Possible Rising Damp but not sure...

[subzero]

We have a front room downstairs which we redecorated last year but over the recent months three areas of the wall just above the skirting have developed discoloration of the emulsion.

The wall doesn't *seem* damp and in fact we sanded back to the plasterwork then re-primed and repainted. But whatever we do, the discoloration comes back even after a day of repainting the areas. These areas haven't spread however.

We're about to market the property for sale but obviously concerned that we have a potential 'showstopper' on our hands. What course of action would you advise? Sorry no pics but can add these if this helps.

 

[KenGMac]

subzero, hi

A few photos of the internal damage and also the outside walls could be a help

If you can please add some pics?

Ken

 

[Johnmelad]

 

[subzero]

Thanks for the response chaps, interesting links there. I will take some photos in the morning and post them up. For info, the areas affected are on the inside walls not the outside wall which is fine.

 

[ree]

Maybe, read up and use the Search facility for similar situations. It will help you supply appropriate information about your situation.

Rising damp does exist, its capillary action by another name but most damp is either penetrating damp or condensation.

 

[Johnmelad]

This sopping wet wall was found in Norfolk - above a LOVELY, and completely useless injection damp course. Notice how the wall is dry beneath the injection holes, and wet above them... Best example I've ever seen of the 'Fraud Of Rising Damp'


Architects Journal 2009:
“Rising damp is as rare as rocking horse s**t!!”
Elaine Blackett-Ord, Conservation Architects, Cumbria: also chair of the Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation

Architects Journal 2009:
“Stephen Boniface, former chairman of the construction arm of the Royal
Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), has told the Institute’s 40,000 members that ‘true rising damp’ is a myth and chemically injected damp proof courses (DPC) are “a complete waste of money”.

Website:
“Rising Damp is a figment of building surveyors imagination – it doesn’t exist!”
Peter Ward, Heritage House Builders, Shropshire

 

[Guitar_man]

Your better hope your buyers don't employ the services of their local RICS surveyor and his trusty moisture meter. After all if he didn't have one, he'd have to figure out what was really happening himself instead of using the blanket term, rising damp.

 

[subzero]

Thanks again, your responses much appreciated. I will do some further research on the forum.

Link below to photo's (sorry don't know how to embed)

http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/ck_uk/library/Damp?sort=3&page=1[/img]

 

[tony1851]

For goodness' sake - why do threads such as this always end up as a 'rising-damp-does-not-exist' rant.
It's just one of those attention-grabbing fads put about by people who should know better.

 

[joe-90]

Oddly, they are the same people who deny climate change.

 

[tony1851]

Oh, don't start on that one

 

[subzero]

Ok well I painted over these areas once more in desperate hope but doesn't make any difference. No point trying a different colour either as I expect the results will be the same.

Is it worth taking the plaster off in one of the affected areas?

How would you tackle this problem?

 

[tony1851]

We don't know if your wall has a damp-proof course or not. If not built with one, has a chemical dpc been applied later?

On the other hand, the damp patches you see may not necessarily be rising damp at all but could be salt contamination brought up into the wall and plaster.
These salts are hygroscopic and will attract moisture from the air and can be mistaken for rising damp.

 

[Johnmelad]

Ok well I painted over these areas once more in desperate hope but doesn't make any difference. No point trying a different colour either as I expect the results will be the same.

Is it worth taking the plaster off in one of the affected areas?

How would you tackle this problem?

Find the cause.

Oh, and of course, it won't be rising damp.

I suppose rising damp could exist but in 45 years in the trade I have never come across it.

Start by looking at the outside of the property, then lift a few floorboards, etc.

 

[tony1851]

I suppose rising damp could exist but in 45 years in the trade I have never come across it.

Then perhaps after 45 years, it's time to renew your specs!