We have a (groan) lean-to style conservatory that we’d like to make more of a functional space for the kids. It’s pretty old and was in place when we bought the house a few years ago, and, like most of the property, it seems to have been a bit of a bodge job. The skirting around the edges has always been damp - the whole way around. Upon removing this I can see that the conservatory sits directly on top of a single row of bricks, though it’s sitting on some plastic spacers and bits of broken slate in some areas where they obviously tried to get it level. The bricks were really wet and the mortar was wet and sandy and brushed away just by rubbing it. There’s clear gaps from outside as I can feel the air pushing through now that the skirting is off. There is no damp course membrane between the brick work and upvc walls. Upon leaving the bricks to dry out for a night, the top has dried but there is water collecting beneath. I realise that’s a lot of info but I’m just trying to create a really clear picture of what’s going on.
I know I’ll need to seal the brickwork on both sides, but the question is, what’s the best way and best materials to do this with? I was considering foam filling all of the gaps in the mortar and then painting a couple of layers of bitumen paint over the top on both sides. But will that be enough? Thanks in advance for the help!
