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Structural Contains discussions about the structural portion of a home inspection. This includes foundations, framing, et cetera.

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  #1  
Old 10/21/08, 2:42 PM
Allan G. Berdahl Allan G. Berdahl is offline
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Default Basement Floor Mystery

This is one I've never encountered before.
The basement floor is poured concrete and appears to be intact. Minor common cracks in some areas but nothing out of line to the norm.
If an item is left on the floor for a period of approximately 3 days a puddle of water appears under the item. Doesn't matter what the item is(cardboard box, plastic pail, wood, etc.) moisture or a puddle will form.

Anybody have ideas as to what may cause this and a possible remedy?

Thanks
Allan



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Old 10/21/08, 3:35 PM
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Gerry Beaumont Gerry Beaumont is offline
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Default Re: Basement Floor Mystery

Hi Allen,

it's probably caused by capilliary action wicking up water to anything on the surface, could be caused by a poor concrete mix, maybe a floor sealer might help, but I'd talk to a damp-proofing contractor.

Regards

Gerry



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Old 10/21/08, 4:45 PM
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Linas I. Dapkus Linas I. Dapkus is offline
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Default Re: Basement Floor Mystery

Sounds like they may have forgot to put down a moisture barrier (usually 6 mil poly) prior to pouring the basement slab.
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Old 10/21/08, 5:24 PM
Larry D. Kage Larry D. Kage is offline
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Default Re: Basement Floor Mystery

Quote:
Originally Posted by ldapkus View Post
Sounds like they may have forgot to put down a moisture barrier (usually 6 mil poly) prior to pouring the basement slab.
zackly...



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Old 10/21/08, 9:25 PM
Allan G. Berdahl Allan G. Berdahl is offline
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Default Re: Basement Floor Mystery

Thanks guys. Sure seemed weird. Had never seen this before.
Allan



Allan Berdahl
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Old 10/23/08, 3:43 PM
John Allingham John Allingham is offline
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Default Re: Basement Floor Mystery

Quote:
Originally Posted by ldapkus View Post
Sounds like they may have forgot to put down a moisture barrier (usually 6 mil poly) prior to pouring the basement slab.
Allan's in Canada. No moisture barrier required, just 4" of granular fill.
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Old 10/23/08, 6:22 PM
Larry D. Kage Larry D. Kage is offline
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Default Re: Basement Floor Mystery

Quote:
Originally Posted by jallingham View Post
Allan's in Canada. No moisture barrier required, just 4" of granular fill.
Four inches of granular fill doesn't stop excessive water from moving through the concrete slab by capillary draw, etc.

I like the block of a barrier myself and believe it is the best practice.



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Larry Kage
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231 929 3525


Professional Inspector and Infrared Thermographer serving the Traverse City, Michigan area and beyond.


ITC/FLIR CERTIFIED BUILDING SCIENCES THERMOGRAPHER

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