Thread: source of moisture in 4(really 3) season porch

I inspected a house that had what was labeled a 4-season porch. I couldn't see under the porch because the mulch was piled up high against the siding (which was noted in my report as a big no-no). there was some odd moisture staining at the base of two of the interior walls in the porch (north and west walls). My theory is there's no insulation under or in the walls of this porch and the moisture condenses there in the winter (very cold here in Minnesota in the winters). The windows above the staining are newer and appear to be in fine shape. Any thoughts as what might cause that moisture?

Thanks.

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It could be anything from the grand kids or the cat whizzing in the corner to water infiltration during the spring flood.
You really need more information and establishing shots to be of much help here.
The only thing I could see from the photo is that the moisture appears to be wicking up onto the wall from below and from the multiple rings it has happened more than once.
It could just be spillage from a potted plant being watered.

Originally Posted by Jon Errickson

I couldn't see under the porch because the mulch was piled up high against the siding (which was noted in my report as a big no-no).

It could also be from water intrusion at that location from the above cause (exterior grade is effectively ABOVE the bottom of wall - that almost always leads to water intrusion).

shampoo rugs?

I never pull carpet back with my hands. Jims point about the CAT.

You need more information.

bEST

rON

Originally Posted by Ron Bibler

I never pull carpet back with my hands. Jims point about the CAT.

Just one of the reasons for not pulling it back with your fingers, and one of the reasons I *always* carried a utility tool on my belt (like a Leatherman).

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Just one of the reasons for not pulling it back with your fingers, and one of the reasons I *always* carried a utility tool on my belt (like a Leatherman).

Yuk....EYu....Ick.......

Best

Ron

Maybe the newer windows solved the problem.Maybe the owners decided it was a good idea to have glass in the openings instead of just screens.Some enclosed porches go through stages.1 season[summer,screened],3 season[late spring,summer,fall,with glass and screen] and 4 season with insulation and insulated glass.

Looks like a one-time event like a spilled drink on the carpeting or a kicked-over windex bucket. Some stains like this you just shouldn't speculate.

Test it with your moisture meter and just say 'stains were inactive at the time of inspection'.

I once came across a "3-season" porch with a terrible mold smell and water stains around the edge. This south-side space had enough glass to solar-heat itself during the day, and that's when the homeowners would open the big sliding door to the family room. That door would stay open until the porch started getting cold in the evening. Of course, the air in that porch during the day would be at 70 degrees and 40% humidity. When the sun went down and the door got closed, the temp would drop way down, the RH would therefore spike to way over dewpoint, and the day's load of airborne water would condense on the walls and ceiling. Eventually, it dripped down to the floor, soaking the edge of the indoor-outdoor carpeting, keeping it wet all winter. Mold city, with no intrusion of liquid water from the outside.

Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall

The only thing I could see from the photo is that the moisture appears to be wicking up onto the wall from below and from the multiple rings it has happened more than once.

I vote with Jim, and I'll bet there is moisture damage inside that wall, too. Further investigation is called for. Evidence of a leak.