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Damp Proofing

Unsure of how to proceed with restorative works

Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.45 PM

my house sale fell through due to an issue with the front wall. I never got the details apart from the wall being damp which kindly coincided with my window starting to leak from the top. so, it's a 1930s house with a render on the front ( flat white made to look like fake bricks?) it had some cracks in and a builder advised to take the render off and repoint. ( he's genuinely been brilliant and I cant fault him) so I did and the wall underneath is a MESS in clear need of repointing. in general. a shambles. and it doesn't look good so , I'm going to have it rerendered my question that I cant get a clear answer for is. now that this work is done will I see the improvement in the internal walls.. is the job done? a damp surveyor tried to sell me a million things and another said I'd need to take all the plaster off internally and replaster. another said repointing would fix it someone else said I needed a damp course when the water was clearly coming from above as the window was leaking. I want this resolved as aside from selling the house I live here, it's mine and I want it to be safe but if I went down the conflicting routes suggested this could cost me thousands beyond what I've already paid for the work?

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2 Answers

Viking Property Solutions inc:Dampfix

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Manchester

If the plaster inside hasn't been damaged by the penetrating damp, such as blown or severely mould ridden, there isn't a necessity to knock it all off and replaster, once the render work is complete you need to allow the walls to dry out which could take a few months, before redecorating, if your having a sand/cement render put on, ensure a waterproofer is added to the mix, then use a quality masonry paint such as kingfisher masonry paints, they are top quality, fully breathable and waterproof. Hope this helps, all the best. Viking Property Solutions including Dampfix.

Answered2 December 2021

JJ’s - Joinery & Building Services

Rating: 5 out of 5

Glasgow

Hi, Given that you have rendered externally then that should resolve the water ingress issue. Your property should be maintained as required and kept watertight. As the repairs are completed there may be residual moisture within the internal masonry and plaster finishes. That may require to be addressed adequately during the natural drying out process. The wall will take some time to dry out. There are options available to you i.e. stripping damp affected plaster and applying membranes or allowing the wall to dry out naturally. Be careful though as conditions may be suitable for fungal decay to occur within timbers in contact with damp masonry. A PCA member or reputable contractor should be able to advise. Regards John

Answered2 December 2021