by MrsOctober » Thu Sep 19, 2013 10:37 pm
Quite often 'damp' is caused by the surface level outside sitting above the original damp proof course. This is really really common in properties in these parts where new patios have been laid on top of old patios.
In my first flat we had some damp on the side return wall. We had lots of surveys, all came back with extortionate quotes for injecting the wall etc. It was behind a run of kitchen cabinets so was never enough of a problem to justify the cost.
In our current house we had the same problem in the same side return wall (before we did our side return extension) Kenwood came around and quoted thousands to inject the wall etc. Luckily, before we appointed them and parted with our cash, we were told by a building inspector that all we needed to do was cut a small channel around the edge of the patio, creating a little gap (a couple of inches wide) between patio slabs and the wall, and fill it with gravel/pea shingle. This allows the rain to soak down through the gravel and below the DPC, where before it had sat on top of the patio level and penetrated the wall (above the DPC) It took a man with an angle-grinder about 2hours to sort it. Cost almost nothing. Neighbours have since paid Kenwood thousands to sort out their damp, when it was caused by 3 sets of patio slabs being laid on top of each other. Glaringly obvious when you know what you're looking for. Now, when I hear the name Kenwood mentioned I always have to tell my story. It's a wonder they haven't been busted on one of those rogue trader programmes.
Quite often 'damp' is caused by the surface level outside sitting above the original damp proof course. This is really really common in properties in these parts where new patios have been laid on top of old patios.
In my first flat we had some damp on the side return wall. We had lots of surveys, all came back with extortionate quotes for injecting the wall etc. It was behind a run of kitchen cabinets so was never enough of a problem to justify the cost.
In our current house we had the same problem in the same side return wall (before we did our side return extension) Kenwood came around and quoted thousands to inject the wall etc. Luckily, before we appointed them and parted with our cash, we were told by a building inspector that all we needed to do was cut a small channel around the edge of the patio, creating a little gap (a couple of inches wide) between patio slabs and the wall, and fill it with gravel/pea shingle. This allows the rain to soak down through the gravel and below the DPC, where before it had sat on top of the patio level and penetrated the wall (above the DPC) It took a man with an angle-grinder about 2hours to sort it. Cost almost nothing. Neighbours have since paid Kenwood thousands to sort out their damp, when it was caused by 3 sets of patio slabs being laid on top of each other. Glaringly obvious when you know what you're looking for. Now, when I hear the name Kenwood mentioned I always have to tell my story. It's a wonder they haven't been busted on one of those rogue trader programmes.
