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- 20 Sep 2015
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Hello. Recent heavy rain has highlighted a problem in my house that I moved into 6 months ago. Brickwork below DPC did have tinges of green when I viewed the house but I put this down to a spell of heavy rain that the sunshine would fix. Recent heavy rain leads to pools of water that does not get above DPC level but does keep the below DPC level brickwork wet for days. Double height air bricks also seem to be compounding the issue as the water does seem to be getting into the property via this route. I spoke with a local DIYer who said this was nothing to worry about as the water would drop into the cavity gap and eventually evaporate from there. In the meantime, if the cavity gap filled up, the water would then go under the suspended wooden floor but still only pool around the brick mini walls that support the under floor beams. However, there is dampness in the floor level cupboards which are fitted against the corner walls where, outside, the rain pools and the brickwork looks like the pointing has deteriorated and the bricks are looking decidedly pitted. I guess that the systemic fix would be to resolve the pooling of rain water outside. However, this may involve significant underground work to add drainage. My immediate need is to stop the ingress of water through the brickwork and through the airbricks to give the cupboards a chance to dry out so that I can use them. I have thought about removing the double brick height airbricks and fitting single height ones above a full brick so removing the airbrick holes at ground level which easily allow water to flow in. But I am not sure of the implications of such a change. Is it feasible to replace the 2 courses of bricks below DPC, gradually, and seal them ? I can DIY to a standard but am no professional builder. Your professional advice would be most welcome.