webtrader1776
Member
- Messages
- 1
- Location
- Scotland
I live in the ground floor flat of an1860s sandstone villa divided into an upper and lower flat. Upper flat is accessed by external stairway. Responsibility for roof repairs etc is divided with the owners of upper flat. There is no access to roof or attic from my flat. Since I moved in 12 years ago I have paid thousands of pounds towards my share roof repairs, chimney repairs and annual roof inspections etc. Thoughout that time owners and tenants of the upper flat have reported dampness causing peeling paint and wallpaper, wet walls on east gable rooms and ceilings. Lost count of tradesmen and bills. I trust two separate local roofers who have said slates are in good condition and roof does not need repair. Gutters cleared once or twice a year. Upper neighbours still have dampness, wallpaper peeling, flaking paint etc and the most recent company they contacted said problem was coming from a chimney which would have to be repaired at significant cost (although thousands paid to another company for repair 8 years ago). The company surveyor who gave this view did not go into attic space, nor on to roof. (Roof is a pitched, slated, roof - starts 8m above ground, not easily accessible ). Recent annual roof inspection had not found anything.
My lower flat is cosy and has no signs of damp. One small inset cupboard in a room which backs on to east gable is particularly cold but it’s lined with wood - no signs of mould or damp. I understand the nature of sandstone and its porous qualities and am careful about heating and ventilation.
I sympathise with my neighbours greatly - and would love to see their issues resolved but I am not willing to fork out more money for work that might not solve the issue. The problem is, I don’t know the right questions to ask my neighbours or the tradesmen they use to quote for/deal with the dampness. I don’t think the source of the issue has ever properly been established. Can someone here help me understand what I need to ask and what replies I should be looking for? Many thanks.
My lower flat is cosy and has no signs of damp. One small inset cupboard in a room which backs on to east gable is particularly cold but it’s lined with wood - no signs of mould or damp. I understand the nature of sandstone and its porous qualities and am careful about heating and ventilation.
I sympathise with my neighbours greatly - and would love to see their issues resolved but I am not willing to fork out more money for work that might not solve the issue. The problem is, I don’t know the right questions to ask my neighbours or the tradesmen they use to quote for/deal with the dampness. I don’t think the source of the issue has ever properly been established. Can someone here help me understand what I need to ask and what replies I should be looking for? Many thanks.