Damp Proofing

What is causing the penetrating damp in my living room?

Anonymous user 23 February 2024 - 3.54 PM

I have a large area of penetrating dampness in my living room. The site is in the corner of the room under the window and next to the window, as well as spreading out onto the other wall. The boiler used to be on the same wall as the window but it was removed and the area filled in. On the outside of this wall is a redundant flue. The render at the bottom of the flue had degraded and the bottom of the flue was open. Last year, I had someone repair the hole. He used cement. Now the cement constantly fills damp and looks damp. The cement used was very dark when it was first done so I don't know if part of the problem is that the Flue was repaired incorrectly. Also, the cement where the old boiler was removed also looks damp. The rest of the wall is pebble-dashed and painted. I have had three surveyors round to establish the cause of the penetrating dampness. One of them was no help and the other two contradicted each other! What I really want to know, is could these two areas where cement has been used allow water in. If so, what needs to be done and which tradesperson do I need? I desperately need to find the cause of the dampness so that I can have the walls replastered and then I can redecorate. Moreover, is it even possible to do this work now as winter is fast approaching or do I need to wait until spring? I want to sell my house and put it up for sale in late spring or early summer so I really want to do things now if possible. I'd be extremely grateful for any advice/help on how to finally resolve this problem.