Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Apr 14, 2023 1:03 pm I am building a two-story house and it looks like my builder has messed up the wall wrap. They have first wrapped the walls downstairs, then installed Hebel panels. Only after that they have wrapped the walls upstairs and now there are gaps between two layers of the wrap. Because of the Hebel battens they really can't fix that without removing the previously installed panels. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ The builder is promising to cover the gaps but the relevant standard (AS 4200.2:2017, Pliable building membranes and underlays, part 2, page 20, clause 3.7.1) says that all joints should have an overlap of 150mm. This photo was taken after the wall was wrapped upstairs, you can see the gap: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ So they are obviously trying to avoid extra costs associated with removing the panels, reinstalling them, etc. I have pressed them multiple times about that and mentioned the standard but it appears that the only option that is left is to complain to QBCC (I am in QLD). Questions: a) is it worth starting a war with the builder? should I keep pressing until they remove the panels and make the wrap overlap as per the standard? They won't be happy about it but on the other hand I don't want to risk when it comes to waterproofing (condensation, mould, etc) b) can Hebel panels be removed? They were screwed to the battens but they have adhesive between them and they have cables coming through them c) does anyone have tips on dealing with QBCC? I have email conversations with the builder, lots and lots of photos and videos demonstrating the issue. Re: Wall wrap has gaps and no overlap 2Apr 14, 2023 1:16 pm ![]() I am building a two-story house and it looks like my builder has messed up the wall wrap. They have first wrapped the walls downstairs, then installed Hebel panels. Only after that they have wrapped the walls upstairs and now there are gaps between two layers of the wrap. Because of the Hebel battens they really can't fix that without removing the previously installed panels. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ The builder is promising to cover the gaps but the relevant standard (AS 4200.2:2017, Pliable building membranes and underlays, part 2, page 20, clause 3.7.1) says that all joints should have an overlap of 150mm. This photo was taken after the wall was wrapped upstairs, you can see the gap: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ So they are obviously trying to avoid extra costs associated with removing the panels, reinstalling them, etc. I have pressed them multiple times about that and mentioned the standard but it appears that the only option that is left is to complain to QBCC (I am in QLD). Questions: a) is it worth starting a war with the builder? should I keep pressing until they remove the panels and make the wrap overlap as per the standard? They won't be happy about it but on the other hand I don't want to risk when it comes to waterproofing (condensation, mould, etc) b) can Hebel panels be removed? They were screwed to the battens but they have adhesive between them and they have cables coming through them c) does anyone have tips on dealing with QBCC? I have email conversations with the builder, lots and lots of photos and videos demonstrating the issue. I would definitely go to war over this. If they have to remove the Hebel and start from scratch it's on them. Unfortunately the installation of Hebel is an unlicensed trade and I have learnt from experience that there are amazing installers and a lot of terrible ones. We pay a bit extra to ensure that Hebel is installed correctly as there is a real art to it. All the best Simeon Architectural Homes & Duplexes - specialising in custom designing homes to your budget Get a Free Onsite Consultation Today or send a PM for information, questions or advice. Re: Wall wrap has gaps and no overlap 3Apr 14, 2023 1:43 pm ![]() ![]() I am building a two-story house and it looks like my builder has messed up the wall wrap. They have first wrapped the walls downstairs, then installed Hebel panels. Only after that they have wrapped the walls upstairs and now there are gaps between two layers of the wrap. Because of the Hebel battens they really can't fix that without removing the previously installed panels. I would definitely go to war over this. If they have to remove the Hebel and start from scratch it's on them. Unfortunately the installation of Hebel is an unlicensed trade and I have learnt from experience that there are amazing installers and a lot of terrible ones. We pay a bit extra to ensure that Hebel is installed correctly as there is a real art to it. All the best Simeon May be it is not Hebel installers fault as well, they were told to install by the builder and were booked on time or project basis, I would presume. From that perspective they come onsite and find out there is no wrap, but their time is already booked, etc. If they refuse to install, they will lose the money as there will be no work for this day and possibly the few following on a such a short notice. Re: Wall wrap has gaps and no overlap 4Apr 14, 2023 1:59 pm Many thanks for the replies! I actually agree with both of you. The fault is with the builder, they are managing and supervising the project and if they book someone, it is their responsibility to make sure that everything else is ready. That being said, in the ideal world a Hebel installer will at least call a builder and warn him about a missing wrap. Similarly, an insulation installer won't install a wrap if they can't do that as per the standard. But that's not the world we live in. On the other hand, I have to say that my Hebel installers are not great either - they have already missed a control joint in one wall and I am worried about their future work with the walls upstairs (since control joints will be required there as well). Re: Wall