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Water marks in bedroom wall

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24 May 2020
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Could anyone advise what is going on here please. These water marks have appeared in the corner of the bedroom wall. They are not wet to touch just slightly cooler. The outside wall is pebble dashed. I’ve had a dehumidifier running for a week and the drum is full every time. It started on 75 and has come down to 40, if I shut it off for a few hours it goes back up to 55. Many thanks in advance.
 

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If the gutter is not leaking then i would say its condensation.
 
If you enlarge the pic it looks like there are 3 marks in the render. The pic showing the down pipe just below the second pipe clip and the other pic with the scribble just above your squiggle. It may be letting in water?
 
In pictures 1 and 2 the wet patch is large, indicating a lot, I mean a lot, of water in the wall. The wet patch is mountain shaped. Water travels downward by gravity, and spreads outwards by absorption, so the source of the water is pretty certain to be at, or above, the peak of the mountain.

It is not condensation unless you have been running a steam generator with the nozzle pointed at the wall.

You have a water leak.

Possibly dripping from the gutter but more likely from that pipe.

If the downpipe is blocked, water will escape from joint above the blockage. Downpipes are not sealed at the joints, to allow water to escape.
 
Thanks for your reply. It rained last night and the moisture level has now risen to 66. The mark on the wall looks darker today. What would you advise I start to look at first? Any advice is gratefully received I’m a pensioner living in my own and have had two experiences with dodgy workmen last year thank you!
In pictures 1 and 2 the wet patch is large, indicating a lot, I mean a lot, of water in the wall. The wet patch is mountain shaped. Water travels downward by gravity, and spreads outwards by absorption, so the source of the water is pretty certain to be at, or above, the peak of the mountain.

It is not condensation unless you have been running a steam generator with the nozzle pointed at the wall.

You have a water leak.

Possibly dripping from the gutter but more likely from that pipe.

If the downpipe is blocked, water will escape from joint above the blockage. Downpipes are not sealed at the joints, to allow water to escape.
Thank you for your reply John I assumed it may be a crack in the pebbledash as it’s at the bottom of the wall. Shall I find someone to check the gutters and downpipe? I’m grateful for the advice.
 

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If you are on facebook there may be a local group who can probably recommend someone they have used. Start by checking the downpipes and gutters and then go from there. Ask family or friends if they can recommend anyone.
 
OP,
From the gutter outlet the RH down pipe is running very flat but there are no signs of leakage from the down pipe. From the pics Its difficult to see what the arrangement is up there?
The LH down pipe is also running pretty flat - no signs of leakage there either.
The running outlet on the RH gutter appears to be missing a stop end - its difficult to tell as the expanded pic is fuzzy. But you can clearly see the stop-end on the LH gutter.
The RH verge piece seems to have lifted but again its difficult to tell?

A long shot is that moisture is getting to the CWI in that area you marked?
but all these observations really need someone up there on a ladder taking close-up pics?
 
I would seriously suggest, (if it is possible without too much demolition), the gutters are extended slightly on both sides, so the outlet sits proud of the gable wall. This will allow the downpipe to connect with a simple 'Swan Neck' into the existing vertical section and remove that awful contraption of bends. The horizontal run is far from ideal, will collect detritus, and is quite possibly leaking onto the wall below which wont help with your damp issues.

If this isn't possible then perhaps look at either rerouting the downpipes to avoid the horizontal sections, or swap the squareline downpipes for round downpipes, which allow the installer to be much more flexible with routing.
 
Just go out next time it rains, see for yourself!

Agree with the others, both downpipes are a right mess. Both need about 4 corners removing from them. There will be a couple of leaves and a twig in one of those many bends. I'm betting the top right angles, and it's running down the outside of the pipe from there. You shouldn't have 90 degree bends anywhere, perhaps a 45 if you really can't avoid it.
 
Thank you so much for all your replies and advice I’m very grateful . I’ve had someone out to check the gutters and the joint on the corner when the water mark was leaking. That has been sealed now and after having my bathroom done I will look at replacing the gutters, hopefully before the winter. I’m still using the dehumidifier with the window closed on wet/damp days and have all the windows open on hot/sunny days. I’m wondering how long the wall will take to dry out as my grandsons sleep in there in the holidays. Is there anything else I should be doing to dry it out. Thank you!
 
Put an ordinary domestic fan (not a fan heater) to blow on the wet wall.

The moving current of air will accelerate evaporation from tne surface.

Ventilate the room well so the damp air can escape.
 

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