Damp in walls

AuntyJean

Not sure if correct place so please feel free to bump.

1930's mid terrace and had roof checked and lead flashing replaced plus chimney stack sealed and screeded (or whatever they do to cover brickwork).

Still have large damp patches in places on party walls and chimney breast ranging from 2 ft to 5 ft from ground. I thought these would dry out after having roof done but it's been a year and damp meter goes 'off the scale' when prods are on damp patches.

Got a damp specialist to have a look but he said it was because I only had a damp proof course on front and back of house and would need one on internal party walls. I thought rising damp could only rise 3 ft and besides which these are patches.

Anyone any ideas?

NewtoDIY

Was the damp specialist offering services as well? Usually it is much better to take an independent damp surveyor as there is no conflict of interest.

Have you got a cellar? Airbricks under the suspended wooden floors? What kind of floor do you have? Is there a bathroom above? Either on your side or your adjoining neighbour's side? Possibly a leaking pipe/drip?

cyclonebri1

Have you had a word with next doors??

It really could be down to something they are doing, it is a shared wall after all. And just remember, at that age the wall is likely 9" solid brick, ie, no cavity, whatever you do on your side will affect the other side.

The chimney breast?, well that shouldn't be affected by the neighbours, but is it a working fireplace?, and if not is it capped off correctly.

You won't get isolated patches of rising damp 5 ft up a wall, it is highly likely penetrating damp from the issues I mention above, or something similar.

Just a thought, they aren't growing a certain spikey leaved plant next door are they?;);)

Rachylou1981

Hi Auntyjean

I put a thread up earlier this week which is now on page 3 and I put pics up of my firebreast wall if you want to take a look, sounds the same as your problem. Let me know if you do get anyone out to look at it and what they say. I hopefully have a builder coming to see mine tonight to see if there is anything glaringly obvious as to the cause. This is the only place damp affects my home and so I suspect it is the chimney with issues