Damp Proofing

Damp wall that is 1.3meter below ground next to road

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 2.58 PM

House is about 400 years old, it boarders a main road (about 0.5 meters so cannot dig it out), outside wall rendered and Sandtex painted. The wall has always been a bit damp inside (last 25 years), my mom is frail now so really would like to sort it for her. I took all the plaster off this summer back to stone to dry it, some crumbling mortar (normal red/brown mortar colour... what mortar to repoint please ?).... builders tried to tank with bitumen in past (which fail magnificently !). Crappy damp meter give very high reading downstairs which gets less as you go higher i.e. the upstairs bedroom. First thoughts was tank the wall but now think damp will still come in from outside then rise more to bedroom. Plan B is batton out the wall with wood, Tyvek behind the wood leaving a gap between it and the wall then try install an extractor to move air to the outside. It seems to be the best option for me of modest skill and budget. Thoughts and advice.., please ! It is stone and also floor is dry - thanks Answer 1 ... any advice on repointing bits of stone work welcomed. Thanks