ᐅ Garage base absorbs water – a defect?

alexm86 schrieb:
That is probably the case; normally a dimpled membrane should be installed between the wall and the paving.

That is absolutely correct.

However, I believe that the condition of the subbase (gravel bedding), as well as drainage and runoff, play a crucial role here.

It looks very appealing to lay the flooring right up to a wall. However, there must be “invisible” (sometimes complex) measures in the substrate to prevent construction damage like the one visible here. In my opinion, a construction mistake was clearly made here. This is definitely *not* caused by rain splash. The wall is affected by rising damp.

I strongly recommend having this thoroughly investigated by building professionals and appropriate remedial measures taken. And that should be done before the next winter.

Best regards

Thorsten

lastdrop schrieb:
A dimple membrane is not a waterproofing layer, but it is still often commonly used.

This is the situation:

The garage builder says: The waterproofing is not my concern; I don’t know what the client wants to install around it...

The landscaping contractor says: Waterproofing is not part of my paving work; someone else has to do it...

The plan was clear. Both parties knew where the paving and pathways were located. In my opinion, the landscaping contractor is not responsible for waterproofing the garage.

FlorianA schrieb:
In my opinion, the landscaping contractor is not responsible for waterproofing the garage.

I agree. The issue is more fundamental.

I haven’t mentioned yet that the wall is dry again the next day. If the plaster now absorbs water from below, will it dry out that quickly again?

FlorianA schrieb:
I haven’t mentioned yet that the wall is dry again the next day. If the plaster now absorbs water from below, will it dry out that quickly again?

You can see from your own photos, Florian.

This is the west/weather-exposed side. Naturally, the wind dries off the surface moisture.

Normally, you wouldn’t see something like this.

If you don’t get to the bottom of the issue, you will definitely face serious problems.

Please address this thoroughly, objectively, and politely. It can still be resolved quite easily.

Once building or frost damage occurs, the costs will become very high.

I had an extremely skilled civil engineer who taught me a lot about groundworks. I even advised neighbors whose developers made mistakes and managed to prevent worse damage here.

Around my house, we did everything to avoid such issues. I can only offer you my amateur advice to help prevent further damage. My intention is not to cause alarm but to assist you. You must take action. Ignoring the problem will not help.

Best regards,
Thorsten