So we just moved into a new construction in the middle of December. Today, while at home with the kiddos, my wife notices some wet spots in the exterior wall/ceiling joints, one of which has started to freeze. The builder sent out a foreman to inspect and he says to my wife, that there is just nothing he can do and that we just have too many people under one roof. He left a hygrometer at the house to measure the humility, which is currently reading in the mid 20 percent. We have not had any condensation on or windows as of yet, even with the extreme cold temps. I'm no contractor/builder, but the Engineer in me says that this is an area that has been poorly insulated and the cold wall is drawing moisture out of the air. There is NO reason that my walls should be getting cold enough to freeze water. Anyone else ever experience this problem? What was the root cause, fix? Was it a new build? Did your builder resolve the issue, or was it a fight?
New build issues with local area builder.
- Thread starter cdnlngld
- Start date
If u are in the mid 20s for humidity, u shouldn't have condensation issues. I was literally at a home on Tuesday because they were having problems with doors closing. First thing we checked was their humidity. He said the heating and cooling company turned it up to the mid 40s-50. They had to turn it down because there was condensation on almost every window. So from my experience, it would aalmost have to be the fault of the builder.
Possible ice dam? Is there a lot of snow/ice in the gutter or along the eave of the roof? If there is a lack of insulation in the attic, heat can escape and melt snow on the roof, which then gets trapped by the ice along the eaves/gutters and works its way inside. Might check whats above the areas of the interior spots.
I haven't had a chance to inspect it myself, but she did find the same problem in two other rooms, one of which is in the interior of the house and nowhere near any of the gutters or eaves.
Yeah, humidity in the 20's is desert like. You shouldn't get any condensation with that kind of humidity.
Just out of curiosity since they brought it up...how many people are living there in how much square footage?
I'm just trying to figure out just how full of **** this builder is.
I'm just trying to figure out just how full of **** this builder is.
I have nothing to add, but sorry you have to deal with that. In a brand new house, you shouldn't have to deal with anything.
EDIT: If you can't get resolution within a week or two from the builder, a negative Google Review can really get their attention.
EDIT: If you can't get resolution within a week or two from the builder, a negative Google Review can really get their attention.
I'd just say the builders name on here. CF posts have power.
sounds like they skimped on the extra ice damn protection felt. I am not sure of the name but it goes over the felt so when an ice damn melts it doesnt melt inside your house. That is my guess. Look at it and get some heat chord in the gutters in case it gets cold again
This is the issue with a builder that contracts out projects without inspecting or supervising the project. If I were you I'd sick the wife on the builder, contact the better business bureau and call the city. F'em. they need to stand by their work or forfeit all future building permits.
Just went from new construction back to a 1950’s house. Never been happier in my life.
Get or borrow a thermal leak detector and point it at the areas where you are seeing moisture. That will tell you if you have enough insulation or not.
How long have you been in the house. Warranty? Let the builder know you are going to hire an inspector, and bill him.
IMHO, you need to have an independent inspection and figure this out before you get some real damage. The builder is full of **** and just trying to get you to go away.
I did all of the insulation and vapor barrier myself for my 1000 SF addition (basically a full house redo). City inspector noted my work was better than almost all of the "pro" work he saw. I know I did a good and thorough job but hearing that was still disappointing as hell with respect to the quality of local construction.
I did all of the insulation and vapor barrier myself for my 1000 SF addition (basically a full house redo). City inspector noted my work was better than almost all of the "pro" work he saw. I know I did a good and thorough job but hearing that was still disappointing as hell with respect to the quality of local construction.
I’m not sure how the builder can just walk in and examine the issue from the interior and come to a decision.
Is easier when the decision was already made! Sounds like the builder is full of crap. Dealing with them frequently I can day that's not unusual.
Our house was built in 1917. Rock solid, plaster/lath walls rock effing solid everywhere.
Got home to get a quick look at things before heading out to the game..... three different spots all on outside walls. All of the frost was gone and most of the moisture was gone. It looks like it must be condensation. They are going to blow insulation on the new house going up across the street in the next couple of days.... hopefully they can blow some more for us. If that can't happen, i will see if i can get a thermal imager and see if i can't find an air leak somewhere.
That builder is chalking up condensation and freezing inside the house to "too many people?" That's hilarious. Having some shoddy work is one thing. Trying to get out of it with that lame **** is another. Run this POS through the ringer.
