plastic wallpaper

[Sal]

well, I'm sure it has a proper name. but the whole house has this textured waterproof type wallpaper (1950s?) . The house has lots of damp - being lower than outside level in some places, an this was presumably the idea of how to keep the walls dry of previous owner.

I can't help thinking walls would be happier without ghastly wall paper. Although removing paper could well result in losing alot of the plaster. its not something I am about to do - this situation has been so for some years and we have more pressing things to worry over first, but what are your opinions?

 

[NT]

Plastic layer would reduce evaporatoin from the wall, making it ever wetter. The general idea is to remove such things and allow the wall to dry out. Also of course to fix any source of damp.


NT

 

[Sal]

Plastic layer would reduce evaporatoin from the wall, making it ever wetter. The general idea is to remove such things and allow the wall to dry out. Also of course to fix any source of damp.


NT

pretty much fits in with my thinking - yes we shall have to tackle the damp - but that is easier said than done - no access to outside as thats the street.

 

[Lime]

yes we shall have to tackle the damp - but that is easier said than done - no access to outside as thats the street.

That is a tricky one.
Over time street levels rise and houses abutting the pavement get slowly buried.
If that is the case there is very little that you can do to prevent water entering the walls.