New Build; is this damp?

[J4MES99]

Hi everyone,

We have a newly built house (self build) block construction with traditional sand and cement render, the rendering was completed at the end of Oct.

I’ve just noticed these damp patches on the outside, particularly above the air bricks. Is this just the blocks drying out or indicative of another problem? We haven’t painted the render yet as wanted to wait for the warmer weather so thought it might be the rain seeping in?

Any advice would be welcome. P.s. I know rendering below DPC is not recommended, this is at the side of the house due to a level change. The builders used concrete blocks instead of engineering bricks so it needed to be covered.

 

[^woody^]

You have DPC bridging at the DPC and clear riding damp from bridging.

The damp stains higher up are indicative of soaked cavity insulation.

 

[J4MES99]

You have DPC bridging at the DPC and clear riding damp from bridging.

The damp stains higher up are indicative of soaked cavity insulation.

If that is the case, would there not be damp showing below the DPC? I thought the damp would be rising up from ground level and then possibly bridging but below DPC is dry.

 

[^woody^]

Not if the breach is within the cavity.

Also that a very poor detail using those render strips at DPC level. Those could also be causing damp via capillarity.

 

[ajstoneservices]

There should be a cavity tray over the air vents with weep vents above.