We have just moved into a flat and some potential damp issues have come to light from:
- Our own inspection
- The initial home buyer report
- A survey by a damp contractor
As far as I can tell the damp contractor offered no reason as to the causes (other than a failed DPC). Surprise, surprise, none of the suggested work remedies the causes of the supposed damp. Their work would involve DPC injection, replastering, CDM tanking, etc...
However what I would really appreciate is any advice regarding what the genuine causes are and how I can remedy them. Here's a summary of the possible problem areas. I=92ve included some photos and a summary of what I think the possible causes are - which of course may be completely incorrect.
** Rear Left of property ** Some of the plaster is blown here on the rear wall and on the 3rd party wall. There is no smell of damp in the room. There is external evidence of rising damp - salty deposits on the brickwork - see photo below Damp contractor said there were high meter readings here (I realise a meter reading doesn't equate to damp) See photo:
- Possible Remedies * Clear entrances to the copper drainage pipes - done. Fix up damaged mortar. Paint a liquid bitumen DPM around edge of trough? Line the trough with a water proof sheet?
- Possible Remedies * Relocate the copper drainage pipes slightly lower Paint a liquid bitumen DPM around edge of trough Line the trough with a waterproof sheet?
Are there any causes which I have incorrectly identified ?
Any help/advice/criticism would be gratefully received.
Charlie