Okay, here is another question. We recently had to have fixed a slow leak in the wall that we didn't know about from the guest bathroom. The guest bathroom is on the other side of the livingroom wall, so it of course managed to soak and mold our carpets under our bookshelves before we knew what was going on. Anyway, the leak is fixed. Most of the livingroom wall was taken out all the mold and stuff was removed with bleach. The floor sat and air dried for about 4 or 5 days, and appeared dry. Now, however after the floor in the livingroom has been laid, we noticed some condensation under the plastic, (in the gap between the floor and the wall. There was a long piece of blue tape holding the plastic in place so that may have contribted to the condensation. Anyway this condensation is only in the area where the leaking pipe was (about 3 ft total running along the wall). Nothing is wet, wet, just a little condensation. What I have done, is pulled and lightly taped the plastic to the floor, so that small cement area along the wall can have some air circulation. My husband thinks it is probably no big deal, and that the moisture is left over from the leak and that the concreate will eventually wick it away. Does this sound true? Or, is this much more serious? Any insight would be really appricated. Sorry this is so long!
Hello
Condensation under the plastic is coming out of the concrete ,It would have soaked water from the leak . This could take a month or more to eventually stop . If you are able to keep it open to the air and even a small fan on low speed to gently blow air to that area . A dehumidifyer and tent around it enclosing the wall and the floor will help to suck the moisture out quickly .
To find if a concrete slab is dry or damp ,tape down a 3ft X 3ft piece of clear plastic air tight and leave it for 24 hours . Bad it will form droplets in a couple of hours reasonable about 6 hours and dry it could take 10 to 12 hours This is reguardless of the age of the slab .
Have fun
mikawayne@xtra.co.nz
