We appear to have evidence of rising damp in two living rooms albeit they were treated a number of years ago. There is clear evidence of rising damp in one of the rooms however I have been told that both rooms have the same problem although it is not visible in one of the rooms yet. I have had differing opinions from two sources about whether the room that does not show evidence of rising damp should be treated or not. Will I be wasting money on a problem that does not need to be rectified at the current time. I have also had conflicting information on the other room where the dampness is evident. One says the whole room should be done where the walls register a high level of dampness although it is only currently evident on two walls. The other suggests that the localised problem should be dealt with, with little point in traeting the walls that are not yet displaying evidence of damp.

I also had dampness in two upstairs chimney breasts which were treated 2 to 3 years ago. This resolved the problem however it seems to have pushed the problem to another area where the cealing meets the chimney breast and this is now showing signs of dampness. I do not think the problem is the chimney stack as the pointing looks good and the lead flashing was replaced when the roof was retiled. I have been told this could be as a result of soot in the chimney breast although I am not sure if the open fire has ever been used, although you would assume so as the house is 85 years old.

Any assistance would be greatfully appreciated.

Thanks

Gary

I admit to not a lot of knowledge on this subject, but who has told you that you have rising damp? According to various online sources, rising damp is uncommon, and damp is more likely to be condensation (bad airflow for example) or penetrating damp (due perhaps to a breached wall cavity, or a roof leak). Personally I would only trust a survey by someone who is independent i.e. does not work for a company that provides damp proofing services.

Also, how do the walls register dampness? Do you have obvious signs e.g mould, rot, damp?

Hi Gary,
Is the damp on external walls?
Do you have a cellar?
The chimney problem, I presume, is a wall that gets all the weather? I have had instances, were old brick starts to become porous and even if the pointing is good can create damp spots...easily rectified with a coat of.....(can't remember what it's called) on the external brickwork, someone here will tell you!

Edwardian houses are generally well built, I have a suspicion of what your 'rising damp' may be! Some pics would be helpful too!

SSM

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