₦airaland Forum

FEGEITOK:
My question about the position of the wall was very specific.

I solved the problem of dampness in internal walls that share nothing with the exterior. I also solved the problem of dampness with one wall whose opposite side is the exterior. But I did notice that that side of the house is higher than the outer floor.

But there is one wall that I did not solve the problem of dampness. Inside is a room and outside is the exterior. One thing I observed is that the interior floor was lower than the exterior floor. In numbers, the length between the window sill and the inner floor was 40 inches or about 100cm on the inside, but the length between the window sill and the outer floor was 25 inches or about 64cm. My response was as follows, evacuated the soil externally so that the space between the window sill and the outer floor was 54 inches or about 137cm.

As someone has rightly said, it is a recipe for disaster for the inner floor to be lower than the outer floor.

Now before I did the evacuation, I broke down the floor of the room that has issues and was able to observe water pouring into the house along the block perimeter during rains. Now you understand why the inner floor should be higher and not lower than the other floor.

You have to be very sure whether it is rising damp or penetrating damp you are fighting.

You also need to know that there are at least 4 ways or means of water finding its way into your property.

To solve this problem, you need to understand how water interacts with your building so you don't fight symptoms but the root cause.

By the way, this is an ongoing experiment. I have not yet had time to observe the effect of the soil evacuation because of extremely hectic work schedule, but once I do I will report.I will elaborate on the 4 ways or means tomorrow, I have to sleep.

I have shared some of my research here: https://www.nairaland.com/7351815/home-remodeling-diy-fight-against

I have also shared my formula for plastering inner walls that have resisted water for over 5 years now. Search for it.

Plaster sand is not your friend, if you want to fight water. Ignore whatever your masons tell you. They do what they have always done, they have not researched this issue as well as I have.

Slimszy

Before applying my unique plastering formula, the paint would flake and peel off.

But on the internal wall whose other side is the bathroom as well as on another internal wall whose other side is the external wall, even though there is clear evidence that there is moisture in the wall and the paint is discolored as a result, the wall holds the paint.

This is the reason why you go to the root and not address just the symptoms if you want to solve this problem permanently. The cause of the moisture problem is groundwater

I was able to conduct a post-mortem on the wall today.

I plan to post pictures later.

For those who wonder why I said Plaster Sand is not your friend. This is the science behind it: "The more fine-grained the sediment or rock is, the higher the water is pulled." and also "Fine-grained materials hold more water over a longer period of time than the same volume of coarse-grained materials like sand or gravel."

The above quotes were excerpted from Chapter 13 of the 1999 NGWA Press Publication, Ground Water Hydrology for Water Well Contractors and lifted from the United States National Ground Water Association Website.

You solve a science problem through scientific methods and not vice versa.

Curious345:
this is very very high

Good or Bad?

Still heavily occupied, will update the story in time. I have pictures and notes. Just short on time

7 DESIGN TECHNIQUES TO KEEP WATER OUT 002

7 DESIGN TECHNIQUES TO KEEP WATER OUT 001

Slimszy:
Thank you for your input.

Yes, the picture attached is an interior wall. The exterior is covered with tyrolene.

Actually I bought the building as carcass and did the finishing. At the point of buying, I didn't notice any form of dampness maybe because it was during the dry season, earlier this year.

My question about the position of the wall was very specific.

I solved the problem of dampness in internal walls that share nothing with the exterior. I also solved the problem of dampness with one wall whose opposite side is the exterior. But I did notice that that side of the house is higher than the outer floor.

But there is one wall that I did not solve the problem of dampness. Inside is a room and outside is the exterior. One thing I observed is that the interior floor was lower than the exterior floor. In numbers, the length between the window sill and the inner floor was 40 inches or about 100cm on the inside, but the length between the window sill and the outer floor was 25 inches or about 64cm. My response was as follows, evacuated the soil externally so that the space between the window sill and the outer floor was 54 inches or about 137cm.

As someone has rightly said, it is a recipe for disaster for the inner floor to be lower than the outer floor.

Now before I did the evacuation, I broke down the floor of the room that has issues and was able to observe water pouring into the house along the block perimeter during rains. Now you understand why the inner floor should be higher and not lower than the other floor.

You have to be very sure whether it is rising damp or penetrating damp you are fighting.

You also need to know that there are at least 4 ways or means of water finding its way into your property.

To solve this problem, you need to understand how water interacts with your building so you don't fight symptoms but the root cause.

By the way, this is an ongoing experiment. I have not yet had time to observe the effect of the soil evacuation because of extremely hectic work schedule, but once I do I will report.I will elaborate on the 4 ways or means tomorrow, I have to sleep.

I have shared some of my research here: https://www.nairaland.com/7351815/home-remodeling-diy-fight-against

I have also shared my formula for plastering inner walls that have resisted water for over 5 years now. Search for it.

