Mysterious constantly wet brick

stuart45

It shouldn't be an issue as it's below DPC. There could be a leak somewhere that's getting into the cavity. The cavities are normally filled with concrete to a couple of courses below DPC, but the fill isn't usually that level, so the water could be pooling a bit near that brick. It wouldn't show inside because it's below floor level.

Annemos

Many homes have this effect around here. We are built on heavy clay. On some walls the appearance is of a damp orange clay colour.

I have 2 bricks like yours, also under the Damp Course. (Happily, I don't get the orange clay colour affect.)

They do eventually completely dry out in the middle of the Summer.

But even if the air is humid, we all see it again! Does yours ever dry out?

Recently I decided to replace some gravel on the other side of my place all along the wall. I discovered that the previous homeowner had put a layer of black plastic membrane all along, right next to the wall. The membrane was totally clogged with clay. I peeled it all back and was amazed at just how wet the clay was underneath. It was a disgusting job cutting it all off, as it was part of a big membrane underneath an actual path, that was 10cm distance away from the gravel strip. I used to get moss on that wall until I cut it out, and now it is MUCH improved.

Another time in the past, I did have a Condensate Pipe leak in between the Cavity wall, where I had knocked it with my Hoover!! That made the brick damp on the outside, too.

Grumpy_chap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958647#Comment_81958647

You can buy sensors for low cost from DIY stores. They are a bit approximate but allow you to test that brick, adjacent bricks and bricks far away for a "baseline".

I have this one:

https://www.diy.com/departments/faithfull-compact-damp-and-moisture-meter-with-lcd-display/5023969299662_BQ.prd?

Other products are available by searching online and, I note, cheaper than the one I linked. None of the ones at DIY-level pricing are that accurate so there is no real point in spending a lot

FreeBear

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958766#Comment_81958766

Worth pointing out that these things usually max out at 40%. And the readings are only valid for untreated timber - Good if you are wanting to know the moisture content of logs before putting them on the fire. For anything else, the numbers are worthless (as an absolute measure of moisture).

However, used wisely, you can compare readings from other areas or days and postulate that any difference in numbers indicate that that spot is slightly more damp than another.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958812#Comment_81958812

Welcome back …..

Lorian

Lots of moss under the hose. If it's been left out in the frost it might have a leak. The drain pipe and the outside tap feeds might be candidates for the damp too. Can we see a photo without the bits on the patio?

No join in the gutter above it?

FreeBear

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958967#Comment_81958967

Have I been miss[ed/ing] ?

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958991#Comment_81958991

Just wondered if something unpleasant, like an illness, had stopped you posting ?

jonnydeppiwish!

looks like water is hitting the floor and bouncing back up into the brickwork. Is there an outlet pipe/leaking gutter above?

FreeBear

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958998#Comment_81958998

Long story (short version): Had to go to A&E for an MRI scan. Possibly have Cauda Equina Syndrome. Taking morphine and rest. Plenty of rest.