Damp Bay Window

[Willsgeorge]

Hi

I posted a thread a few weeks ago regarding damp around the bay window of my front room. I’ve been letting the brickwork dry out since. I’ve also pulled up the floor boards to see what is going on internally. It looks like the vent was block and someone has previously tried to treat the damp. They’ve added a damp proof course above the original slate one. It looks like it was a layer of felt? There’s also evidence of injections into the wall. The brickwork has salts and high damp readings.
I’m not sure what to do next?! I’ve had three damp companies come as view my house. None of them identified the issues I’ve been describing. They suggested injecting a solution into the wall and using a special plaster. I’m not sure I trust asking someone else - but need to get it sorted! What would you advise me to do next? Would it better to ask a builder? I’ve added photos below.
Thanks for your help, Will.

 

[JohnD]

It looks like the ground at the base of the wall is wet.

Do you think the water is coming from a leaking pipe, a broken drain, or heavy rain?

Can you indicate the original DPC with a chalk line? It may be that bituminous felt.

The cement plinth will prevent the wall drying out by evaporation, and is very likely bridging the DPC.

 

[RandomGrinch]

Hi,
I don't know if I can say much to help, but I had a similar problem.
I have an 1890's terrace with damp walls and blown plaster.
When I removed the plaster I found a rendered section underneath (applied as a damp proof measure). Once I removed this, the stone walls could breathe and the wall dried out beautifully. I've kept the stonework exposed and repointed with lime mortar.
Modern building techniques keep moisture out, but they can also trap moisture in. Some builders and damp companies don't realise this, or don't care.
It may be more expensive, but if you can find a builder who specialises in older buildings, you may get a sympathetic and long lasting solution.
Good luck

Edit:
Also, be carefull taking a damp reading with a meter. There may be a layer of salt that has evaporated out from the bricks as they dry. This could significantly affect the accuracy of the reading.
https://www.heritage-house.org/damp-and-condensation/the-ping-prong-meter-guilty-of-fraud.html

 

[JohnD]

Your house looks around a hundred years old, so the water supply pipe is probably leaking, if it has not already been replaced, but have a look at gutter downpipes and the gullies they discharge into. IME they are always cracked or broken and leaking. Luckily it is not a hard job for an active fellow like yourself who has a spade.