Damp External Wall

[Anonymous]

I have a 1900 terraced house with solid walls. In the bedroom there is a vent at high level in the solid wall. Since the weather has become wetter the wall has become steadily more damp. Can anyone tell me why the vent is likely to be there and if I am likely to make things worse by having it removed and filled in? Many thanks

 

[Anonymous]

I'd not remove/block the vent, however tempting it may seem. It will be helping reduce condensation, and could also be allowing any potentially dangerous Carbon Monoxide to escape.

That said, I don't think it should be letting in moisture—is it damaged at all? would it be possible to fit some kind of cowl?

Pete

 

[Anonymous]

Emma,

I suspect what you might be suffering from is surface condensation on a cold solid wall. Probably nothing to do with wet weather, but rather with cold conditions outside and increased heating inside.

Is the wall north facing?

PC

ps. Do not block off the vent