Hello,
I think this string is about as close to what I'm asking as i can find here.
My brother and I are fixing up an old cottage near a lake. It used to be a garage, then someone built a porch around it.
When I bought it, all the floors and joists were just about completely rotted, as there was a terrible drainage issue.
A couple of years ago, I had a septic tank installed and they put in drainage tile all around the foundation, which took care of any water issues or standing water inside the main room. Note: the main area is a concrete slab.
We are done with the outside and have started the inside work, bath, plumbing and putting a floor over both rooms.
We started in the bathroom installing a plastic vapor barrier around the rim joist, attaching it with firring strips. We haven't enclosed the floor yet, as we have plumbing to do, etc.
This spring, (just like everyone else), we've been having horrible weather, tremendous amounts of rain and last week, combine the wet weather with high heat and humidity. What we found was condensation on the other side, also on top of the vapor barrier.
Keep in mind, the vapor barrier IS exposed, (at least for now), because we haven't enclosed the main room yet.
Also, with all the rain, water started to 'weep' through to the normally dry concrete in the main room.
I'm at my wits end as to what to do. I don't want the joists to rot or mold to grow, once we finally cap this floor.
I've called a couple of waterproofing contractors and got TWO opinions, which confuse me more.
One guy said not to use plastic, close off any vents in the foundation, because you dont' want any moisture getting in. Then, go to Sears, get their biggest dehumidfier, attach a condensation pump and leave it on.
Well, that's nice, but this is a cottage and I'm not there all the time, just weekends and vacations. I don't want the added expense of a huge electric bill.
the other contractor said to purchase a rubber membrane, put crushed stone over that, add another membrane, then crushed stone. For my application, there won't be enough room for stone and a membrane.
We are installing the joists up off from the floor, and there will be about a 6" clearance between the concrete and the joists.
Does anyone have any suggestions? most say use the plastic barrier, some say NO, others say vent it, then some say no vents.
I just want to get this project done.
Any help would be appreciated.
I think this string is about as close to what I'm asking as i can find here.
My brother and I are fixing up an old cottage near a lake. It used to be a garage, then someone built a porch around it.
When I bought it, all the floors and joists were just about completely rotted, as there was a terrible drainage issue.
A couple of years ago, I had a septic tank installed and they put in drainage tile all around the foundation, which took care of any water issues or standing water inside the main room. Note: the main area is a concrete slab.
We are done with the outside and have started the inside work, bath, plumbing and putting a floor over both rooms.
We started in the bathroom installing a plastic vapor barrier around the rim joist, attaching it with firring strips. We haven't enclosed the floor yet, as we have plumbing to do, etc.
This spring, (just like everyone else), we've been having horrible weather, tremendous amounts of rain and last week, combine the wet weather with high heat and humidity. What we found was condensation on the other side, also on top of the vapor barrier.
Keep in mind, the vapor barrier IS exposed, (at least for now), because we haven't enclosed the main room yet.
Also, with all the rain, water started to 'weep' through to the normally dry concrete in the main room.
I'm at my wits end as to what to do. I don't want the joists to rot or mold to grow, once we finally cap this floor.
I've called a couple of waterproofing contractors and got TWO opinions, which confuse me more.
One guy said not to use plastic, close off any vents in the foundation, because you dont' want any moisture getting in. Then, go to Sears, get their biggest dehumidfier, attach a condensation pump and leave it on.
Well, that's nice, but this is a cottage and I'm not there all the time, just weekends and vacations. I don't want the added expense of a huge electric bill.
the other contractor said to purchase a rubber membrane, put crushed stone over that, add another membrane, then crushed stone. For my application, there won't be enough room for stone and a membrane.
We are installing the joists up off from the floor, and there will be about a 6" clearance between the concrete and the joists.
Does anyone have any suggestions? most say use the plastic barrier, some say NO, others say vent it, then some say no vents.
I just want to get this project done.
Any help would be appreciated.
