Losing my mind over damp issues...

[CHR15]

Hi,
I have 1920 ex council semi detached home. It has a slate dpc, which on the face of it is crumbling. It also has 3 attempts of chemical injected dpc and a rendered plinth bridging the original dpc. The gutters were leaking on almost every joint just to add the cherry on top!
I have taken off the render which was quite easy as most of it had blown away from the wall! The walls behind were a mess in areas. I had the bad bricks replaced and the whole area repointed. The facia and guttering were replaced with new upvc. I have had numerous specialist damp companies come round. Most trying to sell me another dpc and a couple of independent damp specialists. As I had to pay for these, I thought I would get results. One company said the damp is historic and that I've sorted out the problem and the other said it's just condensation. The problem I was having on the inside was flaking paint, wallpaper not sticking and a damp meter going crazy when placed on the wall near the skirting boards.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated as how I can sort the problem out so I can decorate. I love the house but I'm constantly thinking whether it's just easier to sell up!

 

[stuart45]

Are the walls gypsum plaster inside?

 

[CHR15]

Thanks for your reply @stuart45. I believe so. The plaster the usual brown colour. Underneath this is a grey colour render or bonding. There is no plasterboard in the property.

 

[stuart45]

It could be that the damp walls, being colder and possibly containing hygroscopic salts, are attracting more condensation than other parts of the wall. Replacing with lime plaster could help.

 

[malcolm]

It's well worth posting a few photos inside and out so we can get a feel for whats going on.

We ought to have a damp checklist. Waterproofing inside and out is a problem as the walls won't be able to dry. Are your ground levels outside too high?

 

[CHR15]

Thanks for your replies. The ground level was close to the dpc so I cut back the paving and filled with gravel to help with drainage. I'll see if I can post photos when I get home.

 

[OnionRingx]

It is entirely possible that plaster took a beating over the years so it is contaminated with salts - will be drying ages. Sadly replastering might be needed though I’d probably do one room and see if you get desired results

 

[88v8]

Agree you may need to replaster.
Also bear in mind that saturated walls - solid or cavity? - will take perhaps a month per inch thickness to dry out. No point replastering before it's really dry.

V8

 

[a twig]

Don’t suppose you have an open fire / wood burner in that room? Getting that going was always more effective at drying a room than any dehumidifier in my experience