Damp in brickwork

[AlgernonSourgravy]

An overflow pipe from my loft appears to have been dripping for a considerable time. I hadn't noticed it, as I had a plant growing up the brickwork on the front of my house, and the head of the plant had grown close to the pipe and partially obscured the outlet from view.

I noticed a problem when I was trimming the foliage (which is very thick and covers much of the front of the house), and saw behind it that some of the brickwork seemed to be damp (1930s house). I then spotted the dripping pipe. The water was dripping on to the foliage.

I don't know if the damp was caused specifically by the dripping pipe (it was a very slow and intermittent drip, though I guess it could have been occurring for a year or two), or if it is a more general problem of the foliage and branches being press tight against the house and transferring rain water into the brickwork.

On closer inspection, the brickwork in the front porch appears to have some damp penetrating it too, so it seems to have spread.

I know very little about treating damp. I have fixed the overflow, so that is no longer a problem. Is it worth waiting for a while to see if the brickwork now dries out? Or should I get rid of the foliage completely? Are there any other measures I should take at this stage?

 

[foxhole]

Provided the drips fixed it will dry out but will take till summer to be 100%.

 

[Burnerman]

Only my opinion but foliage is most unwelcome against any property of mine!
John

 

[KenGMac]

AlgernonSourgravy, good evening.

Must admit I am with Burnerman.

My logic is that the foliage will trap moisture and hold it, not allowing the wall to be air blown and dried off to a certain extent. At times Ivy can cause the mortar to be eroded and areas of mortar can be removed.

Ken.