Damp wall inside, possibly due to issues on the outside wall

Dexterity6

Hi all

Any damp experts here?

We've just bought our first home and after ripping away the built in cabinets in the bedroom we've found some damp. There's some repointing that's been recommended in the Homebuyers survey but it looks like this is worse than expected and means moisture is getting in.

My other half is handy and is getting some help to get this sorted, but can anyone help give me an honest answer about whether this is something I need to get a pro in for, if we've found the issue is from some damaged brickwork is this easily sorted? I don't want to skimp on money or doubt my other half, but damp is quite scary!

I'd post pictures but I can't, I'm more of a lurker

Thanks

WestonDave

Worth a quick check to see whether its damp coming through or damp caused by condensation (due in turn to poor air circulation behind the cabinets).


Dry a patch of the affected wall as thoroughly as you can (hairdryer etc), then stick a piece of tin foil securely onto the wall so as to seal it all round but have the foil touching the wall. Leave it over night. If there is damp coming through the wall you will find water/moisture under the foil - if its condensation then it should be dry underneath but maybe wet on the room side. (If it was circulation related you may not get water on the room side having removed the cabinets).


Its worth a quick check like this as furniture against walls can quite easily lead to condensation damp which will look spectacularly bad without being a structural problem.

Dexterity6

Hi WesternDave

That's great advice, thanks! I'll grab some foil on the way round tonight and give that a shot.

Initially I did think it was due to condensation as it was only behind where the built in cupboards were, and the pictures I've seen online seem to be more bubbled where as this is more of the black mould that you'd see linked with condensation.

The wall its self is a gable end and more open to the elements too, so it feels a bit colder than the other internal ones.

Thanks

benson1980

We had exactly the same problem- penetrating damp on the gable end wall. We got it repointed and then I sealed it with water seal whilst the scaffolding was up. Just for good measure I painted the back of our cupboards with mould proof paint. Repointing may be diy able but I left it to the pros. Only trouble is, it isn't cheap.