[Help] Neighbor is taking bricks out of party wall in semi detached very concerned

DRP

konark wrote: »

Is there a damp-proof course already in the bricks, they have been common since Victorian times?

If he feels he has a damp problem why don't you ?

The partition wall will probably be solid so if he only installs a dpc at his side the moisture will come up at your side and 'bridge' over. If there really is a rising damp problem then maybe you should both be removing a few bricks and installing a full-width dpc.

Yes, i was going to mention this - without a cavity, surely only a 'full width' dpm will fix the issue?



OP - what is the issue the neighbour is trying to fix?

cyclonebri1

He either needs a party wall agreement or an informal signed agreement from you.

He wouldn't be the 1st to knock through into the attached property and I think it will be impossible to do what he is planning without damage to plaster at least and likely loosening bricks on your side.

Also, if you have a double brick ( 9") wall separating the 2 of you, then his damp coursing 1/2 of it isn't going to be effective.

I understand perfectly how he is approaching it, I did the same in my first terraced house 40 years back, removed 4 feet of brick course, added lead and replaced bricks, moved onto a different wall and did the same whilst that sets up, then move back and do adjacent sections etc etc until the whole house is completed.

I would suggest that you suggest a chemical injection at most to the party wall. That could provide a DPC for both of you on that wall if done correctly from his side, ie he drills his brick skin, injects and then drills deeper and injects yours.
All needs doing with care and of course with an agreement re damages as mentioned earlier.

If he doesn't get that then he is indeed an "armature bricky", :D

fezster

The reality with Party Wall Agreements seems to be that unless you act now to get an injunction to stop him, he can finish the work before you can take action. However, it would have been in his best interest to have taken pictures of your side of the wall before commencing work, as now he has no way of proving that any damage on your side was not caused by him. I believe you would have to sue for damages, though.

I'm not sure whether what he is doing is effective or not, but I would try and seek some professional advice asap. I personally hate the way in which a lot of party wall surveyors act, but in this case, it may be prudent for you to approach one.

My understanding is that the fees for the surveyor need to be paid by your neighbour, but unsure as to how that would be done if you are instructing them. Perhaps ring (a reputable) one and get some advice from them?

27cool

I don't know about the party wall aspect of this.
But replacing a few bricks at a time is a perfectly normal way to replace a cracked slate damp course with a more modern material. I did it for a friend many years ago, and as far as I know he has never had a problem with it.