-tight waterproofing. Blisters have formed in the area of the drain. We contacted the company that installed the top waterproofing. The blisters were cut open and moisture was found in the screed. We explained the situation to the company that installed the drain, as it is suspected that the drain is leaking. The area around the drain was broke open and a new drain was installed after a few days. The company taped the open area with foil and aluminum tape to prevent moisture from entering the open area. Afterwards, a leak test was conducted.
Then the screed installer was hired, who also installed the screed. The open hole was filled with epoxy resin. We asked the screed installer whether the resin was watertight or whether the area needed to be sealed, as the company responsible for the top waterproofing had time in the following days. We were told that the resin hardens within two hours and cures after 24 hours. It was very warm on those days and the resin was hard the next day. After a few days, it rained overnight and for half a day. My wife noticed that we had a water stain in the stairwell. The stain kept getting bigger. The stairwell adjoins the roof terrace. We now also have a damp area in the heating room. We immediately suspected that the epoxy resin was not watertight after all.
We have a screed installer among our friends, whom we asked for advice. The specialist company that installed the screed on the terrace did not waterproof underneath the screed. Our invoice states that waterproofing was installed. Together with our acquaintance, I looked at the photos I took during the installation of the screed. The company simply installed a bitumen sheet (Erika or Katja) under the screed, then laid a thin PE foil on top, and then installed the screed. That can hardly be waterproofing for a terrace, right? We called the company and explained the situation. So far, they are not acknowledging any fault. Yesterday, I sent a notice of defects by registered mail to the company.
My questions are as follows:
I think the company has two options: remediate (remove screed, waterproof, reinstall screed) or refund the money and restore the original state. But who will reimburse us for the top waterproofing? Approximately €15,000 have been invested here. I assume there will be a legal dispute. What are the chances of winning?
Thanks in advance for your advice.