Kársnesskóli: how VERKVIST used Tector moisture detection system to protect Iceland’s largest timber school
Kársnesskóli, Iceland’s largest mass timber construction project, was on track to become the country’s first primary school to receive Swan certification, but severe water damage delayed construction. VERKVIST, the new consultant engineering firm with decades of experience taking over the project, needed a reliable solution to protect the building from further moisture-related issues during and after construction. By implementing Tector’s advanced moisture detection system, VERKVIST resumed construction with confidence, knowing that the structure was safeguarded from future moisture damage.
Challenge
Iceland’s tough winter storms posed a significant risk to Kársnesskóli’s flat roof and mass timber structure. After severe water ingress damaged the timber and caused lengthy delays, VERKVIST had to find a solution to protect the building from further moisture exposure. As Hlynur, Project Manager at VERKVIST, explains:
“In Iceland, it can be particularly challenging to monitor moisture levels with large-scale mass timber constructions. The weather conditions can present significant challenges throughout the lifecycle of this type of building.”
With water damage threatening the progress and long-term durability of the project, VERKVIST needed a proactive system to detect moisture early and prevent further setbacks.
Solution
To mitigate the risk of future moisture damage, VERKVIST collaborated with EFLA to install 64 of Tector’s sensors that were installed across the flat roof, primarily above the roof membrane, with additional sensors placed underneath for reference. This setup provides comprehensive monitoring, allowing early detection of moisture ingress before it becomes a serious issue.
These sensors provided real-time alerts, allowing the team to act quickly when moisture levels spiked. Hlynur explains the value this brought to the project:
“Sensors have been installed in critical areas of the construction and have already proven their value by providing real-time alerts with exact locations when storms have hit, allowing rain to penetrate the weather cover during construction progress. This enabled us to address the issue quickly.”
The easy-to-use application made it simple for the team to monitor moisture conditions and respond promptly.
Impact
With real-time alerts and constant monitoring, VERKVIST was able to address moisture issues immediately, protecting the timber from further damage.
“The sensors and user-friendly application have been a valuable addition to our quality assurance and risk management processes,” says Hlynur.
Once the building is completed, these sensors will continue to play a vital role in early defect detection. Hlynur notes:
“Once the building is completed and in use, these sensors will help us detect defects early, such as leaks in the roof or wet areas.”
With Tector in place, VERKVIST can confidently ensure that Kársnesskóli remains watertight and durable long into the future, safeguarding its status as a sustainable, Swan-certified building.
