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Damp Proofing

Roof replaced - so why do we still have wet/damp/drips??

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.01 PM

We bought our house (end terrace Victorian) 2 years ago. We have one external wall with a chimney, and another chimney (not ours) on the adjoining wall with next door. We knew there were problems with the roof when we bought but we started to notice damp patches appearing in the attic bedroom (the main bedroom) pretty quickly after we'd moved in. There are several spots of damp on the chimney breast and the slanted roof nearest the external wall - but the worst is a large (about 4ft) patch that appeared on the adjoined wall. In September we had the whole roof replaced to the tune of £8000 with a reputable company. However, the damp patches are still wet the to touch - and the largest one has grown even more and now has new drip marks going down the wall. I ripped the wallpaper off and the plaster feels wet and rotten. Why is this happening?? We have had the entire roof replaced and we don't know what else to do! I've been in touch with the landlord of next door's property in case it is a problem with their chimney - but when we asked the tenants if they had damp in the same place, they said now. If it is a problem with their side of the roof, can we ask them to pay for the damage? We have a dehumidifier going a lot of the time, but it's costing a fortune. I'm also 6 months pregnant and I'm wary of sleeping in a room that is damp, let alone putting a newborn in there. Any advice hugely appreciated!

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3 Answers

S&M Maintenance

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Redruth

Unused and not covered chimney takes a lot of water quickly. Often inside the chimney is weak pointing and absorb a lot of moisture, which then penetrates into the home. On the external wall inside the home are often found wet spots when cracked plaster, or old cracked pointing. You will need to check it first before you will be charged unnecessary costs. Regards Slavek

Answered4 February 2014

Trident Damp

Rating: 5 out of 5

Sidcup

Hi There I feel there is more going on than can be explained, I feel you need to have a survey done to see if you have a condensation in the roof problem or penetrating damp problem, without looking too hard to diagnose. Regards Joseph

Answered2 February 2014

A&J Surveyors Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5

Newent

When you had your roof renewed, it was possibly all you had done, Chimblo's are a different kettle of fish and form part of the wall/structure. This could be total saturation of the brickwork given the good old British weather. You possibly need it overhauling, and your roofer will most likely say the same.

Answered2 February 2014