wrap has gaps and no overlap 5Apr 14, 2023 2:03 pm ![]() Many thanks for the replies! I actually agree with both of you. The fault is with the builder, they are managing and supervising the project and if they book someone, it is their responsibility to make sure that everything else is ready. That being said, in the ideal world a Hebel installer will at least call a builder and warn him about a missing wrap. Similarly, an insulation installer won't install a wrap if they can't do that as per the standard. But that's not the world we live in. On the other hand, I have to say that my Hebel installers are not great either - they have already missed a control joint in one wall and I am worried about their future work with the walls upstairs (since control joints will be required there as well). I am not sure if this is standard but our Hebel crew do the wrap as well. Architectural Homes & Duplexes - specialising in custom designing homes to your budget Get a Free Onsite Consultation Today or send a PM for information, questions or advice. Re: Wall wrap has gaps and no overlap 6Apr 14, 2023 2:06 pm ![]() ![]() Many thanks for the replies! I actually agree with both of you. The fault is with the builder, they are managing and supervising the project and if they book someone, it is their responsibility to make sure that everything else is ready. That being said, in the ideal world a Hebel installer will at least call a builder and warn him about a missing wrap. Similarly, an insulation installer won't install a wrap if they can't do that as per the standard. But that's not the world we live in. On the other hand, I have to say that my Hebel installers are not great either - they have already missed a control joint in one wall and I am worried about their future work with the walls upstairs (since control joints will be required there as well). I am not sure if this is standard but our Hebel crew do the wrap as well. Ahhh, I see what you mean. No, unfortunately, in my case the wall wrap was with a separate company doing insulation. Re: Wall wrap has gaps and no overlap 7Apr 14, 2023 3:00 pm ![]() ![]() ![]() Many thanks for the replies! I actually agree with both of you. The fault is with the builder, they are managing and supervising the project and if they book someone, it is their responsibility to make sure that everything else is ready. That being said, in the ideal world a Hebel installer will at least call a builder and warn him about a missing wrap. Similarly, an insulation installer won't install a wrap if they can't do that as per the standard. But that's not the world we live in. On the other hand, I have to say that my Hebel installers are not great either - they have already missed a control joint in one wall and I am worried about their future work with the walls upstairs (since control joints will be required there as well). I am not sure if this is standard but our Hebel crew do the wrap as well. Ahhh, I see what you mean. No, unfortunately, in my case the wall wrap was with a separate company doing insulation. So Alex's analysis would have been correct in that the Hebel crew has been called to the job when it wasnt ready. Also strange that the insulation is in so early so that makes me question your builder's organisational skills. Architectural Homes & Duplexes - specialising in custom designing homes to your budget Get a Free Onsite Consultation Today or send a PM for information, questions or advice. Re: Wall wrap has gaps and no overlap 9Apr 20, 2023 2:29 pm ![]() ![]() Also strange that the insulation is in so early so that makes me question your builder's organisational skills. reverse build. too funny! That builder looks slightly disorganised Architectural Homes & Duplexes - specialising in custom designing homes to your budget Get a Free Onsite Consultation Today or send a PM for information, questions or advice. Re: Wall wrap has gaps and no overlap 10Apr 28, 2023 10:54 am Just an update on this situation. I have submitted a complaint to QBCC but unfortunately right now they are overloaded with work and it will be weeks if not months until someone will have a look into that. The builder is still refusing to fix the problem, claiming that with Hebel a wall wrap is needed only for energy efficiency purposes and gaps won't play any difference. I have suggested a middle-ground solution where they will remove only smaller panels above doors and windows. Those panels have vertical battens that are causing the gaps in the wall wrap. If those battens are removed, at least the gaps will be fixed even though there will be no overlap in the other areas. That should be much easier for the builder to do since those panels are not glued to the other panels (control joints). Yet to hear a response from them. Re: Wall wrap has gaps and no overlap 11Apr 28, 2023 12:43 pm I would suggest get legal representation. Sorry but the fact is QBCC is not anyone's friend, other than their own! Further by lodging a complaint (subject to which contract you are using) this puts a hold on the construction days, meaning if you job is at day 53 in 6mths when it might be reviewed you are still at day "53"! QBCC are running at 6-9 mths to address complaints. The wrap needs to be address! you're photo that shows the door with a piece of batt in frame above, isn't stud to stud. So i would be betting that there are a lot of issues with the batts as well. Seperate to these issues, your slab edge doesn't have vapour barrier coming up the face to prevent moisture wicking through the face and causing mould inside. We are Expert Consultant's, and we are here to help. We used pro clima walls and roof. It's a high quality product (good vapour permeability and water resistance) and can withstand UV for a long period of time. Pro clima's… 10 23260 Anyone have an recommendations on wall wrap insulation? My energy rating simply says non-glare vapour permeable wall wrap. There seem to be products on the market with… 0 7683 |