Hello everyone,
The drying program for the screed was originally supposed to start on Wednesday. However, since the electrician has not yet installed the distribution board and the meter, the air-to-water heat pump cannot be put into operation. Stiebel Eltron does not allow a connection to the temporary construction power supply. Because of this, the drying program is delayed by about one week. My contractor advised me to set up electric heaters as a temporary solution to keep the building heated. He said that every day without heating is harmful to the construction. He also mentioned that the screed dries from the top down and moisture trapped in the lower layers cannot escape upward.
Two architect friends told me that these heaters are not necessary and that the delay is not a big deal—just that I would be able to move in a week later, which is not a problem for me. Oh, and I have been running dehumidifiers for the past two weeks, which also generate a little heat.
Could this delay cause any problems later on (such as mold or damage to the screed)?
I would appreciate hearing your opinions. Thanks and best regards.
The drying program for the screed was originally supposed to start on Wednesday. However, since the electrician has not yet installed the distribution board and the meter, the air-to-water heat pump cannot be put into operation. Stiebel Eltron does not allow a connection to the temporary construction power supply. Because of this, the drying program is delayed by about one week. My contractor advised me to set up electric heaters as a temporary solution to keep the building heated. He said that every day without heating is harmful to the construction. He also mentioned that the screed dries from the top down and moisture trapped in the lower layers cannot escape upward.
Two architect friends told me that these heaters are not necessary and that the delay is not a big deal—just that I would be able to move in a week later, which is not a problem for me. Oh, and I have been running dehumidifiers for the past two weeks, which also generate a little heat.
Could this delay cause any problems later on (such as mold or damage to the screed)?
I would appreciate hearing your opinions. Thanks and best regards.
"Well, he told me that the screed on top will become too dry, preventing moisture from escaping from the lower layers of the screed."
In my professional career, I have come across many misleading statements.
Now this one is added to the list!
As long as a porous component — and a mineral screed is one — is not sealed off at the surface, the water vapor pressure within the screed structure always corresponds to the vapor pressure of the indoor air, regardless of the screed thickness.
However, it can never be beneficial for a building if it is not heated during the colder months!
Plaster-containing as well as cement-based building materials absorb moisture at high relative humidity, which can be reduced by heating the rooms.
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Best regards, KlaRa
In my professional career, I have come across many misleading statements.
Now this one is added to the list!
As long as a porous component — and a mineral screed is one — is not sealed off at the surface, the water vapor pressure within the screed structure always corresponds to the vapor pressure of the indoor air, regardless of the screed thickness.
However, it can never be beneficial for a building if it is not heated during the colder months!
Plaster-containing as well as cement-based building materials absorb moisture at high relative humidity, which can be reduced by heating the rooms.
------------------------
Best regards, KlaRa
Off-topic: I thought that due to the low absolute humidity in winter, the building would dry out better and settle properly?
I have seen a few new builds where wall tiles were damaged due to settlement cracks.
Given the current situation, I do understand the issue with the humidity, though.
I have seen a few new builds where wall tiles were damaged due to settlement cracks.
Given the current situation, I do understand the issue with the humidity, though.
L
lars-steina7 Oct 2017 13:39@KlaRa: I agree that the construction should be heated during this season. My only issue is that the heating schedule is delayed by one week. For the past two weeks, construction dryers have been running in the house. Now, for the additional delayed week, I’m wondering if I really need to set up electric heaters as well, especially since the move-in date doesn’t matter to me. Could mold develop because of this?
A one-week delay in the heating program is insignificant given the current season (we are in October).
And the screed doesn’t really mind. It continues to dry out regardless of the concerns its owner is currently experiencing.
Even if you move in 7 months later, the screed won’t be affected.
The temperature should then be maintained at at least +10°C (50°F) using electric heaters or gas heating (with a secondary heating circuit due to the formation of water during combustion).
A one-week delay in moving in during October – many homeowners would gladly trade your “problems” for their own...
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Regards, KlaRa
And the screed doesn’t really mind. It continues to dry out regardless of the concerns its owner is currently experiencing.
Even if you move in 7 months later, the screed won’t be affected.
The temperature should then be maintained at at least +10°C (50°F) using electric heaters or gas heating (with a secondary heating circuit due to the formation of water during combustion).
A one-week delay in moving in during October – many homeowners would gladly trade your “problems” for their own...
----------------------------------
Regards, KlaRa
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