Builders Question Advise

[scotty38]

It’s just me but I don’t like the idea of coating any porous material like brick and diminishing its natural ability to breathe. If water is coming through then that needs tackling rather than putting up a barrier and have it go somewhere else. I accept that may be easier said than done in some cases.

[Lawrence001]

It’s just me but I don’t like the idea of coating any porous material like brick and diminishing its natural ability to breathe. If water is coming through then that needs tackling rather than putting up a barrier and have it go somewhere else. I accept that may be easier said than done in some cases.

Totally agree, combined with the prevalence of double glazing these days it will lead to condensation problems and potentially health issues in houses. The one time I had new double glazing fitted I paid extra for the trickle vents. Every other house I've lived in did not have them and I'm really surprised they are not fitted as standard. I always leave one small top window locked slightly open instead. Means it's a bit colder in winter but better than having water puddles on windowsills and mouldy room corners. And, most worryingly, mould spores in the children's bedrooms.

Less concerned about garages though.

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[Truckletheuncivil]

Was that a positive input ventilation unit ?

That's what it was - couldn't remember the name

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[Pigmy Pony]

what I have done on a couple of old terraced houses with issues like this was to batten the damp wall (with DPC behind the battens to keep them from getting damp) then plasterboarding onto the battens, creating a cavity. Makes the room a couple of inches smaller though. It's a job easily done by anyone who can swing a hammer, just leaving a bit of plaster skimming, which may cost a couple of hundred, or £1500 if you live in London.

A lot of younger people and kids spend much of their time in their rooms, breathing, with doors and windows closed. But the moisture is less likely to condense on the above mentioned wall.

A small dehumidifier running when room is unoccupied would help too.

Obviously other potential culprits like roofing, guttering and pointing need to be checked out too.