Martyn Goodram

Fri 15 Nov 2013 03:33pm

Hi Jenny, Yes it appears that rising damp is the problem, usually leaves a wavy pattern on the wall up to 1m high before gravity sets in.The moisture travels through the capillaries in the brickwork (capillary attraction) like a sponge would soak up a liquid. This moister will bring with it salts and nitrates from the ground that will eventually break down the plaster. The solution is to remove the infected skirts and plaster and install a waterproof membrane before re-plastering. If a membrane is not installed,the fresh plaster will re-activate the salts and nitrates that are still in the brickwork and also allow them to migrate. With this procedure a chemical injection DPC is not necessary but would consider on other walls before damage is caused. Hope this is of use to you Regards Martyn

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thomas beveridge

Fri 15 Nov 2013 07:59pm

Hi Jenny it sounds as if you have rising damp.. You need it surveyed by a rated people damp specialist to confirm this.

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Louis De Courcey

Fri 15 Nov 2013 06:14pm

Look at the exterior brickwork for any signs of cracking or if the pointing needs re-pointing. If its at the base of the wall , then it could be your horizontal dpc has broken down and may need replacing .

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graeme peddieson

Fri 15 Nov 2013 02:41pm

Hi Jenny by the description you may have rising damp caused by the lack of or compromised DPC course you need to get one of the guys from the rated people list to come and carry out a survey. Regards Graeme

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