Plaster sand is not your friend, if you want to fight water. Ignore whatever your masons tell you. They do what they have always done, they have not researched this issue as well as I have.

Slimszy:
Hi guys, I am currently facing an issue of water damp in my building. It's so frustrating.

I have broken the plaster about 2 feet above the ground in the interior, and it has risen to the upper part within 2 months, causing the screeded wall to peel off. I am completely tired of maintaining and maintaining a new house.

I need your advice please.

The second picture is of an interior wall whose other side is an exterior wall. Right?

The first picture is clearly an interior wall but I cannot determine what is on the other side. A bathroom maybe? Please clarify.

Sorry that you are facing the consequences of building practices that are more concerned with aesthetics than building longevity and the health and safety of residents.

Last question is this apartment rented or owned? This question will determine what to recommend as not everyone is inclined to repair a house for a landlord or for the next tenant even if their health and safety is at stake.

PrimeQuay:
From my experience work with different clients on various projects I’ve learned a few things to reduce stories that touch :

- always do research and due diligence before engaging anyone for work. Go and visit their former or current projects , don’t rely on pictures.

- get a quote for the same job from a minimum of 3 people. And don’t be afraid to enter market to find out prices

- ask plenty questions because it is your money at risk. A good number of vendors lack integrity and don’t care if you lose $, their only concern is their pockets.

This is key

- As I always suggest to my clients, [b]always get someone to watch your contractors preferably an independent consultant. [/b]Like those invigilators during final exam lol if anybody tries to do ojoro they will chop koboko

I have used 4 sets of carpenters on my MDF projects.

It has been an eye opening experience.

Will share some tips and tricks used to scam you of money soon.

I say it because of the bolded.

Continued III

continued II

Continued

FEGEITOK:
Stories from the trenches.

I bought a ton of MDF to do woodwork.

Now the air in the office stings the eyes and the nose so I researched why this is happening.

It's the adhesive! Our markets are full of the cheap chinese adhesive!

Don't go cheap on adhesives, it's a matter of life and health.

This article explains why.

My workers even got sick, so sick that they had to stop work and vomited for hours until they were provided medical attention.

I now have no choice but to install extractor fans to ensure the air in the office is safe for humans

There is an update on the above.

If you want to prevent off-gassing, you need to use low VOC wood glue when doing woodwork.

Here is an article from an architectural website that goes into detail about the problem.

It is important for service providers to also play the role of trusted advisors, when they do this, telling the client the pros and cons of certain buying decisions, a bond of trust is formed that allows the client to have no objection to paying more for the service provider and trusted advisor roles.

But the client doesn't get this from the service provider and has to do the kind of work that I have done to guarantee health and safety, such a service provider becomes disposable/dispensable.

I hope this helps someone else commissioning woodwork in the office or the home.

Thank God for Shoprite, I am now using a low VOC wood glue known as Alcolin wood glue. I am saying thank God because our wood markets don't source for this type of glue, and the next best option would have been to import it from Amazon which would take time.

Once again this illustrates how important proper ventilation is for the home and the office.

The article:

Fan location - the key to effective extraction of moist air

Key take homes from the article I am about to post:

1. Where you locate fans matter

2. Your kitchen needs the extractor fan most, the highest humidity in the home arises from the kitchen (also the kitchen extractor fan should be more powerful than the bathrooms)

3. Installing an extractor fan in the bathroom alone is not a prudent idea

4. The extracted air needs to be replaced by fresh air, in plain English, set up a system to replace the air you just extracted to guarantee proper air circulation

5. Smart extractor fans - those that have a humidistat are better than non-smart extractor fans because they can react to (compensate for) the relative humidity

GloriousGbola:
When you said industrial fan, I thought of a central fan and interconnected pipe ducts in the ceiling void with vents in selected rooms

Can be done, but at what cost?

Not ready to go the whole hog at this time, its too expensive.

But I wish to take little steps that don't break the bank to improve things

One such extremely expensive system would be this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kewzCcGYqU0&ab_channel=MattRisinger

The most important thing is that with a few lifestyle changes and relatively inexpensive products, I can improve the situation and that using relatively inexpensive tools I can prove that those changes are working.

topsy23:
What are you trying to extract out using industrial extractor fan. Not necessary if it is a residential building

The reason why industrial extractor fans are used in warehousing and factory is because of the heat generated

This is what I am going for.

Hope this helps to explain what I mean.

I want to implement a system of frequent air changes throughout the house as the air quality in that house is questionable.

Olumighty123 what are your thoughts on installing an industrial extractor fan to cover the whole house save for the kitchen and bathrooms which have their own extractor fans?

I am leaning towards that at the moment, currently researching it but I'd appreciate your comments.

Olumighty123:
Best believe no matter how big your extractor fan is, it cannot take out all the battery fumes, inverter batteries are only suitable to be installed outside a building. You can have your inverter indoor but not the batteries.

Thank you for your point.

