Replies

1. 
   Kivi | May 20, 2009 06:41am | #1

   is he planning on removing it once it has soaked up all the water it can ? .... or is he hoping something mystical will happen once the peat moss is wet ... ?

2. 
   Scott | May 20, 2009 07:18am | #2

   >>>Anyone ever heard of this?

   Nope. I think it's misguided. If the peat is relatively dry, it will soak up water, but it will need to be removed, which will be messy and perhaps difficult.

   Peat retains TONS of water, which is why so many people put it in their gardens; it's wonderful stuff that way.

   I think the owner would be much better off treating the cause rather than the symptom....short term solutions could be fans and dehumidifiers; long term involves proper drainage (whatever that requires) and construction methods.

   Scott.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 5/20/2009 12:23 am by Scott

1. 
   Dave45 | May 20, 2009 04:04pm | #6

   The cause is many years of neglect, half-azzed repairs, and general ignorance of the problem. "Treatment" started on Monday and will probably involve rebuilding ~10% - 15% of the house from the foundation to the ceiling. It ain't pretty and the GC is still finding stuff that needs to be rebuilt. I was just surprised at him using peat moss to soak up the water and was wondering if this could cause more problems than it solves. - lol

1. 
   Ted W. | May 20, 2009 04:38pm | #8

   Them pictures thar is what I call "Job Security".

   Am I seeing right? Is that toilet flange semi-transparent?

   ~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

   Edited 5/20/2009 9:39 am by Ted W.

1. 
   Dave45 | May 20, 2009 06:01pm | #10

   Yeah, I'm glad that I'm not directly involved in this one. I'm happy that all I have to do is build the cabinetry. - lolThe flanges and plumbing are cast iron, but there's a lot of loose fill insulation all over the place that dropped down when the ceiling was opened up. In addition to the subflooring, floor joists, rim joist, and bottom plate, the damage (rot and termites)includes several wall studs, two window headers, and the wall top plate. The ceiling joists and rafters seem to be ok - pending further review. - lolI told the GC yesterday that I suspect that the exterior stucco was (is?)the only thing supporting the roof.

   Edited 5/20/2009 11:01 am by Dave45

2. 
   DanH | May 20, 2009 08:03pm | #12

   That be a mirror.
   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

3. 
   JTC1 | May 20, 2009 02:26pm | #3

   Well, peat will certainly soak up the water.  But then what?

   I would not leave it there.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
4. 
   andybuildz | May 20, 2009 03:20pm | #4

   Hmmmm...sounds like a grower to me...lol..   : )~~~~

    

    

    

   http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

   http://www.ramdass.org

    

1. 
   Ted W. | May 20, 2009 04:36pm | #7

   He can install a bunch of high-intensity grow lights to dry out the peat. ;)~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

1. 
   DanH | May 20, 2009 08:02pm | #11

   And while he's at it I'm sure someone can scrounge up some seeds worthwhile planting there, to help defray the costs.
   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

5. 
   DanH | May 20, 2009 03:58pm | #5

   Wasn't he a wide receiver for the Packers?

   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
1. 
   Dave45 | May 20, 2009 05:51pm | #9

   Huh??