Buying a new build home but bricks appear soaked?

pinkcloud17

Hi looking for some advice please, either on if I should be concerned about this apparent issue, or how I can cover myself?

The build is 5 weeks away from estimated completion date. We have already legally exchanged contracts, paid deposit etc. due to the requirement to do this shortly after reservation.

This week the bricks have been completed however the weather conditions have been bad with snow and heavy rain.

When we went to look at the house after being informed the bricks have been completed, the bricks appear very dark in colour as if they are saturated with water. Furthermore, there are some white patches in areas. I know the white patches tend to happen in new builds for the first year anyway but wondering if this is normal. 

My main concern is that they have built the house in poor conditions due to the pressure to get it completed on time, and that we will find problems down the line such as excessive moisture/ damp etc. This problem has always been my ultimate fear with a new build.

Is there any way that this is not really soaking wet but maybe just a damp proof layer or something? I can't touch the brick due to the fence.

They will soon be rendering this so even more concerned that excessive moisture is a problem.



Any thoughts? Thank you

AdrianC

Bricks (they're actually blocks, not bricks) are weatherproof. It's why they build houses out of them.

And you say it's going to be rendered...? You are massively over-worrying...

BTW, that pic shows it a lot further on than just "the bricks have been completed" - roof on, windows in... It's probably in first-fix internally - internal walls/floors/ceiling, wiring and pipework all going in. As soon as it's weathertight, any water that got in before that starts to dry out.

pinkcloud17

Edit: Apparently these are blocks not bricks so this is what I'm referring to

pinkcloud17

AdrianC said:

Bricks (they're actually blocks, not bricks) are weatherproof. It's why they build houses out of them.

And you say it's going to be rendered...? You are massively over-worrying...

BTW, that pic shows it a lot further on than just "the bricks have been completed" - roof on, windows in... It's probably in first-fix internally - internal walls/floors/ceiling, wiring and pipework all going in. As soon as it's weathertight, any water that got in before that starts to dry out.

Thank you for the reassurance  

tim_london

So the blocks being soaking wet shouldn't be a problem, they're meant to withstand abuse.  The issue that might be of worry is whether the cement they used were drenched before it set.  Keep in mind cement sets quickly (like 6 hours), and we're talking about being drenched, showers would not be an issue.  Typically when brick(or block) laying is done they'd cover it up with plastic sheet to prevent too much water from getting in.

When they put the render in they'll typically will leave a weep hole (https://www.labc.co.uk/news/renders-weep-holes-are-you-using-them-correctly) so that the blocks can dry inside.  They'll get wet naturally through condensation anyway.

Developers rushing to complete is a concern, but I don't feel this particular thing would classify as one.

pinkcloud17

tim_london said:

So the blocks being soaking wet shouldn't be a problem, they're meant to withstand abuse.  The issue that might be of worry is whether the cement they used were drenched before it set.  Keep in mind cement sets quickly (like 6 hours), and we're talking about being drenched, showers would not be an issue.  Typically when brick(or block) laying is done they'd cover it up with plastic sheet to prevent too much water from getting in.

When they put the render in they'll typically will leave a weep hole (https://www.labc.co.uk/news/renders-weep-holes-are-you-using-them-correctly) so that the blocks can dry inside.  They'll get wet naturally through condensation anyway.

Developers rushing to complete is a concern, but I don't feel this particular thing would classify as one.

Great, thank you  

greatcrested

If they made a mistake and used sponges instead of bricks or blocks, you have a problem.....

AdrianC

greatcrested said:

If they made a mistake and used sponges instead of bricks or blocks, you have a problem.....

The roof'd be a bit wobbly in the breeze, too.

stuart45

The main problem with wet blocks is that the walls are more likely to suffer shrinkage cracks. Damp blocks do bond to the mortar better, and also mortar benefits from drying out slower.

pinkcloud17

stuart45 said:

The main problem with wet blocks is that the walls are more likely to suffer shrinkage cracks. Damp blocks do bond to the mortar better, and also mortar benefits from drying out slower.

Thanks. Apparently if cracks occur caused by shrinkage bigger than 5mm they will be covered by the NHBC.

RelievedSheff

pinkcloud17 said:

stuart45 said:

The main problem with wet blocks is that the walls are more likely to suffer shrinkage cracks. Damp blocks do bond to the mortar better, and also mortar benefits from drying out slower.

Thanks. Apparently if cracks occur caused by shrinkage bigger than 5mm they will be covered by the NHBC.

No they won't!

NHBC do not cover shrinkage cracking. The developers might in the first couple of years but don't bank on it. They will use any excuse to get out of repairing them.

Luckily it is an easy and cheap fix with some filler and a bit of paint.