Damp under the window sill

[ikkin]

I live on the top floor of an old Victorian conversion flat. Recently, I have noticed that the wallpaper underneath my window is damp and peeling off. I did the 'sticky tape' test (which I read about on here!) and know its not a problem with condensation.

When I look on the outside of the flat, I can see that the bricks are darker under the window sill than the others - a sign of penetrating rain? I read on here that all sills are fitted with a drip groove. My flat is over 100yrs old - is there a possibility that the window sill doesn't have a drip groove and therefore the rain is coming through the walls? I cant check as I don't have a ladder at the moment but will try and get hold of one over the weekend.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[dude_diy]

The drip groove should be underneath your window sil on the outside. If you can reach out the window and feel just underneath the edge of your outside sill there should be a groove cut into the sill all the way along its length. At least then you will know you have a drip groove. Good luck.