Small Damp Patch in Middle of Upstairs Wall

gerfus

I was hoping that someone could give me advice.

I have recently noticed a small damp patch in the middle of an upstairs wall and not sure where it is coming from. I live in a mid terrace house.

Could it be a leak from the roof running down the back of the plaster and gathering at a point in the middle of the wall?

Any advice appreciated.

martinthebandit

Is it an outside wall or one that seperates you from your neighbours?

If its an outside wall my first thought would be blocked or broken guttering, go out and have a look next time it rains and see whats happening would be my first step.

If its a seperating wall then thats a whole different ballgame, my first step would be to talk to the neighbours.

gerfus

It is a separating wall and next door house has been vacated for quite a while. The owner checks on it every so often.

Meadows

Is the damp patch high or low down, if it is low is there any chance you have a bath or shower near by? I would also get the landlord to check again next door that there is not a burst pipe causing the damp.
If high up it could be from a leak in the roof can you get up your attic to check and if nothing again as the landlord to check next door.

gerfus

Thanks. It is right in the middle of the wall about the size of a cd.

It is not near the bathroom and assuming the layout of the house is the same next door, won't be near a bathroom next door.

ariba10

I have known a case where a damp patch appeared on a wallpapered wall.

When it was stripped off, a patch the same size was found where someone had cleaned off a paint brush (gloss paint).

It was cleaned off and no further problems.

We thought it might have been condensation.

Meadows

Could be condensation (if there is no water source around) from dying clothes etc. Try to keep the area well ventilated and see if the patch will dry out.