ᐅ Screed installed three days ago and still damp?

I initially thought about not writing anything here, but otherwise the original poster might get overwhelmed. In the past, building methods were different. Mortar joints as thick as a thumb between the stone layers introduce much more moisture into the masonry than the thin-bed mortar used today. Nowadays, moisture mainly comes from the plaster and screed. However, 15 cubic meters (15,000 liters) seems quite high, judging by my own water consumption during construction. A large part of that moisture is absorbed and doesn’t evaporate. Nevertheless, a significant amount remains, and in summer it’s difficult to ventilate it out because there isn’t much temperature difference. The best approach is to place some hygrometers around the house and monitor the humidity levels.

Were no moisture sensors embedded in the screed? In our case, a little marker stuck out of the screed in every room, and the painter didn’t start work until the readings were within the acceptable range.

HeimatBauer schrieb:

Were no moisture sensors embedded in the screed? In our case, there was a small flag sticking out of the screed in every room, and the painter didn’t start work until the readings were acceptable.

The screed is not a problem. Yesterday we had the site meeting, and the site manager said the screed must dry for 21 days before it is considered dry, and after 30 days it can be covered (with laminate or tiles), but before that a test will be carried out to confirm it is actually dry. A CM measurement?

So they seem quite precise about that. However, he mentioned that the drywall installer is coming this week, even though the attic is still wet—both the floor and the vapor barrier on the attic ceiling. In his opinion, after one week it won’t be a problem, and the drywall installer knows exactly what he is doing. We refused and were able to reschedule the drywall installer for Monday. We are supposed to arrange an appointment with him, but even Monday, with 10 days drying, is still too early.

The problem is that three row houses are being built together, and our screed was poured last. Our neighbor is constantly pressuring and wants to move in by August, and the construction company is being harassed by him the whole time. That’s why our site manager wanted to have the utility connections installed and enter the house just one day after our screed was poured. Otherwise, the city can only come two weeks later for the connections, which would be too late for the neighbor. I thought that was unacceptable and clearly said that our front door should remain closed for at least three days. Luckily, the city couldn’t come earlier, so they will only come next week.

The same applies to the drywall installer. Yesterday, the site manager said the drywall installer must come no later than Monday, even though everything is still so wet. At the other two houses, he has been finished for a long time. Our screed was delayed a bit before it was poured, so the neighbors have had theirs drying for about 4 and 6 weeks already, and the drywall installers are done there. I am quite sure that the reason the drywall installer must finish quickly at our house now is that certain other contractors will only come once to all three houses. The neighbors do not want to “wait” for us, and the site manager wants to speed things up so the other houses can be completed. I’m not experienced in this, so my question is: when is it actually allowed for the drywall installer to start work?

I trust no one; both the site manager and the contracted companies seem to be in cahoots. Often I have acted based on my gut feeling and common sense, and that has always been right. However, at this point I would like to hear expert opinions from you about what is correct and what you would have done.

Thank you very much

HeimatBauer schrieb:

Were no moisture sensors embedded in the screed? In our case, a small marker stuck out of the screed in every room, and the painter didn’t start work until the readings were acceptable.

Yes, we do have them. By the way, after a while the screed will be heated for 10 days (10 days). Since the neighbor complains so much, he has already received a temporary heater, and his house will be heated until the proper units arrive; these have been ordered.

We recently had our screed installed, and we have a 4-week drying period scheduled, followed by 3 weeks of heating.

mr.xyz1 schrieb:

We recently had our screed installed, and we have a 4-week drying period, followed by 3 weeks of heating.

And nothing is done in between? What type of screed do you have? We have cement screed.