I have damp (according to the surveyor & damp contractor) along the base of the two walls (front bay & side) of 1930’s semi. I am in the process of buying the house.
The damp contractor has suggested stripping off plaster to 1m, injecting a chemical barrier & replastering.
I have just found out that cavity walls were filled with insulation about 15 years ago. The damp proof course is only 1 course above a level (ish) concrete drive along the side of the house. On closer inspection the there has been repointing (some ok some crumbling) which for the most part actually covers the slate in the dpc.
Is covering of the slate with mortar likely to be the cause of the damp, or will it be a combination of factors?
What are best options for remedying the damp without spending thousands on the contractor’s suggestion.
Would it help to repoint the dpc so the slate is exposed, and/or is it possible to inject or apply a treatment to the course?
Is it possible to inject a chemical barrier into just the outer skin, or will this cause a problem with trapped damp etc elsewhere.
Or is it possible to inject both brick skins without removing the plaster?
Once the purchase completes I’ll be able to lift the flooring to check the timbers for rot.
Any suggestion or pointers gratefully received,
Thanks
Gordon B
The damp contractor has suggested stripping off plaster to 1m, injecting a chemical barrier & replastering.
I have just found out that cavity walls were filled with insulation about 15 years ago. The damp proof course is only 1 course above a level (ish) concrete drive along the side of the house. On closer inspection the there has been repointing (some ok some crumbling) which for the most part actually covers the slate in the dpc.
Is covering of the slate with mortar likely to be the cause of the damp, or will it be a combination of factors?
What are best options for remedying the damp without spending thousands on the contractor’s suggestion.
Would it help to repoint the dpc so the slate is exposed, and/or is it possible to inject or apply a treatment to the course?
Is it possible to inject a chemical barrier into just the outer skin, or will this cause a problem with trapped damp etc elsewhere.
Or is it possible to inject both brick skins without removing the plaster?
Once the purchase completes I’ll be able to lift the flooring to check the timbers for rot.
Any suggestion or pointers gratefully received,
Thanks
Gordon B