Damp

olgadapolga

Here you go - as you suspected, the downpipe discharges onto the extension roof. This upper downpipe is directly in line with the lower one. I think that it may need a little redirection, away from the edge of the roof.



The plant that appears to be growing up the side of the wall is actually a tree on the verge opposite the house.

I'm going to attack the moss tomorrow, as best I can in between applying coats of paint to the master bedroom, as there is already some back in the gutter.

Whilst up the ladder taking this photo I also noticed that the flashing along the house/extension roof joint is not sitting flush with the roof - I think that it's been pulled out of shape where someone has dragged the dreaded virginia creeper off the building. Another job to do (also not mentioned in the survey). Sigh.

DH pulled some of the blocks away from the "fireplace" and found the cavity full of all sorts of interesting things. Fibre cavity insulation, bead cavity insulation, earth, soot, plastic bags, bubble wrap, bits of wood and other stuff. All of it was soaking wet so we need to remove what we can asap.

FreeBear

olgadapolga wrote: »

DH pulled some of the blocks away from the "fireplace" and found the cavity full of all sorts of interesting things. Fibre cavity insulation, bead cavity insulation, earth, soot, plastic bags, bubble wrap, bits of wood and other stuff. All of it was soaking wet so we need to remove what we can asap.

As long as it wasn't a Tescos bag for life :rotfl:


By the sounds of it, it may well be worth investing in a scaffold tower. I got one of these - https://www.aluminium-scaffoldtowers.co.uk/diy-access-tower-sale - Very handy for all sorts of jobs around the house. So much so, Sis pinched it to clear out her gutters.

olgadapolga

FreeBear wrote: »

As long as it wasn't a Tescos bag for life :rotfl:

Not a Tesco's bag for life but they were the type used for recycling plastics in this part of the world. Guess that the builder took the recycling bit seriously . . .

FreeBear

olgadapolga wrote: »

Not a Tesco's bag for life

That's a relief then. For future reference just in case there is an old pond in the garden - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2636903/updated-its-done-our-buyer-wants-to-bury-their-dead-dog-in-our-garden

olgadapolga

FreeBear wrote: »

That's a relief then. For future reference just in case there is an old pond in the garden - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2636903/updated-its-done-our-buyer-wants-to-bury-their-dead-dog-in-our-garden

Now you come to mention it, there is a pond at the end of the garden . . .

I was telling my DH about that thread as when I saw your reply, I burst out laughing. Have to show him the thread so that he too can appreciate it's wonder!

AdrianC

olgadapolga wrote: »

Here you go - as you suspected, the downpipe discharges onto the extension roof. This upper downpipe is directly in line with the lower one. I think that it may need a little redirection, away from the edge of the roof.

Eeek, definitely!

Even just a 45deg spout on the end of that would make a big difference.[/QUOTE]

This thread really is a great illustration of the way that damp always has external causes, and obeys gravity.

olgadapolga

The surveyor came out today and took a look at the walls. Admits that he missed it He confirmed that it was most likely due to the plants/blocked gutters. It's drying out really well so I don't think that we need to take it any further/make a complaint at this stage being as it's only going to be a bit of extra work and some plastering by the looks of it. And the mouse situation is covered by the house insurance.

The rusty, hole-ridden flue has gone to a better place, as has the moss. Upper downpipe will be re-routed tomorrow. The holes left by the flue (internal and external) have been bricked/blocked up, ready for plastering. Tiles on roof where flue went through have been replaced. Still have some roots of creeper plants to get rid of but hopefully that'll be sorted tomorrow whilst the bedroom carpets are being fitted. The damp is receding slowly but it is drying out.

olgadapolga

So, three months later and we are still waiting for the wall to dry out completely. We've had a dehumidifier running 24/7 for weeks and now have the heating on as well.

The dehumidifier was originally pulling out a gallon of water a day, now it takes a day and a bit to draw the same amount.

Although there is a noticeable difference, it's becoming very frustrating that we are still in the middle of a building site, especially as winter is approaching and I so want to get some carpets fitted.

Any ideas on how we can make the wall dry out more quickly?

Then:





Now:

Skiddaw1

Gosh it's heaps better isn't it?


No tips really- I think you just have to be patient. It must be frustrating however.

RelievedSheff

It just needs time.