Any other options to remove non breathable paint from a conservation property?

[Cicek]

The previous owner applied a non breathable external paint which is causing penetrating damp upstairs to one wall. I have been quoted £3.8K to re-point in lime putty zero cement which I'm happy with, but another £3.6K for DOFF cleaning to remove the non breathable paint of 30sqm. After adding on welfare facilities, a mobile access tower and VAT I'm at £9.8K. I just think that is quite expensive for one wall of 30sqm and was wondering if there are any other ways including DIY to remove the paint? My fiancé would be happy to help with the paint removal if possible. For the lime re-pointing I'm happy to stick with a professional. Thank you for any help in advance.

 

[Cubist]

Sorry but this does not make sense to me. Who told you that it's 'penetrating damp'?

I ask as a non breathable exterior paint would not cause or directly contribute to water penetration through the brickwork. Even if the paint were to be in a very poor condition then rainwater accumulation sufficient to penetrate indoors is highly unlikely. The poor condition of the mortar pointing would be by far the most probable root cause. That said you would always be wise to first check that rainwater is not entering the property via problems around chimneys and/or guttering systems. It could also be that the damp you are seeing may be caused by the formation of condensation internally so again - how sure are you that the problem is 'penetrating damp'?

 

[Cicek]

I had a survey done prior to purchasing the house which said I have penetrating damp upstairs to one wall.
I then got in contact with my local Conservation department and they told me the penetrating damp is due to the external non breathable paint and that I need to have it removed and re-pointed with lime only zero cement. So I can't say that I'm sure it's penetrating damp this is just what I have been told. I am a new home owner and still have a lot to learn about period properties in general.

The areas showing the penetrating damp are the window sills/surrounds if that helps.

 

[aockenden]

Sorry but this does not make sense to me. Who told you that it's 'penetrating damp'?

I ask as a non breathable exterior paint would not cause or directly contribute to water penetration through the brickwork. Even if the paint were to be in a very poor condition then rainwater accumulation sufficient to penetrate indoors is highly unlikely. The poor condition of the mortar pointing would be by far the most probable root cause. That said you would always be wise to first check that rainwater is not entering the property via problems around chimneys and/or guttering systems. It could also be that the damp you are seeing may be caused by the formation of condensation internally so again - how sure are you that the problem is 'penetrating damp'?

This.

Have you checked the levels on your window sills externally?

 

[malcolm]

I had random damp in a wall upstairs way away from a window. That was down to waterproof paint on brick. The waterproof paint had failed a little and would let water in but wouldn't let it out again. More water getting in than can get out and time are what tends to cause damp. The advice from the conservation officer sounds good to me, but if the damp is only around the windows there might be an additional issue that could be tackled at the same time. Photos might be useful.

I don't know the price of DOFF these days. Mine was £6K for 3 walls of a 2 storey 4 bed house back in 2015 and prices have probably at least doubled since then. It's probably the best way to remove waterproof paint assuming it is used with together with a paint stripper. I did try to remove paint DIY but the chemical strippers need the very hot water pressure washer else the soft paint just smears and doesn't come off.

Lime mortar does tend to go soft when it's been wet for a long time and the DOFF will likely take out some mortar so worth having the repointing in the budget.

 

[Cicek]

I had random damp in a wall upstairs way away from a window. That was down to waterproof paint on brick. The waterproof paint had failed a little and would let water in but wouldn't let it out again. More water getting in than can get out and time are what tends to cause damp. The advice from the conservation officer sounds good to me, but if the damp is only around the windows there might be an additional issue that could be tackled at the same time. Photos might be useful.

I don't know the price of DOFF these days. Mine was £6K for 3 walls of a 2 storey 4 bed house back in 2015 and prices have probably at least doubled since then. It's probably the best way to remove waterproof paint assuming it is used with together with a paint stripper. I did try to remove paint DIY but the chemical strippers need the very hot water pressure washer else the soft paint just smears and doesn't come off.

Lime mortar does tend to go soft when it's been wet for a long time and the DOFF will likely take out some mortar so worth having the repointing in the budget.

Thank you for your reply, I will get some photos but this was really helpful, thank you!