Damp issue

[JP363]

Good morning,

I have recently purchased a 1940s property which has been empty for a while.

On stripping the wallpaper to replaster and look for hidden problems, I have noticed damp which extends the length of the wall. It does not get any higher. The mould was not visible until wallpaper was removed. My suspicions are rising damp/lack of DPC. The wall is external with no obvious sign of DPC that I can see. Does anyone have any advice re fixing it beyond removing plaster to brick, replaster and install DPC?

Many thanks in advance

 

[IT Minion]

Good morning,

I have recently purchased a 1940s property which has been empty for a while.

On stripping the wallpaper to replaster and look for hidden problems, I have noticed damp which extends the length of the wall. It does not get any higher. The mould was not visible until wallpaper was removed. My suspicions are rising damp/lack of DPC. The wall is external with no obvious sign of DPC that I can see. Does anyone have any advice re fixing it beyond removing plaster to brick, replaster and install DPC?

Many thanks in advance

A lot of what people think is rising damp is where the outside floor level is too high. Definitely worth checking.

 

[JohnD]

is the floor concrete? is it damp?

photos of the outside wall, at ground level, please, including any gullies, drains and downpipes.

A 1940's house can reasonably be expected to have had a dpc when it was built.

if you can find the dpc at any part of the external wall (it may be visible at door sills) it is pretty sure to be at the same level all round the house.

Do not allow anybody who sells chemical injections near your home.

 

[Evren]

if it is only that section of that external wall , it must be something trapping water behind the wall like gullies & down pipes as mentioned already.

 

[KenGMac]

Could I suggest that, because the property has in your words " been empty for a while" that will mean un-vented, un-heated, there is a possibility that your problem could be a form of condensation?

How long was the place empty?

Not all together clear but? was the wall paper stained, or marked? or indeed peeling off from the wall.

Can I suggest that you hold of doing anything until the property has been vented and heated?

Ken.