Old Cottage, problem after wall was reskimmed
- Thread starter churchcottage2
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Thank you for all your advice, no we never had a problem with this condensation before. I think we will have the plaster taken off and done properly, I don't want to leave anyone with a problem.
Can you please advise me, should we have a sand/cement plaster or something done with lime?
Can you please advise me, should we have a sand/cement plaster or something done with lime?
Would be well worth taking a look at these pages from the English Heritage website:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/...anding_your_property/surveying-your-property/
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/...-after-your-property/finding-specialist-help/
This portion of text from the website is particularly relevant:
"Problems of Damp and the Need for Old Buildings to 'Breathe'
Damp is high up on a list of concerns for owners of older buildings, but damp is frequently misdiagnosed by those with little understanding of old buildings.
Often a 'free survey' is offered by a damp proofing contractor with an interest in showing there is work to be done much of which may be unnecessary and inappropriate. Dampness is one of the most damaging problems for historic buildings and correct diagnosis is vital.
Before the Public Health Act of 1875 it was not compulsory to provide the walls of a building with a damp proof course. Consequently most buildings constructed before this time coped without effective damp proof courses. When water rose from the ground up the walls by capillary action it was able to evaporate higher up because breathable materials were used that allowed this process to happen without damaging occurring.
Problems start to happen in old buildings when people expect them to behave like modern buildings. Floors are sealed with damp proof membranes, lime mortars are replaced with cement rich mortars and walls are coated with impervious paints and renders. These all have the effect of trapping moisture within the fabric of the building which can drive damp further up the wall. Rising damp usually contains salts which are carried up from the soil or from the walling material. These salts can absorb moisture and prolong the problem."
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/...anding_your_property/surveying-your-property/
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/...-after-your-property/finding-specialist-help/
This portion of text from the website is particularly relevant:
"Problems of Damp and the Need for Old Buildings to 'Breathe'
Damp is high up on a list of concerns for owners of older buildings, but damp is frequently misdiagnosed by those with little understanding of old buildings.
Often a 'free survey' is offered by a damp proofing contractor with an interest in showing there is work to be done much of which may be unnecessary and inappropriate. Dampness is one of the most damaging problems for historic buildings and correct diagnosis is vital.
Before the Public Health Act of 1875 it was not compulsory to provide the walls of a building with a damp proof course. Consequently most buildings constructed before this time coped without effective damp proof courses. When water rose from the ground up the walls by capillary action it was able to evaporate higher up because breathable materials were used that allowed this process to happen without damaging occurring.
Problems start to happen in old buildings when people expect them to behave like modern buildings. Floors are sealed with damp proof membranes, lime mortars are replaced with cement rich mortars and walls are coated with impervious paints and renders. These all have the effect of trapping moisture within the fabric of the building which can drive damp further up the wall. Rising damp usually contains salts which are carried up from the soil or from the walling material. These salts can absorb moisture and prolong the problem."
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That's all very well if you want a draughty house. In the old days there was no heating, no drying clothes on radiators, no showers.
If they are selling the house then sell it. It's a grand or two out of their pockets to fix it. Their choice really.
If they are selling the house then sell it. It's a grand or two out of their pockets to fix it. Their choice really.
.... and that's exactly why I have given the advice I have, so that they do have a choice rather than just a 'bodge it and scarper' job. Replastering this wall (the apparent cause of the problem) has nothing whatsoever to do with a draughty house. Look at what they had before and after the wall was replastered and the answer is plain to see.
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Look at what they have got now and you will see that the problem is water vapour from inside condensing inside the wall. Block the path as her hubby has suggested and the problem will go away.
It'll stop anyway shortly as the weather is warming up.
Why pay money when there is no need?
They are leaving. Not their problem.
It'll stop anyway shortly as the weather is warming up.
Why pay money when there is no need?
They are leaving. Not their problem.
Oh dear I seem to have started quite a debate!
I would just say that even when it was very hot during the summer we had the problem, it never dried out and patches just kept on coming. so I'm not sure that the weather warming up will make a whole lot of difference.
Its a draughty house, never dry any clothes on radiators and the tumble drier is in the garage at the top of the drive, miles away from this bedroom.
My husband wants to paint the wall with dampseal to see if it works.
If it was down to me I'd have it all redone. I guess we'll end up having to have it done in the end anyway.
Thank you very much for all of your help. I will return back in a few weeks and let you know how we got on.
I would just say that even when it was very hot during the summer we had the problem, it never dried out and patches just kept on coming. so I'm not sure that the weather warming up will make a whole lot of difference.
Its a draughty house, never dry any clothes on radiators and the tumble drier is in the garage at the top of the drive, miles away from this bedroom.
My husband wants to paint the wall with dampseal to see if it works.
If it was down to me I'd have it all redone. I guess we'll end up having to have it done in the end anyway.
Thank you very much for all of your help. I will return back in a few weeks and let you know how we got on.
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