Random wet patch halfway up internal wall after storm

Skint_yet_Again

I am not very DIY savvy and sadly my lovely diy dad has passed away so I would be grateful for any advice. Since the recent storm a wet patch appeared on my spare bedroom wall

I have looked outside and x marks the spot in the centre of the circular mark above

The mortar under the window sill above the cable clip is crumbling

I am having the window replaced next year so I am looking to make the wall watertight over the winter. Ai has told me to cover crumbling mortar and any gaps in pointing / cracks in brick big enough to get a fingernail in with soudal repair express. Allow 24 hours to dry then paint with stormdry masonry protection cream.

Can anyone advise if this is the best option? Many thanks

WIAWSNB

Hi SyA.

What age is the property? Do you know if it's a 'solid' brick wall, or has a cavity?

Could we have a wider pic that shows the whole outside wall, please, and add the 'cross' on there too.

Skint_yet_Again

it’s too dark just now for more photos. I believe it is cavity wall as all the bricks are length ways. I am end terrace. Approx 1930’s

Boohoo

The wallpaper looks like it's coming away from the wall for some reason.

Remove that bit of wallpaper as it should just tear off and have a look at the wet patch.

Put a bit of masking tape or use a pen to mark the radiator at the back inline with the damp patches are so when the paper is removed you will have an idea where the leek is.

stuart45

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82185842#Comment_82185842

You can have a solid wall built in Stretcher bond. You need to measure the width of the walls at the jambs.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82186026#Comment_82186026

SyA, if you open that window tomorrow, and measure the wall thickness - inside to outside faces - we can hopefully work out if the wall is 'solid'.

If it is, then the poor pointing could well allow that dampness to get straight through. But if it has a cavity, then the rain would likely be getting through higher above where it shows inside, hence a larger pic being useful.

Skint_yet_Again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82185847#Comment_82185847

Thanks Boohoo but the wallpaper is not coming away from the wall. The wall is uneven at the bottom. The dark edge is a pencil line where dad marked to cut the bottom of the wallpaper. It is totally stuck down and will not just tear off.

@WIAWSNB Wall thickness is 1ft between outer brick face and inner wall

I am leaning upside down out of the window to take the photos but have to be careful after recent surgery. There is a flat roof below the X and this is in a good condition with no pooling or leaking and the gutters/ soffit are 3 years old in good shape and no leaks / overflow. Above the X is the cable and clip then the window. I can’t get out on the roof to take a picture.

stuart45 said:

You need to measure the width of the walls at the jambs.

Sorry what is a jamb? 🤔I’ve tried looking on t’internet 🤯 Is it wall thickness you need - inside to outside faces through the window? Measured as above.

My neighbour had said he will come round and have a look at the weekend & he has some “concrete / cement mix” in his shed. Not sure if he is planning to scrape out the old mortar. I’ve got the dehumidifier on in the room facing the damp patch.

Not sure what to do? It just needs to be watertight for winter. I will probably defer to diy neighbour but could paint outer wall (24-48 hours after he cements) with stormdry masonry protection cream or similar from inside the bedroom & put the tin on the outside roof to dip brush in so no drips inside.

Boohoo

I would still take the wallpaper off where the black patch is to see what it's like under neath.

If you tap the wall where the damp patches are does it sound hollow or solid?

You will need a wider photo to include the window and damp patches so we can get a better view please.

1 foot thickness should mean a cavity wall then,.

bjorn_toby_wilde

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82186247#Comment_82186247

I’d be a bit careful about letting your neighbour patch it up with the mix from their shed. Mortar comes in different colours depending on which sand is used and how much cement is in the mix. You could end up with an unsightly mismatched repair if he/she doesn’t know what they’re doing.

Don’t rush to sort it out before you properly diagnose the problem. Follow what WIASWB and stuart45 are advising and they’ll help you figure it out.

Skint_yet_Again

Found this picture showing just after decorating. What are you trying to see inside or outside wall / window just so I can try to include what is needed without identifying myself

Edit - sorry not sure why picture so big

WIAWSNB

Thanks for the info.

1' - 300mm - suggests the wall has a cavity, and a bigger pic of the whole wall - taken outside from the ground - should confirm this, as the brickwork will be 'stretcher' bond (which I think your earlier pic shows, but not certain).

That, then, would - I understand - suggest that the water is unlikely to be coming straight through at the point of dampness, but almost certainly from higher up.

Q - has cavity wall insulation been fitted?

Could you take a pic of that whole house side, please, taken from from the ground, but clearly showing the point where the damp patch is located and all the brickwork above this, up to and including the soffits and lower roof?