Could it be salts?

[Lotte]

Dear all

Hoping for some help. I live in a Victorian 3 storey terrace. Our property is the last 3 storey before a bank of 2 storey. So we have a high exposed exterior wall

Last winter the wall became very wet - so we enlisted the support of roofers. We fixed the flashing on the chimney and we reprinted the exterior wall ( looked like it was in need)

As you can imagine - every time
Someone goes up its pricey due to the inaccessibility of the exterior wall

Anyway - we thought were all fixed but the wall is looking damp again. Patches pf damp across the chimney breast

So before I dip into the savings again, is it possible what's required is new plaster rather than more roof work? I read horror stories of folks spending a fortune on something that turns out to be leftover salt from a previous damp spell?

Your expertise is welcome!!!

L

 

[JohnD]

photo would help. Show the shape and location of the mark.

you say it is the chimney. Is this chimney ventilated top and bottom? If not it will get condensation inside. Is there a gas fire?

Look in the loft. Can you see damp marks or water trickling? Is it rain related? Can you see daylight?

 

[Lotte]

The chimney is no longer operational - I believe it is ventilated top and bottom as there are metal vents

 

[Lotte]

No gas fire

 

[Lotte]

This is the interior - damp occurring at bottom ( near rocking horse!) and top

 

[Lotte]

Also - since everyone is so kind on here - would it be better to use my dehumidifier in this room or not? Don't want to make the problem worse

 

[JohnD]

I can't see the damp patches. Can you move the horse and picture?

Is it emulsion paint on plaster?

does it show on the sides?

What is above and below this room?

 

[Lotte]

The problem is they are barely visible - yellow rather than white

 

[Lotte]

Better with spotlight maybe ?

 

[Lotte]

And at the top

 

[JohnD]

is it at the right-hand side?

Does the room below have a ventilated fireplace (there are probably three flues in there)

 

[Lotte]

Am assuming this counts as ventilation - we have two on each floor

 

[Lotte]

No working fireplaces - previous owner had removed them all

 

[JohnD]

is it by the ceiling? You need to look in the loft.

 

[Lotte]

Ok. what am I looking for?