Monitoring moisture condition case studies
Introduction
The first examples of monitoring moisture condition show the kind of monitoring general house surveyors might carry out. We then move on to see how some damage management contractors monitor drying.
To monitor moisture condition beyond level 1, you need to be confident measuring moisture in materials and the air. This takes practice and use of some surveying equipment.
You then visit the site from time to time to take further measurements of moisture condition, which are carefully noted and usually tabulated.
As moisture condition data collects, you will learn to assess the changes in moisture condition you have recorded from the taking of readings as well as visual and sensual observation, and assessing other knowledge gleaned from interaction with the building, its users or managers.
At some stage conclusions may be drawn relating to dampness change in the subject building and how this may help in diagnosis of a building problem, help formulate a remedy or help show that a remedy applied is working. In most cases, it is the assessment of monitoring carried out that requires the greatest skill and experience.
Case studies
- (Level 1) - Water penetration under front steps: London town house
- (Level 2) - Slate roof timbers: Using pin probes of the conductable meter
- (Level 3) - Monitoring building drying after a flood caused by a pipe leak: contour mapping of capacitance readings
- (Level 4) - Blockwork drying or not? The 'twin peaks' of Tenterden, Kent
- (Level 5) - Monitoring of air and ceiling curing bath filling using data logging equipment