Rising Damp - Chemical Damp-proofing ?

[SteveHello1234]

Hello all,

We're soon-to-be Period Property owners and have just joined this forum.... which seems to be most informative and very at-odds with a recent damp company we had round !

Apologees as I suspect this has already been covered in other posts but I guess everyone wants reassurance about their own particular situation...

Firstly there are damp issues on the 1st and 2nd floors but this is covered here - http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8737

But we also have low level damp all around the ground floor. Just to set the scene a little:

1) We are about to buy the house (hopefully)
2) Just had survey followed by 'specialist damp company' with a very beepy damp meter with lots of red flashing lights. suggesting chemical DPC, cement replaster etc...
3) House has been empty and unheated for years
4) House has been bodged (part renovated)
5) Ground level outside is just below floor level
6) Partial old injected DPC (or clay plugs ?)
7) No air bricks or underfllor ventilation
8) Some rotten joists (wet not dry)

In fact, reading the above I've probably just answered my own worries (install airbricks, repair joists, dig down a bit around the house, turn on the heating ...?) but any more ideas/opinions ....?

And if I sort out the basic problem, can i expect any decoration issues (seems fine now but its just been done....)

Cheers

steve
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[Nemesis]

a very beepy damp meter with lots of red flashing lights. suggesting chemical DPC, cement replaster etc...

3) House has been empty and unheated for years

Yes well...

If you haven't already, I'd get a proper damp specialist to look at it - if you are worried.

But some heat and ventilation and yes the other things you mention...

 

[MdB]

Sounds like you know what to do and what not to do. Expect some salts to be brought to the surface when things start to dry out.

 

[SteveHello1234]

Thanks guys,

re. the salts, presumably this will result in some form of staining (similar to the issue we have on the 2nd floor). Whats the best way to decorate over this.

The house is now empty so its a good opportunity to do any remedial works now before we move in. Or is it best to wait for the drying out process and see what needs doing (if anything)

Also, are we likely to need to replaster? It seems solid enough at the moment.

Cheers and thanks again. Steve

 

[Tom]

Just a very quick reply. Please wait for the drying process to complete before attempting anything in the way of 'fixing' the damp or decoration. Drying out can take months depending on the thickness of walls, method of construction, type of brick/stone etc. If you rush things and try to speed the house along I can bet you'll live to regret it. Get the heating on and get a good level of air circulation going. You seem to be level headed about this anyway and seem to understand what's needed. Like I said, just please don't rush it. Oh, and DON'T listen to the guys with damp meters!!!! But I think you know that already

Good luck!

Jaqy