Damp proofing & removal advice/DPC/recommendations MEGATHREAD

[nightrider]

Did you get any responses for this? I'm also interested.

 

I had timberwise and peter cox suggested, which both seem to be big firms.

 

Someone else also recommends precision, though they said they did not have any work done by anyone in the end. So they just said they were impressed with the advice they got on the survey,

[Dan_Ashcroft]

I'd maybe get a good general builder to look at it first.

 

Damp specialists will want to inject their chemical rubbish, which is a 10 year botch. You are much better fixing the structural problem, which will probably be something bridging the damp proof course, or a problem with some poorly done cavity wall insulation. Fixing the problem will likely be cheaper too

[pattricia]

Always get an expert in and remember the cheapest quote isn't always the best. There are a lot of cowboys out there !!

[dave1814]

Hi,

 

We have had a house survey come back with damp issues, he has recommended we replace the DPC around most of the house for long term protection (instead of just lowering the ground level as the original DPC is from the 1930s), there is also re-rendering / re-pointing needed around the house and especially the chimney stacks.

 

Should we get specialist companies like Timberwise/Peter Cox/Precision to come out and do a survey (which they will charge for) or do we just need a decent builder?

 

thanks,

Dave

[geared]

House survey quite often says something like that, I'd take a look yourself and decide if it actually needs doing.

[TimmyR]

I agree house surveyors have to cover everything as they can be held liable if they don't - does mean that the surveying becomes a bit pointless really. You end up still having to make the decision yourself whether its worth worrying about. If we'd have worried about everything in our survey we would NEVER have bought the house...

 

My experience of damp "expertise" is its a minefield of myths and misinformation. Damp isn't the worlds worst thing to have, you can live with it in some cases. Houses are often damp because they are now too sealed, opening a window or getting a dehumidifier may be all you need to do. But I may be talking rubbish.

Edited October 10, 2017 by TimmyR

[geared]

Alot of older houses were built to have some kind of constant ventilation, most people have issues when double glazing is fitted and trickle vents are not installed of left shut.

 

There are some more modern systems operating heat exchangers that let you ventilate the house without suffering a cold draft.

[dave1814]

thanks for the replies!

 

I guess if the DPC is being bridged it does need sorting though?

[geared]

thanks for the replies!

 

I guess if the DPC is being bridged it does need sorting though?

 

Only if it's actually causing damp.

They use a detector on various walls to get readings, noting down if any are higher than 'usual', but having higher readings from some machine and actually having a problem with damp are two totally different things.

 

If the house has been un-occupied for a spell or doesn't have good ventilation you could get higher readings.

 

Personally I'd leave it for abit and see if you notice anything, especially as winter is coming - you'll notice issues fairly quickly.

Chances are there's no problems and you'll just be chucking money away replacing the DPC.

[dave1814]

Also, i think the guttering and some of the roof tiles need sorting so that might be a good place for me to start!