Water coming through plaster

[DIY67]

I am about to fit new skirting but there is still just one area where water is seeping into the plaster. On closer inspection I think the problem is the sloping path adjacent to the wall outside is quite high up in the area (around the BT socket) and perhaps I needed to Dryrod (I installed them last year) that area lower as the bricks are clearly green below the previous dryrods.

I have since pointed all the gaps in the bricks and along the line where the concrete slabs meet the wall. Unfortunately after almost 2 weeks those damp patches are still visible inside. I just need to find a solution before I fit the skirting as it will only rot the wood over time again.

Included are images of the before and after outside pointing and cleaning of bricks (moss etc) with diagram of where Dryrods were installed and possibly more could be added. As well as the view inside of same area showing damp patches.

After 2 weeks have elapse I hope to re-apply stormdry to the bricks, and also to the pointing over the slabs making it watertight.

 

[Bonni]

Because of the headers, I assume it's a solid wall.

One thing with all walls, the ground must be 6" (two course ob brick) below DPC (Damp Proof Course).

With solid walls, you never ever use cement. Cement joints and cement render does not allow the wall to breathe.

 

[DIY67]

All mortar is sand + cement. I don't understand what you mean unless you think the inside is cement and not plaster?

 

[Lower]

All mortar is sand + cement. I don't understand what you mean unless you think the inside is cement and not plaster?

Old houses were built with lime mortar which doesn't contain cement and allows the walls to breathe.

 

[DIY67]

Yes but all the rest of the house is fine. It isn't anything to do with the mortar, it is something else. Most old houses no longer use lime, and it's also impractical, specialist and very expensive. Besides, I use a 4 sand to 1 part cement mix (and a pinch of plasticiser) which gives plenty of room to breathe. After I apply Stormdry (breathable) it hopefully will cure it.

 

[DIY67]

After pointing outside, and stormdying over it there is still moisture coming in. Running a dehumidifier doesn't help much. I have to fit the skirting so will put some thermal lined paper behind it to stop any moisture getting to the wood. I can live with the small damp patches out of sight.

 

[JohnD]

How old is the house?

Is the floor concrete? How high is the floor relative to ground and paving level outside?

Please stand back and take a wider pic of the wall, all the way up to the roof, and showing the gutters, downpipe, plumbing, gullies, drains and any manholes.

Pour a bucket of water on the paving next to the wet patch. Does it run towards the house, or away?