Damp wall and flaking paint....help please!!!

[zeroms]

Hi Guys,

Am new here, this site looks like a godsend for DIY noobies like me!

I have just moved into a new house (converted house into 2 flats) I have the ground floor, it has underfloor heating, central heating and double glazing, not sure about cavity wall

I have a problem in the kitchen, on an exterior facing wall, also problems in the spare room with bulging paint (flaking). Outside of the kitchen & spare room wall is some pipes (drainage i think from above flat) very close to the damp patch, they dont seem to be leaking though.


In my living room, I have 2 vents right on the base of the outer wall, I am unsure why these are here and make the room very cold, is there any alternative to these?

Vents in living room


Any help is greatly appreciated!

Many Thanks

Craig

 

[JerryM]

There is a site that a lot of people use to post their pics. I can't remember what it is though. just click on a few of existing photo links of other posts.

Without the pics or more details it's near impossible to say what the problem is (condensation, penetrating damp or rising damp). if you can actually see the damp as a patch then it needs sorting.

External kitchen walls are always notorious because of the units covering large areas, the amount of condensation and the construction inc pipes passing through.

Is there any sign of mould - this would indicate condensation. Penetrating damp is next - is there anything outside causing rainwater or rain to wet the outer brickwork for long periods. Trouble is that this also includes cracked drains below ground. Cavities in older buildings are often "bridged" - mortar during the construction has fallen into the bottom of the cavity or onto wall ties. This allows the wet outer wall to pass water to the inner wall causing patches. You would need to trace the path of the drain and dig up gently in the area to make sure it's not cracked.

Does the building have a rising damp guarantee? If so follow up to get someone to have a look at the problem.

I am also tempted to say get 2 damp people in for a survey to gain there opinions. Alternatively without further pics or details then you would need to try and self diagnose by buying a damp meter. you may also then need to buy a thermometer and relative humidity meter. Trouble is although there're not that expensive your probably not going to use them again. a hire shop might be a cheaper alternative.