Any idea what this is on the exterior fabric of the building ?

[platforminc]

Hi All.

I am wondering if anyone knows what the purpose of the item on the exterior of the property is and what purpose it serves.

Thanks.

 

[Loofah]

What's inside that room? Has it been dry lined or battened and boarded?

 

[jeds]

It's an old fashioned damp proofing system. Very popular around the 80s. Basically, ceramic tubes embedded in the wall, at intervals, was supposed to absorb moisture and allow it to evaporate off. Popularity faded. Probably due to being not very successful.

 

[JohnD]

The black paint on the foot of the wall is often done to hide (it does not cure) damp. It prevents evaporation, trapping damp in the wall. Entertainingly, the little ceramic tubes are alleged to increase evaporation.

You'll notice the air bricks are clogged, preventing ventilation of the void which helps dry it.

It looks like the damp got surprisingly high.

The rendered foot of the wall is quite likely bridging the original DPC.

And there is a good chance that stripping off the paint and render would allow damp to evaporate off the exposed bricks, and stop the bridging.

Don't allow anyone who sells silicone injections into your house.