How to dry this flood soaked wall?

[CadwellParker]

Hi all,

We had a flood of water through the house caused by a blocked valley gutter. After 4 weeks the wall in the photo is still quite damp, smelly and has mould growing on it. What's the best way to get it to dry out? I know heat and a dehumidifier are probably the way to go but we'd like to avoid that expense if possible and have been hoping for some warmer summer weather to help us. Sadly the sun has not been shining and we need to get things properly dry so we can redecorate. What's the most cost effective way of getting the remaining moisture out of this wall? The house is a semi detached property and this wall is the one separating our house from next door so is internal and not open to outside air.

Apologies if this is not the most appropriate part of the forum to post this. Mods lease feel free to move elsewhere.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

 

[CadwellParker]

Thanks

We tried that but it's slow going cold and draughty. Perhaps patience and perseverance combined with extra layers of clothing are all that's needed.

 

[Tipper]

Ventilation is the only way...unless you want to get hold of a dehumidifier but you said you didn't want the expense.

 

[JohnD]

ventilation, not heat. Buy some cheap room fans and set them to blow over the wet wall. The moving air will evaporate water off the surface. Then you have to ventilate the room enough to get the wet air out, or you can use a dehumidifier but they are expensive on electricity. Or you can hire big fans and builders dehums. You will actually see the wall drying white where the fan is blowing on it.

If you have insurance, they will pay for dehumidifiers, fans, and the cost of the electricity.

 

[CadwellParker]

We've got an oscillating room fan blowing on the wall now and are keeping the window open as much as possible. The insurance company say the flood was caused by lack of maintenance and therefore we're not covered for anything resulting from it.

 

[joe-90]

Don't the neighbours have the same problem? And are you paying for their repairs if it is your lack of maintenance?

 

[JohnD]

Is some districts, a valley is placed over the party wall between two terraced houses. In which case the neighbour's probably share the (lack of) maintenance, and the loft will also need extra ventilation to dry it out. Opening the loft hatch and removing loft insulation will improve airflow, so will pulling down the ceiling.

 

[CadwellParker]

Don't the neighbours have the same problem? And are you paying for their repairs if it is your lack of maintenance?

Is some districts, a valley is placed over the party wall between two terraced houses. In which case the neighbour's probably share the (lack of) maintenance, and the loft will also need extra ventilation to dry it out. Opening the loft hatch and removing loft insulation will improve airflow, so will pulling down the ceiling.

As far as we can tell the flood was the result of a Seagulls nest which unbeknown to us had been built on our chimney and subsequently dislodged by strong wind. The pieces of broken nest ended up blocking the drain and so the valley between the two houses gradually filled with water until it overflowed at our side, into our loft and down through the house. The neighbouring house was unaffected and although the neighbours are friendly they'd no doubt say the nest was on our side of the chimney and so was our responsibility. The ceiling in our bedroom appears to have dried quite well but we've yet to go back up to the loft and check the insulation. Pulling it down would be a last resort.

Can anyone say how long it might take for the wall to dry out? I know it's difficult to say without seeing it and there are too many possible variables to say for sure. It it possible it might never dry properly if we rely on ventilation alone. would we be better advised to hire some heavy duty fans and a dehumidifier to make sure the wall dries properly?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I thought you didn't want the expense of that?

 

[CadwellParker]

I thought you didn't want the expense of that?

Not unless it's absolutely necessary.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

It's not absolutely necessary unless you want to dry it out quicker than merely opening the windows.