DAMP!!!

[jsn1]

Hello all,

I have recently bought my first house in which I have noticed some damp.

The house has been empty for the last two years with only occasional access by it's owners. The building is a 1950s build and is a pretty standard 3 bedroom semi. On the side of the house there is a small extension with a felt roof.

The damp zones are all around the wall of the house that are in contact with the extension.

The first lot is in a pantry off the kitchen. In here I noticed some mould on one of the walls and a patch of the concrete floor which is clearly affected by damp.

The second is what was originall the external wall (now inner due to the extension) both sides of this wall appear to be effected. One side has had some tongue and groove wood covering which has clearly been moved by the wall expanding. There are some pipes in this area too.

If anyone can offer any advice on what the cause or cure maybe that would be great.

Thanks

 

[DAZB]

I would firstly check any flashings or leadwork around the felt roofed extension as water may have been getting in over a period of time. Also check that there is a DPC in the property and that external ground levels have not breached it such as any raised patio or decking area that could bridge the DPC. Another obvious one would be to check any windows and doors for missing or bad sealant which could be letting in water, as damp is not always caused by direct water ingress but could be caused by excessive moisture in a property which then condenses with changing temperatures.

 

[Static]

If the house has been empty for 2 years and no windows open then its going to be damp.. hope for a few sunny days and air the whole thing out.. will take days if not weeks..

 

[jsn1]

Thanks guys.

After a second inspection the roof of the extension is concrete not felt.

The wall on the oppisite side of the one with the wood paneling has peeling paint and the hinges of the door have rusted so that the door wont close.

Could these levels of damp still be caused by condensation? After reading other posts in various forums, condensation does seem like a most likely reason. But the levels of damp make me question it a little.

I don't know if it helps but there is no water visible.

 

[thatbloke]

Air the place for a few weeks , always start with the obvious and least expensive. Also remember damp has a cause, you need to remedy it at its cause, be careful as a lot of damp 'specialists' will simply hide the damp and rarely try to find the source.

 

[stevehuws]

I had rising damp through the house, and called two companies who sent a surveyor round. They both provided reports with recommendations and quotes, free of charge.

Incidentally, if the property was empty for two years, keep all your receipts as you may be elligible for a 5% refund on the VAT you paid.