The eternal damp conundrum

[jocelyn plummer]

A friend of mine sent me this website: http://www.heritage-house.org . He 'd love our opinions as he wonders whether to follow it up, or whether it is likely to be offering a service that he really does not need!

Looking forward to re opening for debate our favourite grump of the year!!

 

[jackpoint]

Think I've looked at their site before - looks pretty sensible

 

[TheRoost]

That site is very good and is mentioned in various threads on here previously.

It certainly helped when we were buying our house, made us aware of the potential issues of using a lender appointed building surveyor, which could of lead to demands of 'damp specialists' and unnecessary damp treatments just to get a mortgage on a good dry house.

 

[Zebra]

That site links to a very amusing old house blog, a link which I followed, and they're right, it is funny. I've just wasted half an hour when I should be getting on with some rendering.

 

[malcolm]

I've read information on there a lot. I think the information is sound - it is based on solving things that have gone wrong in mouldy houses and the logic in the videos seems sound. I especially like the robust annoyance with the mainstream damp people.

It has influenced my insulation design (which is required by building regs assuming modern practices) a lot. Any non-breathable insulation needs to be well ventilated on the outside, cavity wall insulation is a risk. Natural insulation gives some chance.

 

[Spoilt Victorian Child]

I've learnt so much just from going through his YouTube videos. He doesn't appear to be selling anything per se, which is a good sign in my book.

I'm considering using him in the near future for a damp survey, so can let you know how I get on.

 

[Lime]

I've learnt so much just from going through his YouTube videos. He doesn't appear to be selling anything per se, which is a good sign in my book.

I'm considering using him in the near future for a damp survey, so can let you know how I get on.

Yes he uses sound scientific methods to back up his assessments, unlike the 2-prong merchants who damage properties from the moment they start to blindly poke about to find "evidence" to support their preconceived, prejudged (and probably already written) assessment.
The only thing I would dispute with him in the video about the concrete laid by the house is that I think the crack he points out in the earthenware pipe is very recent (if it were old it would be far darker in appearance) and most probably done when the concrete was removed from around the trap/gulley.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Thank you folks, friend logged in to read. I also felt that it is a reasonable and measured approach to damp .