zachro08
2023-06-26 22:37:52
- #1
Hello,
our inherited house was built in the mid-1980s and presumably does not have moisture barriers in the basement. After the recent rains a few weeks ago, there was quite a bit of moisture and efflorescence visible on the plaster.
The basement wall consists of concrete hollow blocks, above which, according to information, there is a cement plaster and above that a lime plaster as the final layer.
We were able to borrow a moisture meter from an acquaintance and found very high moisture (80-100) in the first and second plaster layers. Less moisture (device shows about 30-50) in the concrete hollow block.
In addition, “masonry efflorescence” — presumably some kind of salts — can be seen on the last lime plaster layer.
Is this rising moisture somehow concerning with regard to structural stability/building fabric, or is it “only” a matter of the plaster falling off and needing to be renewed?
Thank you in advance,
Rising moisture + efflorescence – about 20-40 cm high – here the most extreme spot after several days of continuous rain:

our inherited house was built in the mid-1980s and presumably does not have moisture barriers in the basement. After the recent rains a few weeks ago, there was quite a bit of moisture and efflorescence visible on the plaster.
The basement wall consists of concrete hollow blocks, above which, according to information, there is a cement plaster and above that a lime plaster as the final layer.
We were able to borrow a moisture meter from an acquaintance and found very high moisture (80-100) in the first and second plaster layers. Less moisture (device shows about 30-50) in the concrete hollow block.
In addition, “masonry efflorescence” — presumably some kind of salts — can be seen on the last lime plaster layer.
Is this rising moisture somehow concerning with regard to structural stability/building fabric, or is it “only” a matter of the plaster falling off and needing to be renewed?
Thank you in advance,
Rising moisture + efflorescence – about 20-40 cm high – here the most extreme spot after several days of continuous rain: