New Build - What is this?

sozbox

Inspecting my new build today in the rain and saw this odd pattern on the side wall, is is normal?

There's no actual cracks visible but the pattern looks like hairline cracks?

Calahonda52

https://www.specifile.co.za/news/cement-and-concrete/causes-of-plaster-cracks/

How come path is so green already in a new build?

sozbox

Calahonda52 wrote: »

https://www.specifile.co.za/news/cement-and-concrete/causes-of-plaster-cracks/

How come path is so green already in a new build?

Thanks I’ll raise with the developer. Haven’t closed yet.

The path was built about 12 months ago, I’ve asked them to power wash before close

bfclancy

sozbox wrote: »

Thanks I’ll raise with the developer. Haven’t closed yet.

The path was built about 12 months ago, I’ve asked them to power wash before close

Can lead to problems. Spiderwebbing it's often called. Once painted it's fine but can let moisture in prior to painting which inturn can freeze and damage render further

sozbox

bfclancy wrote: »

Can lead to problems. Spiderwebbing it's often called. Once painted it's fine but can let moisture in prior to painting which inturn can freeze and damage render further

Good to know. Should I demand it gets painted before closing?

Calahonda52

sozbox wrote: »

Good to know. Should I demand it gets painted before closing?

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Demand:D
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In the current climate the developer will just look at next in the queue

bfclancy

Calahonda52 wrote: »

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Demand:D
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In the current climate the developer will just look at next in the queue

Would it not be painted anyway as standard, do developers sell houses unpainted, I've never seen it but maybe they do

sozbox

bfclancy wrote: »

Would it not be painted anyway as standard, do developers sell houses unpainted, I've never seen it but maybe they do

It comes painted but the foreman mentioned he’d prefer to wait until spring as it’s too cold now.

Not sure if that’s bollox or not.

They are are site for another year finishing the rest of the estate so I’m not worried about them not doing it.

I noticed the spiderwebbing afterwards so haven’t spoken to them about it yet

bfclancy

sozbox wrote: »

It comes painted but the foreman mentioned he’d prefer to wait until spring as it’s too cold now.

Not sure if that’s bollox or not.

They are are site for another year finishing the rest of the estate so I’m not worried about them not doing it.

I noticed the spiderwebbing afterwards so haven’t spoken to them about it yet

Be fine to paint in spring doubt moisture will impact, they usually recommend painting within 1-2 years at the longest

sozbox

bfclancy wrote: »

Be fine to paint in spring doubt moisture will impact, they usually recommend painting within 1-2 years at the longest

So no long term problems if painted?

Ok thanks for the info, it’s really helpful!

DOCARCH

sozbox wrote: »

There's no actual cracks visible but the pattern looks like hairline cracks?

Render possibly dried out too quickly when it was applied. May have been a hot/sunny day when it was applied? That's usually the reason for that sort of pattern of hairline cracks.

Le shovelle

sozbox wrote: »

It comes painted but the foreman mentioned he’d prefer to wait until spring as it’s too cold now.

Not sure if that’s bollox or not.

They are are site for another year finishing the rest of the estate so I’m not worried about them not doing it.

I noticed the spiderwebbing afterwards so haven’t spoken to them about it yet

Foreman is 100% correct to wait until warmer weather. Be fine when its painted.

mickdw

I wouldn't be overly happy with that cracking. It may be ok but something caused it. It can be down to drying out quickly etc but just make sure it hasn't started to separate from the wall under. I've seen this happen numerous times where the plaster will sound hollow so that is an easy check to do.
Also the plaster is not straight where it meets the soffit. Poor work on a new build.

sozbox

mickdw wrote: »

I wouldn't be overly happy with that cracking. It may be ok but something caused it. It can be down to drying out quickly etc but just make sure it hasn't started to separate from the wall under. I've seen this happen numerous times where the plaster will sound hollow so that is an easy check to do.
Also the plaster is not straight where it meets the soffit. Poor work on a new build.

Thanks just checked and it’s not hollow sounding

kieran.

mickdw wrote: »

I wouldn't be overly happy with that cracking. It may be ok but something caused it. It can be down to drying out quickly etc but just make sure it hasn't started to separate from the wall under. I've seen this happen numerous times where the plaster will sound hollow so that is an easy check to do.
Also the plaster is not straight where it meets the soffit. Poor work on a new build.

Same as Mick here, seen this lead to delamination of the plaster further down the line. I would be trying to negotiate a a clause in the contract that it would be reviewed at 3 and 5 years with the contractor remaining responsible for any defects up to that point.

sozbox

kieran. wrote: »

Same as Mick here, seen this is lead to delamination of the plaster further down the line. I would be trying to negotiate a a clause in the contract that it would be reviewed at 3 and 5 years with the contractor remaining responsible for any defects up to that point.

comes with usual ten year structural warranty, would that cover it?

sydthebeat

sozbox wrote: »

comes with usual ten year structural warranty, would that cover it?

No. That's not a structural issue in the sense of what's covered in a warrantee

Still waters

If the plaster is solid i wouldn't worry about it, theres a multitude of reasons why this would happen and very hard to prevent for a variety of reasons, once its painted it shouldn't be a problem, just make sure they use a good quality paint such as colourtrend or weathershield and itll be a lifetime job

Keep an eye on it in case the cracks get bigger or plaster starts to get hollow before painting

sozbox

Still waters wrote: »

If the plaster is solid i wouldn't worry about it, theres a multitude of reasons why this would happen and very hard to prevent for a variety of reasons, once its painted it shouldn't be a problem, just make sure they use a good quality paint such as colourtrend or weathershield and itll be a lifetime job

Keep an eye on it in case the cracks get bigger or plaster starts to get hollow before painting

Thanks. Getting a variety of opinions here. Not sure if I should be worried or not 😬

sydthebeat

Get that downpipe installed asap

Still waters

sozbox wrote: »

Thanks. Getting a variety of opinions here. Not sure if I should be worried or not ��

Its common enough in sand and cement finishes, it rarely causes any problems other than being unsightly

sozbox

sydthebeat wrote: »

Get that downpipe installed asap

Mentioned that alright, being done tomorrow.

Calahonda52

Still waters wrote: »

Its common enough in sand and cement finishes, it rarely causes any problems other than being unsightly

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In a new build its not acceptable, IMO

bfclancy

Calahonda52 wrote: »

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In a new build its not acceptable, IMO

Well it can only really happen in a new build or a renovation. Seems a lot more prevalent these days is there some reason for this or have I just been more vigilant as I was doing a self build in the last year and was watching out for stuff

Still waters

Calahonda52 wrote: »

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In a new build its not acceptable, IMO

Is there a way to prevent s&c finish cracking ?there are measures a plasterer can take to try and limit it but no sure way of stopping it, s&c finishes are just too wide a variable to guarantee a nob blemish finish compared to acrylic/silicone renders