Damp problem in Victorian property

posted by: miriamheppell
My house is a three storey victorian property which was fully refurbished following the 2006 floods (only completed in December 2008!). The gutters were replaced in 2005 with new timber gutters. I noticed that the brickwork on the outside rear was crumbling slightly and was advised by the builder who completed the refurbishment that they would need to be sealed as there were patches appearing inside the house (in the top corner of the 1st floor bathroom and bedroom on adjoining walls and ceilings). He subsequently (in October 2009) painted a clear product on the outside of the house, which he said would cure the problem. My plan had been to repaint over the patches in the house. However, before I could get to that, the patches have increased (around a foot in the bedroom and maybe half that in the bathroom), with a hard dry white coating which appears to be spreading. In addition, I have today seen drips running down the wall from the patch in the bathroom (there is a new extractor fan fitted which works perfectly, so I don't think the problem is condensation).

In summary, I thought the problem had been resolved, but it continues, so I'm unsure of what is needed, or how much it will cost. I'm worried that leaving it will damage the fabric of my house.

Sorry for the really long post, but I need advice!

The problem maybe that the wall inside is not rendered, maybe they just used plaster bonding and then skimmed . If so the plaster would have to be removed back to the brick then rendered and then skimmed , is the pointing on the outside in good condition also check around the windows frame and the window cill that they are sealed propely ,the bathroom has to be well heated and ventilated, i am not an expert but this maybe an idea. you can make another post on the plastering section and see what the experts say, goodluck.

i would ring your local damp proof company (or two) and have a surveyor come and give you a quote, get two quotes and compare their diagnoses..
if they both say the same thing its a pretty safe bet theyve got the problem sussed...
it does sound very much like you have penetrating damp and simply spraying 'thomsons water seal' on the outside isnt a solution cos if it was there'd be no such thing as damp proofing contractors or the multitude of products they use..
good luck

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