Moisture and damp in a Victorian house

newfoundglory

Just an update on this. Had the full survey back and sounds quite serious, and also unexplained.

There is high or very high moisture readings all around the ground floor, although notes the damp was not visible.

Ideas include condensation, a plinth bridging where the DPC would be, possible cracked drains or a combination of these.

The survey also suggests the readings could be exaggerated due to the property having been recently decorated. Recommends a salts test to determine water type and decide next steps.

And using a dehumidifier.

Either this is innocent or sinister, but surveyors obviously err on the side of caution.

The timber floors were not seen, but noted as firm during testing.

Really not sure how best to proceed? Any ideas of how best to engage with the sellers?

Doozergirl

I’m still not convinced by invisible ‘damp’.

Is the heating constantly maintaining a temperature despite the house being empty?

If it has suspended floors that aren’t insulated underneath then you could just have cold spots which attract some condensation as air comes up as a draught under skirting boards.

What does this plinth look like? Photo? Compared to height of the floor?

Are there plenty of air bricks?

You can have a CCTV survey carried out on the drains, that certainly wouldn’t hurt, especially with a Victorian house.

kingstreet

newfoundglory wrote: »

Just an update on this. Had the full survey back and sounds quite serious, and also unexplained.

There is high or very high moisture readings all around the ground floor, although notes the damp was not visible.

Ideas include condensation, a plinth bridging where the DPC would be, possible cracked drains or a combination of these.

The survey also suggests the readings could be exaggerated due to the property having been recently decorated. Recommends a salts test to determine water type and decide next steps.

And using a dehumidifier.

Either this is innocent or sinister, but surveyors obviously err on the side of caution.

The timber floors were not seen, but noted as firm during testing.

Really not sure how best to proceed? Any ideas of how best to engage with the sellers?

When you say "survey" did you do this;-

Get an inspection/report from an independent damp surveyor.

Pay for it.

Do not get a 'free' report from a firm which installs damp courses as this will greatly increase the likelihood of you 'needing' one!

http://www.independentdampsurveyors.co.uk/