Aco Drain to Help with Damp

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Permalink Reply by kotkas yesterday

If it’s a Victorian property it will have more to do with any vents (or lack of) and the type of windows you have. PVC/double glazed retain a lot of moisture and without regular ventilation are bound to keep the environment humid. If it’s on the lateral walls do check your grouting. Unless there’s an actual puddle of sitting water outside I wouldn’t bother with drains   

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Permalink Reply by Helen 19 hours ago

Hi Ashleena,

Worth checking the exterior ground level in relation to the damp proof course (DPC). It should be a minimum of 150mm (2 brick courses) below the DPC, particularly for solid brick wall Victorian buildings. 

Sometimes exterior render was applied on walls (or around the lower levels of a wall) across the DPC, thereby bridging the DPC (enabling water to permeate up above the DPC). The dampness/moisture is then trapped within the wall (the render not allowing it to escape externally), meaning the only way for it to get out is (unfortunately) internally.  

If you have a raised timber floor check you have airbricks and that they are clear to ventilate the underfloor cavity since that can help too.

Hope you get some recommendations soon.  

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Permalink Reply by JJ B 17 hours ago

At least he didn't recommend getting the place damp proofed by injecting the walls to get did of 'rising damp'!

Read this before continuing.... 

https://www.heritage-house.org/damp-and-condensation/managing-damp-...

You don't say what kind of 'damp' you have? If the level of the back 'courtyard' around your back room (is it a side return?) is higher than the DPC or if, when it rains the water settles against the walls where the DPC is no longer effective, the drains could help.

But you need to know what is causing the problem first. 

I second what Kotkas and Helen have said too. 

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