damp problem/solution update

If you need to plaster across it, use a scratch (base) coat of sand and cement with added waterproofer. Then you can use standard gypsom finish coat on top, and it will stay bone dry, even if the wall behind is damp.

I'm leery of any plaster in contact with the damp course

maybe I can patent an alternative!

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You've got a trench all round the house now? I'm doing this, and at intervals go quite deep, The water level is quite high at the moment, after rain. Is there lots of rainwater coming down a garden towards your house? More drainage, french drains ec, try to lower the water level. And keep monitoring the water level outside after rain etc. Get out there in the rain and see where it's going. [g]

no, no

I've cut a little channel around the edge of a room with rising damp caused by the plaster sucking up mositure

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harry, you've conflated my post with someone else's

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Yes. Its classic.

You probably DO have pretty damp ground conditions though. Its sopping wet here. First day the farmer has been able to get a tractor ON the land to start spraying.

I went for a walk yesterday and the whole lower field I walk across by the drainage ditch was wheezing and popping and completely waterlogged.

And the pond has never been fuller. Clay lined and fed off the guttering/french drains.

I agree

I've found *one* cause of the damp

I intend to find others by a process of elimination following the various suggestions made here

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