Damp

AbbyCarr98

We have a small issue with damp above the window in our kitchen. Initially I believed it was due to condensation, and the fact that our Extractor Fan in the kitchen is not a ducted one. However, if I leave the window ajar over night, there is still dampness above the window on the reveal. It isn’t completely soaking wet, but definitely Damp. We do plan on ducting the extractor fan out eventually anyway, but want to find the route of the problem. Any suggestions as to what could cause this damp, if the room is sufficiently ventilated?

AbbyCarr98

FreeBear

Does this damp patch form or get bigger if it is raining ?

If so, check the brickwork & pointing outside. Then have a look at your gutters & roof.

If the damp patch is forming during cold weather regardless of rain, it could be a cold bridge caused by the use of a steel lintel. One fix in this case would be to add a layer of insulation around the window reveal.

AbbyCarr98

It seems to have gotten bigger after the massive storm we’ve just had, but I can’t tell if it’s actually gotten bigger or I’ve just taken the time to notice it. It’s certainly only when it’s cold. In summer it does dry up pretty good, and it is only exasperated by the moisture from cooking which we are looking to eliminate anyway. It does sound like it could be the steel bar, as there’s no significant damp around the other sides that you would expect if it was purely caused by condensation on the window. Will also see if someone can take a look at the outside as one half seems to be more affected than the other side.

Doozergirl

That looks very much like a leak from outside to me.

AbbyCarr98

I don’t know if this photo is any clearer. What should we be looking for? It’s definitely not looked as bad as this previously. 

Doozergirl

Take a photo of outside.    In a wider context, so we can see what's going on around it, but it could just be a poorly fitted window.  Is there a draught coming in around there?

The patches of mould suggest the coldest point.  

AbbyCarr98

FreeBear

Well.... You have water running down the wall for starters. Fix that, and some of the damp should clear up.

The window (in my opinion) should have been fitted further back in the brickwork. Not much you can do about that, So I'd have a look at the trim above the window and see if there is a path for water to enter. Certainly fix a bell drip over the top to divert any rain water running down the wall and put some mastic in the gap.

stuart45

If there's no tray fitted, and a concrete lintel on the inner skin, some moisture could be coming from down the cavity.
Is it a 60's house?

AbbyCarr98

We had an issue with our upstairs bathroom, where water was indeed running down the cavity (shoddy fitting by previous owner). We have since replaced the bathroom, and bathroom now seems water tight. We didn’t want to sort the kitchen till we had rectified that. Above the window reveal is a Steel Bar, rather than concrete.