We have a split-level house from the mid-90s in which a company measured high humidity in the wall that is covered by earth, and which is also exposed to the most moisture. The wall is built of isolerleca and is not framed on the inside. There should not be any organic material in the basement wall at all. We do not have any bad odors or anything like that. On the outside, there is a Platon mat.
The company now wanted to drain the entire house, in contrast to another company that also came and looked, but did not measure the moisture content. They wanted to make a smaller intervention. The measurement was done with a moisture meter with a small ball on top, so no drilling or prongs. The moisture would be at the bottom in the seam between the wall and the floor. There is also no organic material in the floor.
So we are left with two companies saying different things and an inspector who, when we bought the house, had a third opinion.
Any ideas on how we should think? Causes of moisture in the wall? Could it be indoor moisture that was measured?
The price difference between the companies' measures is about 120,000 SEK.
The company now wanted to drain the entire house, in contrast to another company that also came and looked, but did not measure the moisture content. They wanted to make a smaller intervention. The measurement was done with a moisture meter with a small ball on top, so no drilling or prongs. The moisture would be at the bottom in the seam between the wall and the floor. There is also no organic material in the floor.
So we are left with two companies saying different things and an inspector who, when we bought the house, had a third opinion.
Any ideas on how we should think? Causes of moisture in the wall? Could it be indoor moisture that was measured?
The price difference between the companies' measures is about 120,000 SEK.
What is the purpose?
Why have you even brought in two companies?
Moisture in a basement wall doesn't necessarily have to be a concern, as you said, you don't even know if it's coming from outside or inside.
I don't think I quite follow your question
/Torpalainen
Why have you even brought in two companies?
Moisture in a basement wall doesn't necessarily have to be a concern, as you said, you don't even know if it's coming from outside or inside.
I don't think I quite follow your question
/Torpalainen
I have brought in three companies for action proposals, but mainly quotes on the cost. It seems quite reasonable to hear from at least two different, or even better, similar opinions. Apparently, it was not possible to get any order and consistency on what is wrong, or more importantly, what needs to be done, which makes it all more difficult. So my questions are:
- Is moisture measured in the described way a danger? My understanding is no, it is not, since we have no organic material in the walls, but I am an internet-educated so-called expert, and really have no idea...
- Which company should you trust? It seems a bit like guesswork and a lottery when it comes to actions since you get different answers depending on who you ask. These are not unknown corner-digger companies but larger companies with good references I have asked. There is a difference of 120,000 between the different actions. That's a lot of money.
- How can I as a layman know that the problem is resolved with one action or another? I can imagine that a complete re-drainage would solve the problem, but it would be really disappointing if I could have had the same problem fixed for much less money...
- Is moisture measured in the described way a danger? My understanding is no, it is not, since we have no organic material in the walls, but I am an internet-educated so-called expert, and really have no idea...
- Which company should you trust? It seems a bit like guesswork and a lottery when it comes to actions since you get different answers depending on who you ask. These are not unknown corner-digger companies but larger companies with good references I have asked. There is a difference of 120,000 between the different actions. That's a lot of money.
- How can I as a layman know that the problem is resolved with one action or another? I can imagine that a complete re-drainage would solve the problem, but it would be really disappointing if I could have had the same problem fixed for much less money...
The reason we brought the companies here in the first place is a visible moisture damage in one corner of the garage, which is attached to the house. The reason I want it fixed is that it is a moisture damage and that it has "spread" towards one of the few walls that are framed with wood.
Hi!
Problems with poor drainage usually manifest as moisture a bit up the wall, which is often due to not having separated the gravel from the soil with a geotextile during backfilling after laying the drainage pipes. Since the masses are not separated, the gravel fills with finer and finer particles, which in turn builds a layer that does not allow water to pass down to the pipe. But you mention having a Platon membrane on the wall, which suggests it might not be connected to the wall correctly with a strip that prevents water and debris from getting between the membrane and the wall.
Problems with poor drainage usually manifest as moisture a bit up the wall, which is often due to not having separated the gravel from the soil with a geotextile during backfilling after laying the drainage pipes. Since the masses are not separated, the gravel fills with finer and finer particles, which in turn builds a layer that does not allow water to pass down to the pipe. But you mention having a Platon membrane on the wall, which suggests it might not be connected to the wall correctly with a strip that prevents water and debris from getting between the membrane and the wall.
Hello.
If the problems occur at the bottom near the floor, it may be that the Platon mat does not extend past the sole but directs moisture there. Partly, it could be your indoor humidity migrating through the structure and condensing on the outside of the leca, then trickling down.
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If the problems occur at the bottom near the floor, it may be that the Platon mat does not extend past the sole but directs moisture there. Partly, it could be your indoor humidity migrating through the structure and condensing on the outside of the leca, then trickling down.
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