Damp Problem

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

We moved into a victorian end terrace a few weeks back.As expected lots to do.We moved from a new build,and Im finding all the problems we have are making me just a tad nervous,since I have never had to deal with them before
The thing that is worrying me most is the damp problem we are having seen to.Never had to deal with this and I was hoping I may use some of the endless experience and advice you all seem to have.
We have a rising damp problem in a party wall,(that our builder also a good friend we can trust and is doing the work for us) however we also have a penetrating damp problem on the end ,I think it is called a gable wall.The problems dont seem too bad and we have a damp course to be done on the party wall and also the whole of the outside is going to be pointed.
I was told that these remedies and also a thorough check and repair if need be too the roof should sort it out .
Have any of you had these problems and if so how did you successfully remedy them.
Thing is I adore the house but I have found myself in tears wondering if we have taken on too much.Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

nickj_2

have a look on the outside of the wall and see if you can see any telltale signs of damp .. green mould on bricks etc , also if you have any downpipes check these as well in case they are blocked or cracked especially if they are the old cast metal ones . , having it pointed will help keep moisture out and any other repairs undertaken

hope this helps ..... and good luck

pitdog

is there any windows on the gable wall, and is this where the damp is ?
apparently its a common problem with damp penetrating through the lintels etc, im not an expert myself but if it is around the windows its probably something to do with this ... hope this helps

kittiwoz

Aparently most cases of damp have quite simple causes such as blocked guttering, cracked downspouts, earth banked against walls or damaged roof tiles.

Btw, You probably will want to top up your roof insulation, make sure you have really good carpet underlay (especially if you have a basement) and get some thick lined curtains and close them in the evenings since you have a solid wall and are used to an insulated cavity. The house won't stay warm nearly as easily as you're used to, especially since it's end terrace.