Very baffling damp problem - Help!!

[JohnD]

I just had a look at the driveway and just where the air brick in the photo is, there is a different patch of concrete which actually slopes to the house, which I suspect may cause puddling of water (but I have never really noticed) - i'll check next time it rains (probably tonight!! )

if water is going towards the house from the concrete, it could be a major source of dampness. Especially if it is wet in the cellar. Have a think about how to change it. If you end up having to dig any of it it up, try to include a french drain against the wall as well.

 

[noseall]

It is probably a hygroscopic salt problem.

 

[mnb]

Thing is John, if a french drain is installed then it might only be removing the problem from the surface down to, presumably, already damaged and saturated brickwork in the cellar wall(s)! Swings and roundabouts.

Observation is req'd during a water test with say a hose pipe, and during rainfall. I'm still curious about the original DPC Installation - was a report issued after an inspection? If so where is the report?

 

[davebelushi]

It is probably a hygroscopic salt problem.

this. you could get someone to analyse the plaster for salt contamination to be sure.

 

[joninlufbra]

How would I go about getting rid of the hydroscopic salts from the bricks if it was this?