Damp On Walls (No Cavity)

by **nickyw_uk** » Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:10 pm

I've recently discovered damp patches in both corners of my bedroom wall and don't know what to do about it.

My bedroom is part of an extension that was built in 1963. It sits over the garage and has not got cavity walls. I think the extension was built using the Flemish Bond method which is created by alternately laying headers and stretchers in a single course. My decorator says this is really unusual and he has no idea why this was done.

Seeing as I can't fill my walls with insulation, how can I stop the damp? I have 2 radiators in the room which are on all evening, but it's during the night that the room gets really cold. In the morning, the damp patches are really wet and I also get really wet windows, even though they are double glazed!

Any advice given will be greatly appreciated!

by **welsh brickie** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:22 am

really the best bet is to insulate the walls internally.
You could fix 2x1 battens to the walls and sprayfoam inbetween this is the only way to dampproof and insulate without losing to much space internally.
Then plasterboard and skim.You will only lose 40mm internally on each wall inernally.

by **nickyw_uk** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 6:05 pm

Welsh Brickie, thank you so much for replying to me. That sounds like a real upheaval, but I want to get it sorted out. My Dad keeps telling me to get a de-humidifier, but I'd much rather do what you suggest. Thanks again, Nicky.

by **welsh brickie** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:29 am

the dehumidifyer will only work short term,and is dangerous to use when your in the same room as it sucks the moisture out of your body.
If you insulate the room it will save hundreds of pounds in heating.

by **nickyw_uk** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 3:59 am

Oh my God, I didn't think of it sucking the moisture out of me! I'll tell that to my Dad! Thanks! I think if I persuade him that I might shrivel up into a walnut and die, he'll change his mind and let me get the walls insulated! Haha! Cheers :)

by **the specialist** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 7:55 pm

Hi - I cant imagine that the wall was built with headers in 1963. However what is likely is that they wanted to replicate the look of the facing brick. When this is the case the headers are snapped to retain both the look and the cavity. So firstly get the wall borescoped by an insulation contractor to determine its true construction.

Now then your sleeping in a fridge. I'll bet there is no insulation in the floor/garage ceiling. Have you checked the loft for insulation?

If you havent got a cavity then as welsh brickie says you should dry line the wall - well worth doing.

aidan

by **TheDoctor5** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 10:03 am

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