ᐅ Masonry damp due to a leaking roof terrace despite window installation
Created on: 31 May 2016 23:50
T
taeps1984T
taeps198431 May 2016 23:50Hello everyone,
our masonry is damp and we are worried about mold spores!
BACKGROUND:
Since early February 2016, our brick shell has been exposed to rainwater from time to time. The first major dampness occurred in the hobby room (basement). Water was standing about 2-3 cm high (1-1.2 inches). We removed the water ourselves, despite the turnkey contract. When the shell was finished, there was again about 3-4 cm (1-1.5 inches) of standing water in our 10m² (108 sqft) pantry. We removed it ourselves again. Above the pantry is the roof terrace, which is the cause of the water entering during the shell construction phase. Our windows have been installed for three weeks now. The waterproofing specialist only came today. Over the weekend, there was heavy rain again, and water accumulated in many areas of the house (ground floor + upper floor + basement), wetting the masonry.
The window installation (contractor’s fault) and the selection process (builders’ fault, i.e. us) were delayed somewhat, so the move-in date set by our contractor was postponed from the end of October 2016 to the end of November 2016. I can well imagine that the contractor will want to plaster the interior walls and apply the screed soon in order to meet the planned move-in date.
Now we are worried that the moisture in the masonry will remain and lead to moisture damage or later cracking. Of course, plastering and screed also generate moisture, but in my opinion, the already soaked bricks should dry sufficiently before further work is done. Our contractor seems to be more relaxed about this.
Would you insist on professional drying now, or is our situation normal and not a cause for serious concern?
Thank you in advance!
Good luck
Manuel
our masonry is damp and we are worried about mold spores!
BACKGROUND:
Since early February 2016, our brick shell has been exposed to rainwater from time to time. The first major dampness occurred in the hobby room (basement). Water was standing about 2-3 cm high (1-1.2 inches). We removed the water ourselves, despite the turnkey contract. When the shell was finished, there was again about 3-4 cm (1-1.5 inches) of standing water in our 10m² (108 sqft) pantry. We removed it ourselves again. Above the pantry is the roof terrace, which is the cause of the water entering during the shell construction phase. Our windows have been installed for three weeks now. The waterproofing specialist only came today. Over the weekend, there was heavy rain again, and water accumulated in many areas of the house (ground floor + upper floor + basement), wetting the masonry.
The window installation (contractor’s fault) and the selection process (builders’ fault, i.e. us) were delayed somewhat, so the move-in date set by our contractor was postponed from the end of October 2016 to the end of November 2016. I can well imagine that the contractor will want to plaster the interior walls and apply the screed soon in order to meet the planned move-in date.
Now we are worried that the moisture in the masonry will remain and lead to moisture damage or later cracking. Of course, plastering and screed also generate moisture, but in my opinion, the already soaked bricks should dry sufficiently before further work is done. Our contractor seems to be more relaxed about this.
Would you insist on professional drying now, or is our situation normal and not a cause for serious concern?
Thank you in advance!
Good luck
Manuel
I believe that plastering should not be done if the masonry is still too damp, as the plaster will not adhere properly. Additionally, plaster is not vapor-proof, so moisture can still diffuse through even after applying the interior plaster.
In my first house, water stood for weeks without causing any damage.
Good luck
K1300S
In my first house, water stood for weeks without causing any damage.
Good luck
K1300S
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