Damsal in distress

[diystupid]

So partner of 8 years decides to leave before Christmas and I'm now left with a large 4 bed semi which is getting damper by the day.

5 years ago he decided to pull off all the original render and it took him 4 1/2 years to scratch coat some of it.

With the bad weather and being on a hilltop, I am open to the elements. I have water literally running in above the living room window which is at the front of the house. The front original render was all knocked off and the top has been scratch coated. The bottom has actually been rendered. There is a line of bricks running across the middle. The idea was to pebble dash the top above the brick line, render the bottom. I dont know if it is the line of bricks creating the water problem, pointing failed or the fact that the top is only scratch coated.

In the kitchen, he installed a joist above a new window. The bottom of the wall has been scratch coated, the top is still bare. I now have damp running the whole length of where the joist is. The patches seem to be getting bigger and the whole section is full of efferescence(?) (looks like salt?).

My son's room is the top corner room at the front. I have just re-made his bed and the wall is black which would be the side of the house. There is a scratch coat on the outside of this wall. Is this the problem.

I am in part time work, fighting to stay in control with the mortgage and bills. There is no way I can afford to pay someone to finish the job off so am hoping for some tips or advice on how I can solve/stop the problem from escalating.

I am pretty good at DIY so will have a go at anything.

Any suggestions/advice gratefully received.

 

[OwainDIYer]

You could try wrapping the outside of the house in layers of breathable membrane which would help shed the water and stop the walls getting waterlogged, as a temporary measure.

 

[diystupid]

Many thanks for the speedy response. Can you explain a little bit more about it.

Thanks

 

[OwainDIYer]

Houses get covered with waterproof membrane when there's a delay in construction, to keep the weather out. I'd suggest a breathable membrane, not sure if this is suitable for use on the exterior.

Dupont Housewrap

 

[Skimmers]

Hi diystupid if you want we could pop over and have a look for you advise you the best way to Waterproof the walls ect and if needed we can install dryzone damp course
along with other monocouche or thin coat render systems along with normal sand/cement renders

 

[stevethespreader]

I am in part time work, fighting to stay in control with the mortgage and bills. There is no way I can afford to pay someone to finish the job off so am hoping for some tips or advice on how I can solve/stop the problem from escalating.

sounds like your having a rough spell the best thing to do is take some picture of all the things you have mentioned and then we can give advice based on the pics the best we can also are your walls single or double skinned?

 

[roughcaster]

Good to see ya back Stevie.

 

[stevethespreader]

Good to see ya back Stevie.

thanks rc yes im still here i thought i would help out on this post as i can relate to what shes going through "well parts of it anyway"

 

[noseall]

5 years ago he decided to pull off all the original render and it took him 4 1/2 years to scratch coat some of it.

Did you know that his actions have now incurred the wrath of building control under the 25% (heal loss etc) rule?