Understanding the Moisture Problem in Older Homes
More than every tenth homeowner faces issues with moisture and mold, especially in older properties. Basements and ground floors often bear the brunt of this problem, leading many to dive into big renovation projects. But here’s the catch: sometimes, the real cause isn’t what you’d expect. New drainage systems might not fix the issue if moisture is actually sneaking in from a sewer break, rising groundwater, or even tree roots creeping along the foundation. It’s a tricky puzzle that demands a closer look.
The Power of Independent Moisture Inspection
Getting to the root of moisture problems starts with an independent moisture inspection. This isn’t just any check-up—it’s a thorough investigation that pinpoints the exact source of moisture. The Institute for Moisture Technology is a specialist in this field, blending deep knowledge of old and new buildings with a scientific, data-driven approach. Using advanced measuring tools, they detect moisture lurking in hidden spots, places you wouldn’t spot with the naked eye.
- More than 10% of homeowners experience moisture issues
- Institute for Moisture Technology uses patented triangulation method
- Inspection includes reviewing building and drainage plans
- Written reports provide clear causes and control strategies
- Clients include Copi, Deas, Fokus, Gentofte, and others
Common Causes of Moisture You Might Not Expect
Moisture can sneak in from all sorts of surprising places. Sometimes, basement dampness actually comes from the roof. Or moisture in one apartment might be traced back to a neighbor’s property. The Institute has uncovered a wide range of causes, including:
- Rising groundwater in bricks
- Old downpipe bricked in
- Tree roots invading foundations
- Missing insulation board lists
- Breaks in rainwater wells
- Condensation behind gable insulation
- Leaky downpipes on neighboring properties
- Incorrect gutter slopes
- Downpipes draining into chimneys
- Sewer breaks and clogged drainage
- Hygroscopic moisture and leftover iron in walls
- Incorrect facade plaster and condensation in chimneys
- Preference currents in subsoil
- Planter boxes placed too close to walls
Why Moisture Problems Are on the Rise
It’s not just bad luck—there are real reasons why moisture issues are becoming more common. Rainfall has increased by about 15%, and groundwater levels are rising sharply. At the same time, moisture barriers in buildings degrade year after year. Plus, sewers and drains often don’t get the maintenance they need. All these factors combine to make moisture problems a growing headache for property owners.
How the Moisture Inspection Actually Works
The inspection process is methodical and smart. It starts with a patented triangulation method—non-invasive, except for tiny drill holes to sample bricks. These samples help identify the four typical moisture sources. Inspectors review floor and drainage plans, check foundations, roofs, facades, and gables, and measure humidity levels. Ventilation and condensation are also examined. Special attention is given to rising groundwater, which is notoriously tricky to detect. Years of research have led to advanced equipment and techniques that confirm its presence with confidence.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – by addressing sewer breaks and drainage issues
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – through preserving building integrity
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by reducing waste from ineffective renovations
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by adapting buildings to increased rainfall and groundwater changes
- SDG 15: Life on Land – by managing tree root impacts on foundations
Case Study: Moisture Challenges at Bredgade 34
Bredgade 34, a historic silk factory built in 1753, faced persistent moisture problems in an office lease. Despite multiple attempts to fix it, the issue lingered. The Institute’s team discovered several causes, the most serious being a hidden break in a downpipe from the neighboring property dating back to the 1980s. This break caused the masonry to soak up moisture, which then evaporated into the office’s ground floor. To make matters worse, the neighbor’s downpipe drained directly onto the ground, worsening the situation. The neighboring owners were asked to address these issues, highlighting how moisture problems can cross property lines and require cooperation to solve.
