Harringay online

Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

I have been advised that we have hydroscopic salt damp in a wall in our house.  Can anybody recommend a builder/plasterer who will be able to carry out the work to fix the problem?

Thank you

Caroline

Tags for Forum Posts: damp-proofing

Views: 934

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Out of interest, whereabouts does the issue manifest? I have a similar issue and have looked into a few resolution options.

The dampness is on the chimney breast party wall, just outside of our third bedroom (opposite the bathroom door).

As it's near the chimney breast, could it be that a small amount of rainwater is getting in via the chimney pots or a small breach in the flashing? I had this in a previous house. Can you get someone to get on the roof (and your neighbour's) and have a careful look? A new terra cotta capping for the chimney pot cured the problem.

Try Timberwise and ask if Ian can do the plastering. 

I had an allegedly expert North London firm do major work to fix a damp issue last year - four attempts and major (possibly unnecessary) work and they failed to actually sort out the source of the problem.  Timberwise (big, less my ordinary route) assessed it properly, and sorted it efficiently.  Ian is both experienced and lovely.

Before you do anything and waste any money - please read this - really informative, debunks a lot of myths created by the damp proofing industry. 

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

That's a long read! But first of all with any damp is to establish where the water is coming from, e.g. dripping overflow pipes, missing roof tile, breach in some flashing etc. 

This forum is a great resource, thanks everyone.  I had the same issue in my coal cellar and used AP Gooch, but this was to turn a damp coal cellar into a usable storage room.  Not cheap but really pleased with the work.  I agree with Kotkas read as much resource you can find, it certainly helped me in narrowing down what work I needed, and which firm to use.

Thank you all for your tips and advice and I will give Timberwise a call. It was mentioned that it was the wrong plaster/render that was the problem on that part of the wall and 'sikamur dry plaster' was suggested, which I think is similar to the one you have mentioned Tris.

We have exactly the same problem on our bathroom wall. I'd be interested in hearing feedback after you've had the work done. thanks 

Yes I will report back on how we get on. We did try all the above solutions first as part of refurbishing the house.  We had a new back roof, reskimmed the plaster etc and this damp looking patch was still there. My dad even repointed the roof next door as we thought water was coming in from their side.  Finally when our new neighbour moved in and got their new roof, we knew it was not actual water coming in. This patch acts like an absorbent paper towel, it drys out, looks damp again when it had been wet outside and carries on. Hopefully, we have finally found a solution with this salt damp diagnosis if not, I think I will give up!!

I think we had at least 5 different people look it over the years. We didn't remove the plaster,  but have damp treated and painted, repointed on the outside and out on external wall insulation. One of the builders thought it might be due incorrect installation of the window but as we've now essentially put a blanket on the outside I don't think it is. 

Hi Caroline. Would love to know how you got on? Did you ever manage to find a solution? We have the exact same problem!... Thanks. 

RSS

Advertising

© 2024   Created by Hugh.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service