Clearing bridging mortar from a cavity wall

[Graemejthurston]

Hi heave bought a 1960s varney built semi with many problems. This forum has been so good at helping me sort tons of issues, but this one has me stumped.

I had a guy out from dyson to survey for cavity wall insulation and in one section of the gable wall he noticed 2 new looking air bricks. He drilled either side of them and noticed that there was a lot of mortar in this area 1mx2m bridging the cavity.

He reckons that they installed the air bricks to further vent the cavity and let the internal walls dry out.

Inside the house behind the problem area I removed a kitchen unit to discover some old looking damp. The house doesn't smell of damp or have anything coming thought the wallpaper which must be over 5 years old.

He suggests removing the pebbledash render in this area and taking out some bricks to clear the cavity. Is this a good idea and how would I proceed with it?

Many thanks

Graeme

 

[Graemejthurston]

Hi again,

Looked around the neighbourhood and it seems all houses my style have air bricks located in the same place.

From further reading maybe the mortar in the cavity came from the new vent bricks being installed and the old damp was the reason they were replaced and/or a cold spot on the internal wall.

Next step is to take out the lower air brick and have a good look inside.

Seems logical? But I'm very green at this

Graeme

 

[Nige F]

Next step is to take out the lower air brick and have a good look inside.

Seems logical? But I'm very green at this

Graeme

That`s what the forums are for Hire yourself a borescope to have a look inside

 

[Nige F]

Hi heave bought a 1960s varney built semi with many problems. This forum has been so good at helping me sort tons of issues, but this one has me stumped.

I had a guy out from dyson

So your house was built by a guy on The Buses ( Reg Varney ) and you got a Vacuum cleaner bod out

 

[Graemejthurston]

Haha

I'm a bit young for the on the buses gag, but the vacuum cleaner guy is tescos subcontractor for cavity wall insulation.

Seems they are branching out