Damp in Upstairs walls

fatboyonadiet

Hi, a friend seems to be getting damp in their upstairs outward facing walls.

I've had a look and can't seem to see any obvious leaks or holes in the roof, or any drainpipes dripping against it so think it might be related to the cavity wall ties???

They had a damp report about a year ago and it recommended a damp course and new cavity wall ties - could these be the reason for the cause of this?

They also seem to be getting some mould around their loft hatch too which does make me think that it might also be a leak in the roof (even though I can't spot anything obvious from the outside - not done a detailed inspection of course)

Powerful_Pierre

At what position on the outside walls? In rooms or hall, stair and landing? Is it in corners just above the skirting? Is there any black spot mould? Is it in regular circular patches?
Do they dry clothes inside and do the windows steam up on cold mornings?
You've probably worked out I am going down the condensation route as a possible cause.

fatboyonadiet

It is black spot mould in the place above the top of the stairs. The other place is in the bathroom but it's just one the outside wall, not the others. In the bathroom and bedroom it's in the corners and isn't just black patches but is damp patches as well

russjacks

I might be wrong but i was led to belive you cant get rising damp upstairs as rising damp can only possibly rise about 3 ft high and cannot rise anymore. That is why you only have the first few feet of your downstairs replasted if you have a problem with rising damp.
This in mind only leaves a leakey roof or condensation. if its a fine day get a hose pipe and spray it on the roof and look inside the loft for leaks. check there are no overflow pipes were the damp problem is sometimes they might be leaking on to the walls during the night when not a lot of people are using the water. If its in the corner of a room i would try and leave a small window open for a while see if that helps.

I am no expert but they are the things that i would try.

Powerful_Pierre

What place at the top of the stairs? Ok its in the corners but is that at ceiling level or just above the skirtings? With more accurate information may be able to offer more accurate help.

fatboyonadiet

Sorry should have said, in the bathroom it's in the corner wheer the shower is and above the window (same wall), in the bedroom it's in the corner and in the wardrobe (fitted to wall), above the stairs it's around the loft hatch.

ariba10

Have you had a thought about condensation?

specialK

I have this problem too.

A few years ago the council came out when it was in the lower level and said it would need pointing. On closer investigation they said no, however there was a cotton wool like thing (can't remeber what he called it) inbetween inner and outer wall and this was sopping wet. He did not know what this was either and bricked the hole back up?

The house is being looked at this week so I will have to mention that this damp problem is now at top bed level upstairs on the same outer wall?

I am intrigued as to what this can be too!

fatboyonadiet

I did, the report they had done mentioned good insulation but bad ventalation but they keep the windows and stuff open and it does seem like quite a lot which makes me think it might be a leak.

With the report mentioning cavity wall ties I thought it might have been that - htye do have damp at the bottom of the stairs too

Sue-UU

It certainly sounds as though there isn't enough ventilation in the bathroom at the time of bath/showering. I know ideally we keep windows etc all shut when showering, but our bathroom ceiling and wall tops, by the window, get so bad that we need a fan kept on all the time we're showering; is this possible for them to do also?

Try to give the house in general more ventilation in the day time, though be sure to shut ALL windows and doors when going out. Can the recommended damp course and new cavity wall ties not be seen to?

Sue.

ojock

specialK wrote: »

I have this problem too.

A few years ago the council came out when it was in the lower level and said it would need pointing. On closer investigation they said no, however there was a cotton wool like thing (can't remeber what he called it) inbetween inner and outer wall and this was sopping wet. He did not know what this was either and bricked the hole back up?

The house is being looked at this week so I will have to mention that this damp problem is now at top bed level upstairs on the same outer wall?

I am intrigued as to what this can be too!

Cotton wool - isn't that your cavity wall insulation? I believe that's called Rockwool.

Kind of related matter, but the govt goes on about saving planet + money having all cavity/loft insulation, I've done a bit of research into cavity wall insulation, seems like a lot of people started getting damp problems after they've filled their cavity walls.