Humidity problems and methods of solving them

Moisture is caused by many factors and surveyors are often cited as misdiagnosing the causes of moisture. I personally don’t believe this, but what I am convinced to be true is that homeowners tend to ignore damp and mold, a strange and counterproductive posture, or they become paranoid and seek to completely eliminate all traces of humidity (which is not true). it is always wise to do).

Nothing could be worse than ignoring problems because they usually get worse. Our second reaction is usually the involvement of a specialized moisture testing contractor. While this may be correct and appropriate, in my experience these salespeople often sell a solution that is unnecessary and costs you a small fortune. That solution usually means that chemicals will be injected into the walls of the house, and in this eco-friendly world, this may not always be correct.

Everything is subject to scale and grade, but the smartest course of action is usually to have your local Chartered Surveyor inspect and advise you. I can be accused of profiting here, but I reject that I am partial. Moisture can be caused by so many different factors that a true analysis is absolutely essential to ensure the solution is sustainable. Where does moisture occur, why, and is repair necessary?

The best way to prevent moisture is to design a suitable barrier and install it effectively during the construction of the building. Otherwise, a modernized system should be considered and such systems are often disruptive and expensive.

Another serious issue in the moisture diagnostics industry must also be considered: Often times, the cause of the moisture problem is misdiagnosed and this can lead to a lot of unnecessary expense or worse, duplicate costs over a period of years. as a second solution. then it is tested.

Condensation is often the real problem and this may be associated with a lifestyle problem rather than a construction defect – in fact, my experience is that the vast majority of moisture that has been rectified by injection systems of chemicals (see below) is, in fact, a combination of inadequate insulation and a lifestyle problem that revolves around your own actions and methods of living in that particular building.

In addition to these problems, there is the danger that historically the observed humidity has brought minerals from the soil with it. These can migrate up and into the base of the wall plaster in your lower rooms. This contaminated plaster usually needs to be removed (but not always) and affected rooms must then be re-plastered at high cost and disruption. Moisture may also have started the woodworking process or deterioration of the floor that may not manifest itself until many months later, so it is generally worth exposing and lifting the floorboards before the works are specified; Here is my statement that it is generally worth hiring an experienced home surveyor. to check the house before construction begins.

The moisture diagnostic industry is driven by free company surveys competing for rehab work. Conflicts of interest often result in misdiagnosis and all for the good of home buyers or homeowners who save a few pounds by not soliciting the paid opinion of an independent local Chartered Surveyor.

So what are the main types of repair systems if a real rising moisture problem has been diagnosed correctly? Here is a basic list —

Chemistryl Retrofitting of injection systems: these place chemicals within a wall in such a way that the microporous structure of the masonry cannot absorb moisture and this solidity prevents capillary attraction and therefore moisture cannot enter at home. Small holes are drilled in the bases of the walls (usually on the outside, but in some cases an interior system can be designed) and then a chemical solution is systematically injected into the masonry until the saturation point is reached.

Electro-osmosis– If a small electrical current (equivalent to that used by a doorbell) passes through a wall, it affects the rate of potential capillary attraction that causes water to rise on a wall (like a tree sucking water from the ground) . This system usually has a control unit (an adaptive power source), anodes drilled and placed on the bases of the outer wall, and finally a ground rod. These are provided externally and are effective if the circuits are not broken or if the power supply is interrupted.

Physical = the introduction of a new barrier such as bituminous felt, plastic (polypropylene, EPDM or recycled), brick layer and dense mortar (engineering grade), lead or natural slate. Any physical barrier must be attached to any floor membrane and be at least 150mm above the exterior floor level. The precise position of the barrier must also ensure that the recessed ends of the suspended floor joists are protected from moisture and the resulting decomposition.

Schrijver system: (a trademarked product used as an example to identify any such system – a specialized physical system) = this is based on special inserted devices placed inside a wall (inserted from the outside through a drilling process) that create points cold to which water is drawn. That moisture is then collected and safely drained.

Palliative measures – in essence, these work on the principle that humidity is not the problem; instead, you address and neutralize the effects of moisture rather than preventing the source (s) of moisture (provided no serious consequences result from such proposals) — 1. Create a new inner skin with damp and insulating membrane but with a ventilated space between damp, old and new interior walls. Possibly complete this work in conjunction with outside land drainage works. 2. Changes in the lifestyle patterns of the occupants. 3. Provide better insulation and / or improve the heating and ventilation of the building environment (or simply improve the control of these factors).

There are arguments for each type of repair theory, or action to combat humidity and its effects (mold, cavities, health problems …). Factors in deciding the best solution for you may include: —

• The robustness of the correct humidity diagnosis. The importance of this factor cannot be overstated, as surveyors misdiagnosed the vast majority of moisture cases initially.

• If the degree of humidity justifies any action.

• How green you need your repair solution to be.

• The effectiveness and longevity of the different types of solution.

• The direct and indirect costs of your preferred repair solution.

• If guarantees are issued and under what conditions (such as being backed by insurance).

• Whether it is prudent to repair moisture at all, for example: buildings with adobe walls must be damp to remain structurally safe: for example: stone walls cannot be injected: for example: thin walls of buildings Vintage need to breathe and this prevents most repair work methods.

• Peripherals, such as the required repair company’s degree of experience, whether building control approval is required, the time required to complete repairs, the conditions that are imposed on each repair method, any adverse effects on the ability to sell or mortgage each type of repair. system, etc ……

• Sometimes repair works may affect an adjoining structure and therefore the cooperation (sometimes mandatory under the Party Wall Law) of the adjoining owner is needed before anything can be done.

It seems that the Industry has fallen into saying the solution is a chemical injection repair treatment, now what is the problem? Until we can get a little more sophisticated, we will continue to complete unnecessary jobs and / or use chemicals when we often shouldn’t.

The crux of the matter often revolves around two factors (1) whether the wall plaster needs to be removed and replaced as this greatly increases the costs and length of the contract, plus (2) is it prepared to accept that the way you live inside the home has changed? caused the damp and mold and you may need to make lifestyle changes: (this latter scenario is real and in my experience occupants often don’t believe the problem is self-inflicted. This plays into the game of dishonest moisture specialist companies).

It really is quite simple, as each household and occupancy method is so variable that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and therefore you need good quality advice. So will you take the advice of an unbiased certified surveyor or trust Bob the Builder or a salesperson from a moisture contractor’s business? The choice is yours.