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Damp proofing

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Hi

Before Xmas I noticed the wall under the window was wet. I rang a damp proofing company who said there was a mixture of penetrating damp and rising damp, including the course, replacing the plaster and some mortar work on some bricks at the side of the house was £600.

Due to a various issues (and the lack of money) I couldn't do anything before Xmas. I thought I would be best to get another quote. However most other companies want £50 to do the survey which will be refunded if you have the work. Chatting to the last compny, he said the fact black mould has appeared this week it that it can't be rising damp. This is over the phone and he hasn't seen it. Is this correct?

The wall is definetly wet. To about 1m high. The outside is pebble dashed and painted and there are no visible cracks. The back of the house has had a damp proofing course but not the front.

Comments

  • Get an independent surveyor in rather than relying on Damp Proof companies who have a vested interest. For all you know, they could be diagnosing a problem that isn't there in the interests of making money.

    You could look here for a local surveyor:

    http://www.property-care.org/
  • meames_2
    meames_2 Posts: 747 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Get an independent surveyor in rather than relying on Damp Proof companies who have a vested interest. For all you know, they could be diagnosing a problem that isn't there in the interests of making money.

    You could look here for a local surveyor:

    http://www.property-care.org/

    At least 3 of the companies I have contracted are on their approved specialist list.
  • meames wrote: »
    At least 3 of the companies I have contracted are on their approved specialist list.

    That's a good start.

    There could be a number of reasons why the wall is damp, in our particular case was that concrete around the base of our exterior walls was bridging the damp proof course, enabling damp to track up the wall. We didn't need a new DPC as suggested by the DP company but just needed a french drain cut in.

    Hope you get it resolved.
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