DAMP or not? Do we really need new DPC?
Damp can be a major issue in the home. Find answers to questions or post your own here.

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tinkerbell
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DAMP or not? Do we really need new DPC?

by tinkerbell » Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:18 pm

Recently purchased 1930's semi, which had been empty about a year. We were aware that a disabled access ramp had been causing damp issues to the side of the house, as it was too high, and removed this quickly. We did get a damp specialist out prior to purchase and were advised to have the whole front and side of the house re-done with a chemical dpc and re-plastered - at some cost (and mess). However, we have tried to let the house dry and tackle the areas that were causing the damp. The internal walls appear to have had a new DPC within last 10yrs or so, plaster is in really good condition and there are no marks or signs of damp. No damp smell either.
We also purchased a damp detector, which does gives off a low audible tone in only a few areas of the internal walls in question. The external wall does also need good re-pointing done in some patches, which probably hasn't helped, but we will also sort this. If we've resolved the problems and there are no apparent "signs" of damp do we still need to get the DPC re-done, or will it continue to improve?
Have read all the helpful advice under this topic on this site, some of which doesn't seem to have a very high opinion on chemical DPC's.
GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY FEEDBACK PLEASE.

DUDE DIY
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by DUDE DIY » Fri Mar 28, 2008 9:09 pm

sounds like you know what your doing. A good idea would be to try the steps your already taking and see what happens, its no damp appears then your problem may well be solved. Re-pointing outside will help as well.

tucny
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by tucny » Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:22 pm

Seek advice from a CSRT qualified surveyor. This is somebody who is educated and experienced to know whats going on and why and to offer you good advice. Also ask for them to carry out a calcium carbide test. This will tell you if you have actually got any damp inside the wall. Anybody can be a specialist if thats what they want to call themself, but it doesnt mean they know what their doing.

tinkerbell
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by tinkerbell » Sun Mar 30, 2008 1:23 pm

Thanks very much for all the help. I have emailed a local CSRT qualified surveyor to enquire about a advice on a calcium carbide test, and looked this up on the internet. I think this will be very helpful in resolving this and allow us to progress. Thanks again!

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