Just bought an old house and have noticed a water mark and black mold that follows the line of the window frame. (See photo). I have hacked the plaster off and noticed that the fitters must of packed out the frame with a cement render. I have hacked this off My gut feeling is to hack of the remaining cement, fill the small gaps with foam and then replaster with lime. Do you think I'm on the correct path?
damp all around window frame
- Thread starter markdu
- Start date
Sponsored Links
Looks like an old house with no DPC between the cavity closing. This could mean some degree of cold bridging or penetrating moisture.
Are all the windows like this?
Is the house rendered or finished brick?
First things I would check are the roof and guttering above the windows to make sure water isn't getting into the cavity's from above.
The check the sealant/finish around the outsides of the windows.
Then check the outside walls above and around the windows for gaps and cracks.
Post some pics of the outside including what is above the windows so we can see if there is something obvious.
Are all the windows like this?
Is the house rendered or finished brick?
First things I would check are the roof and guttering above the windows to make sure water isn't getting into the cavity's from above.
The check the sealant/finish around the outsides of the windows.
Then check the outside walls above and around the windows for gaps and cracks.
Post some pics of the outside including what is above the windows so we can see if there is something obvious.
House was built in 1905. So definitely no dpc. The rear of the house is rendered, have checked this is lime render. Have had roof checked and all fine. No guttering at this end of the house as its pitched either side of rear wall.
Will take some more pictures. My opinion was that the cement render was causing cold bridging creaating condensation.
Will take some more pictures. My opinion was that the cement render was causing cold bridging creaating condensation.
Lime would cold bridge just like cement I think.
Only differences with lime (I'm no expert so feel free to correct me guys) is that it more flexible so it can move with a building without cracking and that it breaths, So any moisture it does suck up will evaporate faster.
Only differences with lime (I'm no expert so feel free to correct me guys) is that it more flexible so it can move with a building without cracking and that it breaths, So any moisture it does suck up will evaporate faster.
Sponsored Links
Try and knock out as much of the old cement as possible, ideally right through to the outside and fill the gap with expanding installation foam. This stuff will keep any window fixed as well as well fixed as the cement, it will not crumble over time and it insulates and avoids the cold bridging. You can control the expansion of it by simply spraying water on the surface and it stops creeping.
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
