I have a covered concrete patio with a moisture problem when ever the humidity becomes high. Plastic was installed on the ground before the concrete was poured and the slab is about 7″ thick. It is so bad the streets and driveways in the neighborhood are dryer that my porch. I would like to enclose the perimeter of the porch up 30″ and install screen above it but I would like to solve this problem first. Any one out there have any suggestions. Thanks:
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
![](https://images.finehomebuilding.com/app/uploads/2024/08/15131650/FHB-645-Pod-Feature-thumb-16x9.jpg)
Listeners write in about condensing dryers, giant gears, and saggy doors and ask questions about chimney safety, black windows, and rot-resistant assemblies.
Featured Video
How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post CornersHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Based on the information you gave, the answer is "dry it out."
We can give a better answer with more info: where are you located; what is the topology around the patio; what kind of soil; what happens to water coming off the patio roof; is the moisture just on the slab; how is the slab finished?
View Image
Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
The patio is painted and has a (some what smooth surface). It was supposed to have had a brushed fininsh but with the paint it is somewhat less than that. The water is diverted off the roof into a dry creek bed that is located about 15' from the porch. It makes no difference if it rains or not but only the % of the humidity thats in the air. I live in Memphis and it is constantly humid. The soil is a clay type and my lot is level except for a small slope house in the rear toward the house. Any comments will be appreciated.
JohnWelcome to Breaktime!!If you click on your name above (where it says "To: John"), you will open your profile.We would appreciate it if you could fill some of that in, especially where you are located (then we don't have to ask)!!Thanks!Regarding your question.It almost sounds like it is just condensation from the humid Memphis air over a cool, shaded slab.At a time when the slab is dry (run a fan on it to dry an area if necessary), Tape a piece of plastic down to it. Leave it for a day or two. Which side of the plastic is damp??If the bottom of the plastic is damp, then the moisture is coming up through the slab. If the top of the plastic is damp, then see my first paragraph. If the plastic stays dry....I dunno.Rich BeckmanAnother day, another tool.
porch ceiling fan