Damp Issue

[Grahl620]

Hi All,

Working on a cottage at the moment and noticed the floorboards were warped and heavily stained. After removing boards we found a damp issue and spores had formed on the bottom of the boards. We are hoping it is a long time drip from the back of the sink as the sink housing was also stained.
Just concerned there is a rising damp issue, having to wait to see if it dries out??

 

[KenGMac]

Grahl620, good evening.

OK Where to start?

The dark marks on the surface of the Solum tends to point to a localised leak, not a big one, just a slow small persistent leak.

What is the material on the Solum? is it Concrete?

Are there any gaps between the bottom of the joists and the [Concrete?]

How many external air bricks are there on the elevation indicated in the digital images posted?

Ken

 

[Grahl620]

Hi Ken,
It is concrete and there seems to be no space under the joists and no ventilation. Walls seem dry.

Graham

 

[KenGMac]

Grahl620, good evening, again.

The concrete outside the area of [what shall I call it, a flood area, caused by the leak] is dry, grey in colour and there does not appear to be any rot on the underside of the joists.

This appears to indicate that there is a DPM of some sort below the concrete??

Suggest you consider using a De-Humidifier + fans to dry of the Solum then [if you can afford it] introduce Slab insulation and replace the flooring.

As an aside? was the floor itself rotten in any areas? If so ??? it could have been or possibly is an Insurance claim on the Household Insurance?? just a consideration?

Ken

 

[Grahl620]

`That's what I'm hoping for, as the marks all radiate from one central area. My next step was to try a dehumidifier and thought of trying to put in air bricks of some sort.
Unfortunately its an old converted cottage and the walls are nearly two feet thick.

G