Damp patches on Internal and external wall. Please help!

[jpm777]

Hi,

Today I noticed paint peeling off the wall just above the skirting board in the lounge. Upstairs there is a WC, I believe the pipework for this is further over though. Anyway, I went to check outside and discovered the outside wall brickwork to be very wet and the moss in that area getting worse. I know the water butt visible in the photo isn't leaking, but was wondering if anybody thinks that the guttering or roof above would be likely to cause this sort of problem?

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• jpm777
• 1 Jan 2013
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Bricks clearly looking wet on LHS

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• jpm777
• 1 Jan 2013
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• jpm777
• 1 Jan 2013
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Guttering

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• jpm777
• 1 Jan 2013
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Moss on the bottom brickwork

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• jpm777
• 1 Jan 2013
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Mossy path at the side of the house

 

[Alastairreid]

Is the gutter above the damp area leaking?

 

[jpm777]

Hi,

Yes, the gutter is above the damp area. In the photos, the bit at ground level that sticks out is a chimney breast, the guttering in another photo is coming up to meet the chimney breast.

Thanks.

 

[Alastairreid]

If the gutter is leaking it can be the cause.

 

[jpm777]

Thanks for the reply Alastair.

Do you think the gutter could leak down between the cavity wall to make the wall wet both sides? What do you suggest I do? I can check it with a really tall ladder and when it's raining hard, but do you think I need a professional in? If so, which one please. Thanks again.

 

[joe-90]

I bet you've been letting that water butt overflow.

 

[jpm777]

Hi Joe,

The water butt definitely hasn't overflowed. It is a secondary one not connected to the drain and the water level isn't at the top. The moss on the bottom bricks was also present before I put the water butt there around 8 months ago. At that time the bricks looked dry, albeit with the moss still present at the bottom. Now they are wet though and the paint is bubbling and dropping off just above the skirting board in the lounge.

 

[Alastairreid]

Nothing like stating the obvious joe.

Bet you're right





This time.

 

[jpm777]

Nothing like stating the obvious joe.

Bet you're right





This time.

I really wish it was that simple.

 

[Alastairreid]

Ok you need a roofer to check the gutter/eaves.

Ground level in relation to dpc min 150mm.

Air bricks clear if floating floor.

Chocked cavity etc.

 

[jpm777]

Hi Alastair, thanks for the reply. Ground level to damp proof course is approximately 6" or 150mm. The nearest air brick is about 1.5" from the patio level. I'll check to see if it's clear. The house was built in 2005 so I believe it has a floating floor.
How do I check for a choked cavity?

 

[Alastairreid]

Only way is to remove a brick either external or internal.

 

[jpm777]

Sorry to be dense, but what could I expect to see from a choked cavity? How would it affect things and I take it we are talking above the dpc?

 

[Alastairreid]

It should be a process of elimination starting from the obvious which as joe pointed out would have been the rainwater barrel.
2nd would be a leaking gutter above the damp area, at the same area check rainwater is not getting behind the gutter due to insufficient tile overhang and either running down the cavity or down the external wall.

All of the above excluded i would then take a couple of bricks out above dpc in line from damp area and check/clear cavity if required.

If none of the above i would look for rising damp or a leaking pipe.

 

[Alastairreid]

Sorry to be dense, but what could I expect to see from a choked cavity? How would it affect things and I take it we are talking above the dpc?

You would see what you have! and yes above dpc.