Damp in skirting board - New Build (4year old)

designerdavid

We bought a new build (4 years ago, so out of builder's warranty, but still in 10 year NHBC)

Over the past Winter/Spring we noticed that the skirting boards by the front door had flaking paintwork and on closer inspection appeared damp. Not 100% sure it's damp - surface is cold to touch but not wet, but it definitely looks darker nearer the door. Possibly we should have noticed sooner.

Despite being out of warranty, we contacted the developer to see what they said. They said even if it was in warranty they wouldn't do anything as it is cosmetic and have advised us just to paint it. 

It doesn't seem cosmetic but would anyone with knowledge mind taking a look at the photos? 

Also could anyone advise, what is the best course action to take next?

We're not sure whether we should: 

i.) Ignore/repaint as Developer suggestion

ii.) Make a claim on the 10 warranty

iii.) Claim via our insurance

iv.) Get a damp surveyor in to investigate and pay for whatever repairs direct

(Basically what order - or anything definitely shouldn't do)

Thanks

  

Doozergirl

I'd suggest the door wasn't sealed correctly when it was fitted, so you've got some water ingress. 

It's not an NHBC issue, it needs a bit of investigation though.  

B0bbyEwing

Doozergirl said:

I'd suggest the door wasn't sealed correctly when it was fitted, so you've got some water ingress. 

It's nit an NHBC issue, it needs a bit of investigation though.  

Having seen a number of your posts in this forum over a fair bit of time I'd say you certainly seem to know a thing or two.

So on that note in your experience - how much of these things that keep cropping up are "one of them things" could happen to anyone & how much is just shoddy workmanship where the professionals should've known better but probably couldn't be bothered. 'Fudge it Friday' so to speak. 

stuart45

Have you got an external photo?

designerdavid

stuart45 said:

Have you got an external photo?

Here's a few external photos

born_again

If you lift the carpet by the door, does it seem wet?

Could look after it's been raining or try a hose pipe.

FreeBear

Is that a fillet of mortar on the outside or mastic ?

designerdavid

born_again said:

If you lift the carpet by the door, does it seem wet?

Could look after it's been raining or try a hose pipe.

It doesn't. Tried with a hose and seemed OK but will monitor after sustained rainfall

designerdavid

FreeBear said:

Is that a fillet of mortar on the outside or mastic ?

Its mortar

Doozergirl

B0bbyEwing said:

Doozergirl said:

I'd suggest the door wasn't sealed correctly when it was fitted, so you've got some water ingress. 

It's nit an NHBC issue, it needs a bit of investigation though.  

Having seen a number of your posts in this forum over a fair bit of time I'd say you certainly seem to know a thing or two.

So on that note in your experience - how much of these things that keep cropping up are "one of them things" could happen to anyone & how much is just shoddy workmanship where the professionals should've known better but probably couldn't be bothered. 'Fudge it Friday' so to speak. 

There's a clear gap on the bottom right of the door for water to get through.  There should be a continuous seal of mastic, it shouldn't be mortar.  

There's also quite a thickness of it.  I'm not sure what the NHBC tolerance is for the fitting of a door frame but there's a bit too much filling there for my liking.   We'd allow 5mm for fitting, but it looks about 12mm either side of this door, which may explain why they've used mortar - it's easier to disguise it.  

If it hasn't been sealed correctly around then has it been sealed underneath?  

Building a house consists of hundreds of thousands of individual actions so you'd expect some snagging.  It is a bit of a friday afternoon job.  It would be picked up by a professional snagger.  

designerdavid

Thanks for the helpful advice everyone. Think we'll get someone to come and investigate further so we can decide how to remedy.