If installing outside, then don't skimp on sealing the electrical connections and consider purchasing an IP6x rated kit for housing them to protect from the elements

Additional note, the greater the number of batteries, the greater the need for extra ventilation

topsy23:
The inverter equipment can be under the stairs but extractor fan must be provided to extract the battery fumes out.

I am quoting this to help property owners and inverter sellers remember that you need to install extractor fans if you run an inverter in your home.

Your quotation for setting up an inverter is not complete without this.

Which other countries use the international residential code?


Notice that Nigeria is missing from the list, also notice the frequency of building collapse in Nigeria?

Does anyone know where one can find a copy of Nigeria's building code online?

If anyone does, please kindly share.

I am trying to compare it with its peers.

Thanks in advance.

Edit:

I found one dating back to 2006, but I found news items indicating that it has been revised.

Nigeria's big problem seems to have resurfaced, I mean by that that such a document should be public/published and freely available.

I found the 2006 one on a Lagos government website and not a federal website.

One of the sources I found said that the Nigerian Building Code is not a law, but more of "a set of minimum standards on building pre-design, designs, construction and post-construction stages with a view to ensuring quality, safety and proficiency in the building industry." I don't know how true that is.

But if you are a self-builder, it pays to understand that there are global standards on these matters.

One such standard is the International Residential Code.

It would make sense to study that document to ensure that you build in such a way that meets and if you can afford it exceeds the minimum standards set by Nigeria for obvious reasons.

The International Residential Code is a “comprehensive, stand-alone residential code that establishes minimum regulations for one and two-family dwellings and townhouses using prescriptive provisions.” The IRC is founded on broad-based principles that make both new materials and new building designs possible.

The document was last revised in 2021 and will be revised again in 2024.

hamtabfawaz:
it's Particle board

Here is my main reason for using MDF.

Indicated with the arrow.

hamtabfawaz:
The Bolded. X
I can't use it for myself, I don't even recommend it to my clients. MDF is a No No for me.


There is another board lower to MDF (it shouldn't be considered at all)

Plywood? Particle board? Which one? Let me learn from you please?

Mandem05:
Good morning, please how much did you buy this toy and where did you buy it from?

Hope this helps

I have used super glue before but the quantities being used for MDF paneling makes it become necessary to take extra precautions.

So to all my wood working friends on this forum, it is not just about the money, make the money but preserve your health.

GloriousGbola:
The amount of research one has to do because this country is flooded with cheap and dangerous s**t ehn. Every last thing has the original China, fake China, original original, fake original, Tokunbo original, naija refurb original, mixed original. And 90% of the time, you can only learn this by experience. Because these are effing gray Market shenanigans

You are so correct.

I read up some more on why this is no joke

Stories from the trenches.

I bought a ton of MDF to do woodwork.

Now the air in the office stings the eyes and the nose so I researched why this is happening.

It's the adhesive! Our markets are full of the cheap chinese adhesive!

Don't go cheap on adhesives, it's a matter of life and health.

This article explains why.

My workers even got sick, so sick that they had to stop work and vomited for hours until they were provided medical attention.

I now have no choice but to install extractor fans to ensure the air in the office is safe for humans

One of the best guides on YouTube for a DIY to control humidity aka water levels in the air in the home


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIDb-pdOnXM&ab_channel=CharlieDIYte

This guy has put out so much information in one place for free that I will personally donate to his channel, research takes time, and this guy has reduced my time to market, lol, I meant the time between deciding to fight humidity and actually starting the fight scientifically

KIDfurniture:
Insect can crawl in through the fan from outside ?

Watch the videos to the end, there is a screen that comes with the fan to prevent that

Should you install extractor fans in your home? Particularly in your bathroom and your kitchen.

Many building codes overseas demand that these be installed. I have not yet comprehensively studied the Nigerian building code but installing one can improve indoor air quality as well as reduce the moisture content of the air in your home and the chances of mold and mildew affecting your property and by extension the longevity of your property.

More about those here: https://www.nairaland.com/7351815/home-remodeling-diy-fight-against

Apart from fighting water in the air in the home, there is another reason why you need these fans in the kitchen and the bathroom.

Bad indoor air quality can make you sick, stale air needs to be sent packing and fresh air needs to be pumped into the house

Apart from the bathroom, the kitchen also needs it


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOdJqJnC8y0

One of the commenters on this video observed

"Hi Georgina, one of the best descriptions of damp / humidity I've seen. Ventilation & background heat = perfect conditions �

Most people don't realise just how much moisture we produce ( even just breathing)

I would also say if it dry enough to hang your linen outside then open windows & ventilate. If it's too damp to hang linen outside then close your windows - easy.

Excellent video, thank you.

Hope you have a great day.

Regards

Tim"

Controlling water in the home may also involve the installation of an extractor fan in the bathroom.

This video goes into more detail


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvSE9aAmeGk&ab_channel=CharlieDIYte