Hello!
I have a house from 1974 with a raised floor on a concrete slab. I wasn't very aware of the risks associated with different constructions before, but I now realize that there is a risk of moisture damage with this construction and that they are called "risk constructions." When we moved in, the inspector measured the moisture content in the sill plates at three places and they were between 11-13%, which is below the threshold value (16-17 according to the inspector). The air was also good. I have been informed that over time the "sill plates for outer and inner walls risk becoming moistened above the threshold for microbial growth due to natural moisture exposure."
I feel that if the house hasn't suffered from moisture damage yet and if the sill plates and air were tested and found to be okay, I shouldn't have to worry too much? How often should I check the moisture content in the sill plates and other materials and air myself?
I have a house from 1974 with a raised floor on a concrete slab. I wasn't very aware of the risks associated with different constructions before, but I now realize that there is a risk of moisture damage with this construction and that they are called "risk constructions." When we moved in, the inspector measured the moisture content in the sill plates at three places and they were between 11-13%, which is below the threshold value (16-17 according to the inspector). The air was also good. I have been informed that over time the "sill plates for outer and inner walls risk becoming moistened above the threshold for microbial growth due to natural moisture exposure."
I feel that if the house hasn't suffered from moisture damage yet and if the sill plates and air were tested and found to be okay, I shouldn't have to worry too much? How often should I check the moisture content in the sill plates and other materials and air myself?
It is a risk construction. Difficult to predict if there will be problems or not, but there are thousands of houses with that construction without any issues. It also depends on ground conditions, the sub-base under the slab, vegetation around the house, if the builders cleaned the slab of construction debris, and how the drainage is.
What is a bit tricky is that there are variants on raised floors on slabs. Likely, some constructions are worse than others. For example, if the sill is treated with cuprinol, it is probably worse because it can smell bad.
What is positive in your case is that the moisture content in the sill is low, and it does not smell bad in the house. If there haven't been any problems for 48 years, the feeling is that it will last a good while longer.
What is a bit tricky is that there are variants on raised floors on slabs. Likely, some constructions are worse than others. For example, if the sill is treated with cuprinol, it is probably worse because it can smell bad.
What is positive in your case is that the moisture content in the sill is low, and it does not smell bad in the house. If there haven't been any problems for 48 years, the feeling is that it will last a good while longer.
Thank you for your answer!N newbee said:
I think I will focus on being attentive to smells and maybe measure the moisture content from time to time.
When we moved in, the house had been empty for a long time and not normally heated, and I first noticed a strange smell at the utility entrance where there is also a laundry room, but the smell disappeared as we renovated the laundry room and removed other old carpets. The smell has disappeared.
I also consulted craftsmen about the smell and they said it didn't smell like mold and that some houses just have that smell. However, that smell has now disappeared, as I assumed it was a bit "stuffy" and that the smell then settled in, for example, carpets. Both sills in that area + moisture indication in the laundry room where the carpet came loose looked good. I also haven't noticed that any odor has stuck to fabrics. But as mentioned, it's important to be attentive when you know the construction is as it is
