New Build - Cold Bridge

munsterfan2

Hi,

Between the builder and the window company they managed to get the openings for the doors too tall so they put timber shim under 3 and build up the upstand with concrete for the patio sliding door. Problem is the floor all around the doors, especially the patio slider is cold, underfloor heating has the rest of the floor warm. Given that there is internal insulation on the wall and cavity with partial fill whereas the upstand is just straight concrete inside to outside I assume this is badly built / a cold bridge. First winter in house, floor is laid, walls inside / outside plastered & painted etc is there any easy way to rectify this or is it just something to ignore. (Patio door is about 4m long).

Thanks.

MicktheMan

No "easy" way of dealing with this thermal bridge unfortunately. The risk of condensation is increased in this area so ensure your ventilation strategy / system is optimal.

C. Eastwood

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058276826/new-build-cold-bridge

You are correct, it is badly built.

Did you have a Construction Professional certifying these works.

I would not have allowed the fitting of incorrectly sized external joinery under any circumstances whatsoever.

I would have made the Builder / Window supplier (whomever caused the error) to either reduce the height of the opes OR supply and fit correctly sized windows and doors. -This is not rocket science.

This is what you end up with when you engage with unqualified, incompetent and constipated people in the construction industry.

A thermal bridge promotes heat loss. A cold bridge is the same thing and may lead to surface condensation. Wait and see if surface condensation occurs. If not - no worries.

The heat loss will be minimal, but is caused by the Builder or Window supplier - whoever caused the mistake.

Raising up the Thresholds of door frames creates tripping hazard and may also allow ingress of rainwater.

Who allowed these plonkers to fit incorrectly sized external joinery.

munsterfan2

Thanks for the info, no condensation so hopefully we should be good. @C. Eastwood , we had an engineer and main contractor. Both poor, talked to solicitor at a few stages about trying to break contract but general opinion was you wouldnt get anyone to come in and complete / stand over the work. Was over 2 years of stress dealing with poor insulation (fixed), no DPC's upstairs (fixed), plaster work incorrect ....

But we are in and happy

C. Eastwood

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120034305#Comment_120034305

Glad that you are happy now.

Yes it is unbelievable having to deal with many incompetent Langers in the Construction Industry.

It can result in terrible stress for the whole family.