Rising damp?

[sunnygal84]

Hello just after a few opinions - i dont know much about DIY (as you will be able to tell) so i apologise ...

Ive noticed damp above the skirting board under my lounge window. This started off as a little patch (about a year ago) and has spread to the wall near the door so its spread about one metre in length and rises about 4 inches in places. The paint is crumbling but its not black and is only in patches.

My step dad has looked at it and the bricks outside and the cement on the first layer of bricks along the front of my house can be literally pulled out in parts. Hes going to pull it all out and put new cement in place then sort the wall inside (skim the walls, damp proof paint then normal paint).

My question is do you think this is an adequate solution or should i ring a professional. I just always seem to get ripped off my workmen and can imagine having my house up in scaffolding with a £5000 bill or something knowing me if i do! my step dad said this will definately work but im pregnant and dont want a damp house with a newborn baby.

thoughts please, cheers.

p.s. there is no other damp in the house ive checked all the walls.

 

[Static]

Sounds more like penetrating damp.. best to clear out debris from cavity and clear air bricks while hes at it.. also ensure its not condensating internally and ventilate the room for a few dry months..

 

[peterperfection]

Hello just after a few opinions - i dont know much about DIY (as you will be able to tell) so i apologise ...

Ive noticed damp above the skirting board under my lounge window. This started off as a little patch (about a year ago) and has spread to the wall near the door so its spread about one metre in length and rises about 4 inches in places. The paint is crumbling but its not black and is only in patches.

My step dad has looked at it and the bricks outside and the cement on the first layer of bricks along the front of my house can be literally pulled out in parts. Hes going to pull it all out and put new cement in place then sort the wall inside (skim the walls, damp proof paint then normal paint).

My question is do you think this is an adequate solution or should i ring a professional. I just always seem to get ripped off my workmen and can imagine having my house up in scaffolding with a £5000 bill or something knowing me if i do! my step dad said this will definately work but im pregnant and dont want a damp house with a newborn baby.

thoughts please, cheers.

p.s. there is no other damp in the house ive checked all the walls.[/quote

Have the windows been replaced with plastic windows ?.
How old is the house ?.]

 

[sunnygal84]

Peter the house was built in the late sixties. It doesn't have new windows but has hard wood double glazed. Wish the previous owner had put in nice new PVC windows!!

 

[peterperfection]

Peter the house was built in the late sixties. It doesn't have new windows but has hard wood double glazed. Wish the previous owner had put in nice new PVC windows!!

Nothing wrong with hardwood windows- if they are looked after. They will outlast plastic windows for sure .

Anyway-- what I would do is remove a few bricks from outside under window at DPC level.
For sure- the cavity will be full of muck . You wont know though until you have a look.