First, hello all. New to this forum but in common with most new members I have a problem!
I have a studio in the garden that was constructed by the previous owners on a pre-existing to them concrete base. The building is 8m x 4m, built well and is water tight. When I moved in, I redecorated (previous owner was an artist), put carpet tiles in one half and heavy-duty garage tiles in the other. This was over the existing lino floor. I use the carpeted side for my ‘office’ for my writing work and music recording/playing. I did note a small soft spot in the floor and planned to investigate when I had time.
The time has now come after 18 months! On moving all the furniture out of the area and removal of the lino, I discovered that the whole floor area was rotten:
I have now removed half the overall floor are down to the concrete:
This has revealed the following:
I suppose I am looking for a best-case solution that balances time against the cost of a total rebuild.
All advice and comments appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark
I have a studio in the garden that was constructed by the previous owners on a pre-existing to them concrete base. The building is 8m x 4m, built well and is water tight. When I moved in, I redecorated (previous owner was an artist), put carpet tiles in one half and heavy-duty garage tiles in the other. This was over the existing lino floor. I use the carpeted side for my ‘office’ for my writing work and music recording/playing. I did note a small soft spot in the floor and planned to investigate when I had time.
The time has now come after 18 months! On moving all the furniture out of the area and removal of the lino, I discovered that the whole floor area was rotten:
I have now removed half the overall floor are down to the concrete:
This has revealed the following:
- A concrete base with unknown construction underneath on the natural clay. It is substantial as on the outside I can see about 400 mm of depth, and it looks like the base have been used to take out the gradient of the sloping garden. The slab is level on the surface.
- The shed has been constructed straight off the concrete with four substantial uprights (look 6” x 6”) straight onto the concrete (rested) with 6” x 2” frame between directly on the concrete. Externally the frame is cladded and internally finished with plywood boarding. I was told that there is insulation, but I haven’t confirmed this. The roof is a large plastic type of structure in good condition with a good fall to rear guttering and a large overhang all round. There is a large set of bifold doors on the front with an integrated door to the side.
- A blue plastic DPM layer laid on top of the concrete. Underneath was soaking wet with water and network of roots across the whole floor probably coming from the two large mature Maple trees about 500 mm from the external side wall and the other at the front corner.
- Previously applied bitumen paint around the edges, looks like an attempt to stop water ingress.
- 1” x 2” wood battens had been screwed into the concrete floor through the DPM layer to provide a base for the 18mm plywood flooring.
- A layer of lino was on top of the plywood followed by my tiles.
- The water seems to be worse in the corner pictured may because of a slight fall on the concrete to this corner rather than an entry point for external water. Water has then entered the battens through the screw holes and from the edges of the DPM.
- The floor battens and plywood are all damaged by rot. The building frame is damaged along the wall and the corner upright is significantly rotted.
- Use resin to repair the rotted upright base and the worst of the rot in the frame along the outside floor.
- Apply some sort of sealant round the edges.
I suppose I am looking for a best-case solution that balances time against the cost of a total rebuild.
All advice and comments appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark