Damp problem in my OAP dad's flat - advice greatly rec'd

[sarahHV]

There is a damp problem in my Dad's 1960s build ground floor maisonette. There is a very musty smell (not so much a typical damp smell) and in the hallway the walls are wet / damp about 6 inches up from the floor. The other rooms that have an external wall smell musty but there is no physical evidence of damp on walls that the eye can see.

I have called for two local damp specialists in his local area (birmingham) to come and diagnose problem and offer solution. I thought that it would be rising damp and could be rectified by chemical injection. However, after reading some postings I am now confused as to whether this chemical damp coursing would work.

Can anyone advise what I should be asking the damp specialists when they come to the property?

Many thanks

Sarah

 

[Deluks]

How long has he lived there, is this started happening all of a sudden?

Does the hallway get ventilation or does he close all the windows and doors up tight. (condensation?)

Are there any problems outside with water pooling when it rains?

Is the level of the ground outside, higher up or very close to the internal floor level?

The hallway wall is an external wall isn't it?

 

[Joe Malone]

Hi Sarah,

You simply need to cover all bases. When I carry out a damp survey I have the tools to check for all forms of damp including condensation. If the guy turns up with nothing more than a hand held electrical moisture meter then it's a complete waste of time. You can't diagnose rising damp without invasive tests; i.e, drilling the wall for samples or carrying out salts analysis tests.
The guy that turns up should also have a hygrometer of some sort to check relative humidity; I use a Hygromaster. He should also have a thermometer of some sort to check that surface temperatures aren't below dew point.
Make sure he checks for other forms of damp other than rising damp (penetrating, condensation, plumbing leaks) and ask to see the evidence for his diagnosis. You can always come back on here to help interpret the results.

 

[sarahHV]

Thanks very much for your advice, it is very welcome. I came across this website by chance and cannot believe how good it is and people will take their time to give such thorough advice!

My Dad has lived there for 5 years and the problem first became evident about three years ago and has got progressively worse since. He does air the flat quite well and has at least some of the windows open daily and as it is not very big does get a good airing throughout.

I have not seen any problems with pooling water when it rains but the level of the ground outside is very close to the internal floor level or perhaps the ground may be slightly higher.

The hallway wall is external

Many thanks for all your help

Sarah