Skip to main content

Ready to hire?

Post your job in minutes, browse real reviews and choose who to speak to.Post a job

Need some tips or advice?

Ask a question
Damp Proofing

Damp patches on interior of gable end wall

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.46 PM

My house is an Edwardian semi built in 1910. Damp patches appeared half way down on the wall paper on the gable end wall. We have had the whole gable end wall repointed using Lyme morter and a waterproof coating. The damp patches show no sign of drying out and look worse when it rains. Do we need to strip wallpaper and possibly replace plaster? Thanks.

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

4 Answers

Promaster Gecko Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5
St Lukes, London
If the damp patches persist even after repointing and applying a waterproof coating, it's possible that there may still be moisture trapped within the wall. To resolve this, you may need to consider stripping the wallpaper, allowing the wall to dry, and inspecting the plaster. If the plaster is damaged or retaining moisture, it might need to be replaced. Additionally, it's essential to identify the source of the moisture, which could be a leak or other structural issue, and address it to prevent further dampness.
Answered2 October 2023
7

DEMAX Building Services Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5
South Tottenham, London
It sounds like you've already tried to fix the issue by repointing and applying a waterproof coating to the outside wall, but the damp patches on your wallpaper are still there and get worse when it rains. To address this, you may need to take these steps: 1. Remove the wallpaper in the affected area to inspect the plaster beneath it. 2. If the plaster is damp or damaged, it might need to be replaced. 3. Ensure that the wall is completely dry before applying new wallpaper or paint to prevent further issues. 4. Consider checking for any possible leaks or sources of moisture that could be causing the problem, such as damaged gutters or downspouts. It might be a good idea to consult with a professional to assess the situation and provide specific guidance for your unique situation.
Answered10 October 2023
0

A1 Building & Groundwork

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Gloucester
You have been given good advice, worst comes to worse, tackle the lowest and largest spot and cutt it out to see if your wall is breaching damp. Or becouse of the age of the dwelling at least see what’s happening. It may tell you why you’re getting spots of damp, but as was said there may still be damp waiting to dry out. You can speed up the process by using a dehumidifier and after a day or so the spots don’t dry out, you know you will have to address them once and for all. Best regards pete. Ps check your roof above the gable and lead work do you have a chimney is it covered or open .? Check out your loft for interior damp to touch wall. Good luck. Pete.
Answered17 October 2023
0

Perfect Pointing

Rating: 5 out of 5
Bournemouth
On the basis that the wall gets wet each time it rains it has to be assumed that water is still entering the cavity. However, as the pointing work has been done (and you are confident that there is no remaining issues with the brickwork, I would move on to checking the roof, soffit, fascias, chimney or any other higher area which may provide a point of entry for water. It is often the case that water can enter the wall at a different location and run down the cavity until it hits an obstacle in the cavity which would likely correspond to the the area of damp that you are witnessing internally. Good luck, Garry
Answered18 October 2023
0