Mold on uninsulated flat roof equipment room

Yes, the roof is still in this condition. The question is whether I can prove a defect to the construction company. In my opinion, this is the case here. We are still within the 5-year period. So far, I have not managed to keep this room free of mold. And that despite proper use and technical aids (ventilators). My acquaintance might be able to help me. But he will not do it for free...

Does the roof have a slope and does it drain sufficiently into your internal drainage? Is water possibly still standing? It would also need to be clarified whether the roof has been completed. There is a flat roof guideline that one can possibly refer to. You can also search for "Bauder." Do you have a moisture meter? I would measure the residual moisture content of the individual building components with it. Additionally, you can set up a moisture/temperature sensor and possibly log data.

Does the roof have a slope and does it drain sufficiently into your internal drainage? Does water possibly remain standing?

Yes, there is a slope and no water remains standing.

You can also search for "Bauder".

I just did that. Basically, the construction used here corresponds to what is recommended there for carports. My carport doesn’t mold either. :D

Do you have a moisture meter?

Unfortunately not. There is a controller with a display attached to the fan. The sensor is placed directly under the roof battens. The controller is set to turn on at 70%. In winter, readings often showed well above 80%. The fan ran almost continuously. At this time of year, the 70% is no longer reached.

At first I thought the water was running in from above... but those are residues from the glazing work :rolleyes: you could at least have taped it off and taken the cables out of the holders so that not everything becomes/is/was so "filthy"...

to the problem. Summer is bad for an analysis. :rolleyes: In winter you could have taken countermeasures directly by "flinging open" the window for a few minutes in the morning and evening. You can see the condensate directly on the outside pane. If the fog is gone, close again after another 5 minutes. You should also simply measure the surface temperatures in autumn/winter. Ceiling/walls/floor. The ceiling should then be by far the coldest...

What are the temperatures inside in winter/summer? Almost outside temperature?

The window is surely triple glazed. That is too good for the shed. Best a poor double-glazed one, then at least you can wipe the condensate off the glass... (If the roof is the culprit)

In winter, you could have counteracted directly by “throwing open” the window for a few minutes in the morning and evening.

That is not something I want to do permanently. Neither in the residential building nor in an equipment room. In the residential building we have a controlled residential ventilation system, that works well. For the equipment room, I am looking for another solution...

What temperatures are inside in winter/summer? Nearly outdoor temperature?

A bit warmer than outside. We haven’t had frost there yet.

The window is certainly triple-glazed. That is too good for the shed.

For me, the window is practically proof that good insulation can prevent condensation. Unfortunately, that doesn’t work with the flat roof. Presumably, insulation is really missing. Would ceiling joist insulation maybe also be a solution? Technically, I would still trust myself with that. Although I don’t know whether it would have to be with a vapor barrier and so on. Would an air gap have to remain? Might it then continue to mold there? The external roof insulation really sounds reasonable. But that’s technically too much for me. Also, my acquaintance said it might even have to be rebuilt with masonry. :eek:

The problem will also be that the air can become stagnant between the rafters.

I have also thought about something like that. I know this ventilation concept from the material boxes on boat trailers, where many people have additionally installed solar fans that ensure the air in the box does not stagnate. Before you cover anything, I would rather try to improve the air circulation in the entire room

A bit warmer than outside. We haven't had frost there yet.

At 35 degrees AT, it's then 38 degrees in the shed? :rolleyes:
As I said, measure the surface temperatures...