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Penetrating damp in Chelmsford
Penetrating damp is water getting in from outside, usually through a defect you can't easily see. It can appear anywhere on a wall, not just near the floor.
Signs of penetrating damp
- Damp patches that get bigger or darker after heavy rain
- Stains on ceilings or around chimney breasts
- Wet patches around window frames
- Blown or cracked plaster on outside walls
Common causes
In our experience the usual sources are blocked or leaking gutters and downpipes, cracked render, worn pointing, a failed seal around a window, or a chimney with damaged flashing or no cap. On cavity walls, rubble or mortar sitting on a wall tie can carry water across to the inside.
How it's fixed
The job is to find and stop the water first. That might mean clearing and repairing gutters, repointing, patching render, resealing windows or working on the chimney. Once the wall is dry, damaged plaster inside is replaced.
For exposed walls that keep getting soaked by driving rain, a breathable water-repellent treatment can be applied to the brickwork.
Why a survey helps
Water can travel a long way before it shows up inside, so the damp patch is often not directly below the leak. A survey looks at the outside of the building as well as the inside to trace the route.
Worried about damp in Chelmsford?
Call and describe what you're seeing. We'll tell you honestly whether it sounds like rising damp, a leak or condensation, and book a survey if it needs one.
Call 01245 968544