Sensor Innovation – detects moisture before it damages your building

Sensors create predictable operations

If you run a property company, you most likely have a strong desire for the operation of your buildings to be as predictable as possible. But do you really know the condition of the walls and roofs in your various buildings, where moisture accumulates, and where the moisture has begun to cause damage? And what do you do the day damage is discovered, resulting in a shutdown of operations for 3-6 months, which also has significant consequences for those who occupy the spaces?

Moisture damage in a building not only incurs significant costs and reputational damage for the property company and your insurance company. In the worst-case scenario, tenants may have to implement prolonged operational halts or find temporary premises.

The into® sensor system can be installed in both new and existing buildings – in building structures, on building structures, and in rooms. The sensors provide you with condition-based monitoring of moisture and temperatures in your buildings in real-time. Thus, you have constant control and can take early action if moisture accumulations are detected that could potentially cause damage.

into® provided by us at Sensor Innovation and is developed based on strong building expertise and knowledge from established technology environments. The system is validated by SINTEF Community, and our client list includes entities such as TINE SA, Gjensidige Forsikring, Forsvarsbygg, Veidekke Entreprenør, Betonmast, and Coop Eiendom AS.

In the event of damage via the roof, only the cost of interior damage is covered, not the renovation of the roof itself.

Cost overview of moisture damage in a building

Typical renovation costs after moisture damage in a building are much greater than many realize. On top of this are the consequences for the users of the building, whether it's industrial activity, office work, other types of businesses, or private residents.

Renovation of 1000 square meters costs approximately 3.4 million, excluding a deductible of 0.2-0.5 million, which is normally covered by insurance. Often, the source of the damage is not discovered until the consequences are extensive, and the only solution is a total renovation of the building.

Insurance typically covers only the consequential costs of the damage, not the renovation of the source of the damage. In the case of damage via the roof, for instance, only the cost of the interior damage is covered, not the renovation of the roof itself. The same applies if the source of the damage is in walls or floors/foundations.

Extensive damage often leads to follow-up damages in the form of operational interruptions, typically lasting 3-6 months. This, at best, results in reduced operational or usage capabilities for those who occupy the premises. At worst, the interruption may necessitate the need for moving to temporary premises, leading to reputational damage for the landlord.

Renovation after moisture damage in an office building of 1000 square meters generates a total of 40 tons of special waste.

Sustainability in building management

Figures from Finans Norge and the Norwegian Naturskadepool show that the number of building damages due to climate change and moisture impact has grown enormously in the last 10 years. In the same period, the insurance industry has had 7 of the 10 worst water damage years in history, paying out 5.3 billion in compensation. This equates to 103,500 water damages per year, or 284 water damages per day.

Thus, there is every reason to take preventive measures that detect moisture before it causes damage, as our sensors do.

Also, environmentally, a renovation process has significant consequences. In a lifecycle perspective, this contributes to significantly lower sustainability for a large number of buildings than it could and should have been.

A typical roof damage on an office building of 1000 square meters generates a total of 40 tons of special waste. In addition, there is increased material consumption and consequences of increased transport activity, which in total represent a significant negative impact on the environment.

Moisture in the building envelope that is not detected early will also lead to rot and mold formation that affects the load-bearing structure, and mold and rot formation that spreads within the structure and creates poor indoor air quality.

Sensors with a battery life of up to 30 years provide you with predictable operation throughout the building's lifespan.

Reduced risk with Sensor Innovation

The most common construction method in Norway is still on-site construction. In a demanding climate, this results in a lot of moisture in building materials during construction.

Upon completion and closure of the construction, drying and ventilation processes are carried out based on manual checklists. This often proves insufficient to control building moisture and leaks/condensation points, and entails a significantly increased risk of moisture damage.

With the use of our sensors, moisture conditions in and on the building mass are continuously monitored, thereby minimizing the risk of moisture damage. In the event of abnormal values, you are alerted directly via mobile, email, or API, and can take action immediately. Safe for you, and safe for the users of the building.

Facts about into®

Our sensors are market-leading in battery life, and in into® Sensor Plus, the battery has a lifespan of up to 30 years. The sensor can be integrated into the construction and monitors the building throughout its lifespan. Thus, you receive ongoing condition monitoring of moisture issues, and accurate condition reports from the construction process to handover and throughout the operational period.

We have detected moisture in most new buildings where into® has been installed. With our sensors, you ensure that you take over a dry building and can implement corrective measures before damage occurs.

As part of our sensor solution, we also offer digital water shut-off valves, which ensure water shut-off in case of acute leaks or freezing.

Contact us for more information on how your property company can minimize the risk of moisture damage and achieve the most predictable operation with minimal maintenance!