How to tackle damp in 1890's house?

4 years ago

We bought our 130 year-old terraced house about 3 months ago. "Rising Damp" was detected by our RICS building surveyor beneath two of the ground floor windows. Luckily, because of this we managed to negotiate a lower price and ended up buying the house for £82,000 (Which for the area is an absolute STEAL.), and we are absolutely in love with it!

Since moving in we have had numerous builders and damp specialists quote us for DPCs, as this is what the surveyor recommended, and we were hoping to have this completed soon. However, I've been doing a little digging and some experts suggest that rising damp is a myth, and that DPC's only make matters worse in older houses.

The gutters to the front and near are in dire need of repair and do leak profusely against the walls when it rains. Both chimneys have been blocked up too without any vents, and the house is double-glazed throughout. I am certain that most of these factors have contributed to our damp problem, and will get them seen to asap. However I just don't know if getting a DPC would be the right decision given the age of the house?

If anyone has any recommendations it would be much appreciated. The house has been neglected for some time and we really want to do right by it and make it look beautiful!

TIA!

Featured Answer

cat_ky

4 years ago

Get all gutters repaired, make sure all windows are caulked correctly, and check to make sure all the drainage is done right. Once that is all done, then re evaluate, whether you actually need to do anymore. That may well take care of the problem. Can you post some pictures?

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Comments (15)

socalgal_gw Zone USDA 10b Sunset 24
4 years ago
I think I would work on the source of the water first.
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Seabornman
4 years ago
Proper drainage is essential. Make sure there is slope away from house (many say 6" in 10' minimum). Sometimes conditions won't allow that; then some other method can be used.
User
4 years ago
Cat - typically original windows should not be caulked but the putty could need to be replaced.
millworkman
4 years ago
"typically original windows should not be caulked but the putty could need to be replaced."

Perimeter at the siding gets caulked. As well as flashed properly.
User
4 years ago
Most people also put caulk at the sash/jambs and seal the windows shut.
millworkman
4 years ago
Why would someone seal the windows shut? And who are most people?
cat_ky
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Who in their right mind would ever caulk and seal windows shut. Thats ridiculous, And its glazing, not putty
User
4 years ago
Some people call the glazing compound putty. I can't tell you how many houses I've seen and heard about that the POs both caulked the windows shut on the outside and painted them shut on the inside.
Seabornman
4 years ago
I've caulked them shut with rope caulk. It helps when it's 10 below and windy! Haven't ever painted a window shut but I've lived with them.
User
4 years ago
In the UK, caulking windows shut just isn't done. Without air conditioning, it's imperative that the windows can be opened!

OP - where did you end up buying?
cat_ky
4 years ago
Caulking and sealing windows shut, is a safety issue. Windows need to be operable in case of fire or other concerns.
Lalala (zone 6b)
4 years ago
Rope caulk is a soft, temporary, removable putty used to stop drafts. It doesn't prevent windows from operating and can be easily removed in warmer weather.
PRO
Sombreuil
4 years ago
Seems to me that any rising damp gets stopped at the window and can't proceed higher, therefore it appears worse there, but it can better dissipate on the taller masonry bays.

But it's obvious that repairing the gutters will help tremendously.

The treatment I'm familiar with involves removing mortar and inserting an impervious material such as porcelain tiles or slates in the lower horizontal courses.

Casye
Sammy
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
@oamurray You might have better luck posting your question on the Houzz United Kingdom site instead of here on the Houzz United States site.

How to tackle damp in 1890's house?

cat_ky

Comments (15)

socalgal_gw Zone USDA 10b Sunset 24

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