Exterior inside wall treated for rising damp. Scammed? 12 months until decorate?

[opps]

I used to have a damp meter. I threw it away. They are not very reliable on plaster. Old damp marks still show as being damp years after the source of the damp has been sorted.

 

[WillShatsWig]

@JohnD I have gone up a ladder to look at where the bay roof meets the wall, there are no obvious large cracks, however the paint on top of the bay roof, where it meets the wall is a little "squidgy" compared to the hard concrete feel of everywhere else on the bay roof.

See video:

 

[JohnD]

I'd suspect the flashing where the rooflets meet the wall. Scrape at it and take some closeups. I don't know flat roofs well, but it might be concrete, or a wooden deck, with an asphalt, tar or metal covering. The edge should be stepped up to prevent water running or pooling against the wall, and there would typically be a L shaped lead strip, flat on the roof, rising against the wall, and fixed into the mortar joint one bricj above (or over the lintel). I think lead lasts around 40 years, zinc less. If that's the trouble, roofers tend to use specialist leadworkers, or do their own small jobs. The deck may also have age related defects. Synthetic rubber coverings are now also used on flat roofs.

It's my guess that water is getting in where the roof meets the wall. This would explain damp running down the walls of the bay. It shouldn't be collecting at the foot of the wall, but the cavity might be choked with rubble.

These are all quite common problems. Silicone will not repair any of them.

 

[JohnD]

The "squidge" might well be rotten wood where water has penetrated over the years. Is there any sign of lead or roofing felt? It might have had an earlier unsatisfactory repair. It is quite hard to find a quality local roofer. Look for somebody with a good local reputation and an established business. Not one of the internet advertising sites or someone with just a mobile phone and a van. Parish magazines are a good source.

 

[WillShatsWig]

Thank you.

I have checked this, and can see there's no obvious flashing between the bay roof and the house wall.
It all feels like brick/mortar. Apart from that "squidgy" bit by the wall.

Another photo to show the roof meeting the wall:

 

[JohnD]

I don't know. Do you think the roof is made of concrete?

see if you can befriend a neighbour with a similar house who has had a good quality repair. Chances are your street has lots of houses with similar bays.