Please help, I've got damp

[sam72]

My house was built in 1905 The south facing external 9 inch solid wall was DPC injected 15 years ago (before I lived here) and the inside was re plastered 4 ft up from the floor.
Now the damp and salt deposits are right up to the ceiling and extremely damp in the corners where the chimney breast meets the wall. You can dig the plaster off with a tea spoon with little effort. The outside ground is about 18 inches below the floor level,
My neighbours property has had leaking guttering for about 2 years which floods the alley dirrectly between my and his property but don't understand why the damp has risen so high. There is no drainage in the alley. I've spoke to him several times but he doesn't seem to want to do anything about his guttering.
ventilation seems to be ok ie there is loads of original air brick type things which seem ok. Do you think its worth getting the drains inspected which run along the alley paralell to my damp wall there are two mine and his and is this expensive ? Ps forgot to say the outside of my wall has been rendered at some point in history. What can I do about my neighbors guttering ?

 

[middi]

Going on what you are describing and previous work carried out it sounds as if the property(s) may well have a long history of damp problem.

This is when a genuine damp survey may confirm what you already know which needs attention and in addition other possible root causes of the problem.

Damp manifestation is the same on every property but the route for this to happen and remedy required may differ considerably.

As to your neighbours gutter, they appear to be very inconsiderate or just don't care. I really dont know, but if you can prove that this is the cause of your damp claim on his insurance.

 

[NT]

If the damp extends up to near the ceiling then it cant possibly be rising damp.

Suggest you start by reading the Damp FAQ thread on here, just bear in mind its a first draft only, not a final say.


NT

 

[Lime]

From your description the damp by the ceiling/chimney is probably coming from above rather than below.
The chimney is the first suspect. Water entering the stack can run down through the bricks or down the flue. I would check that the flue has been swept, that there is air circulating up the flue and that the chimney brickwork, flaunching and pots are in good condition.
Your own guttering also needs to be inspected. When you next have heavy rain go out and see if there are any leaks anywhere. Look for damp/dark patches below the gutter as well as drips.
Your roof could leak into the top of the wall if the slates/tiles are damaged too.

Down below, check that the airbricks are clear because spider webs and dirt can block them up. (a small bamboo cane can be used to check)
Check that you have a good airflow under the floor so ensure the airbricks on the otherside of the house are clear too. A draught should be able to be felt from the airbricks on a slightly windy day.

If the render is cement almost certainly it is holding water in the walls.

You need to ensure the rooms backing onto this wall are ventilated and that the wall surfaces are not obstructed (if you can) so that air can dry the walls.


As for your neighbour's guttering you need to inform him properly by sending him a letter.
I suggest you go to the Citizen's Advice Bureau and get them to help you.
To claim for damages from him usually requires evidence that your neighbour was made aware by you of the leaking gutter prior to your claim.