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Possible damp?

Joined
6 May 2025
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Hi,

Currently buying a house, have just seen this mark on the wall (in the small bedroom upstairs) after the surveyor has done their report so they missed this. The mark was behind a silicone wash basket. Seller is 100% sure this mark is from the basket rubbing off onto the wall. Done a quick Google and seen silicone can stain walls and react with paint but I'm worried it's penetrating damp.

I've looked at photos of penetration damp and none I've seen look like this. The shape of this mark is weird and the outer ring makes me think it's an oil based stain?

I'm organising a damp reading to go check it out but in the meantime would appreciate peoples opinions from their experience.
 

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Just a note to add, seller dries clothes in this room and keeps main wash bin in here as well.
 
Is it same height as the basket? It looks plausible..
 
It is the same height as the basket, exact height weirdly.
It is an external wall with a window to right of it above.
 
Hi John,

Thanks for getting back to me, is appreciated.

The outside brick, stone render looks okay. There is a porch below with flashing up against it however. There is no marks within the pouch itself though.
 
I guess the seller is telling you the truth.......I have had a similar issue in my place, caused by a paper shredder!
Can you give us a photo of the house elevation outside, and indicate where the mark is, do you think?
John :)
 
I've attached a photo of the outside and area outside.

Did your mark look similar from the paper shredder?
 

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The mark on my place was more paintwork damage......it looked in fact as if the emulsion paint had been polished, presumably due to vibration issues.
I guess your red mark is where the issue is inside the house......everything looks just fine from here but of course a good close up view of the flashing would be beneficial.
I'll have to suggest you wait until the others come along, but for sure I wouldn't be worrying!
John :)
 
That's correct the red circle is just indicating where the issue is inside the property on the wall.
Ah, not sure ours was shiny, appreciate your help! Will see what other people think as well.
 
If you like the place, buy it before someone else does.

If that's the worst issue with the place then it's a good one.

Silicone does break down over the years. Vintage hifi/gadget collectors moan about the soft-touch coating on walkmans etc all turning to sticky goo. It's basically a thick liquid, not a solid.

Thoroughly wash with isopropyl then paint with a good primer. See what happens.
 
Thanks for your responses, has helped put my mind at ease. Were taking a moisture reading today so hopefully that comes back with a normal reading.
 

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