Cracks + Damp, not sure if I should be worried about them.

NerdyNed

Hello All,
I was hoping some of you would comment on the pictures below.

I'm looking at a property which has a few things about it that I'm not sure about. I'll be asking a few professionals to have a look, but I'd appreciate your input too.

ExteriorDamp1 and 2 show a damp patch outside and below a bedroom window. I've never seen this on a new build before and wonder what could be the cause, or even if its anything to worry about.

ExteriorDamp1.jpg


The first picture makes it look very green, but its not like this to the naked eye. It was just the lighting+flash. The second picture is more like what it looks like naturally.

ExteriorDamp2.jpg

InteriorDamp1 shows a damp patch on the inside of the window which is below the above window. On another day when the wind and rain were blowing directly at that wall, the patch actually felt wet to the touch. It looks like there is some sort of bridge between the outer and inner leaf.

InteriorDamp1.jpg


The cavity is empty at the minute. Its yet to be pumped with bonded beading.

###### Structure related question removed######

I'd appreciate your comments.

Ned

dathai60

is this a new build or a revamp

NerdyNed

Its a new build.

NerdyNed

Ive just read the updated forum charter. Please disregard my query re the crack. I'm not sure if the rest of the original post falls under the ban on discussion of structural items.

dathai60

Looks like its been done a while but looks ok for peace of mind get a expert opinion if your thinking of buying. Be good if he see's it before its painted.

martin46585

hi there, form looking at your first picture, it would seem that that water is making its way in to the dpc surrounding the cill, and exiting at the lower corner, you might take a look at the cill/window junction, maybe there is no drip bead on the window, or lack of bedding mastic allowing driving rain to seep in.
on the other picture it again looks like water making it way in to the cavity, and collecting on top of the window frame, and without a dpc over the window the water is soaking the gysum plaster.
with regards to the last picture, and not to dicuss structure, this problem has been discussed here before, with the lack of joist to maintain triangulation and no steel/purlins the roof is incline to push down and in turn push outwards the top two row of block work...
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055805947&highlight=steel

Poor Uncle Tom

I think martin has hit the nail on the head, but from looking at your second picture this is a story and a half window so you would be best advised to check the Damp Proofing and cavity closers around the window area also check any valley leads at this corner.

NerdyNed

Thanks for your input folks.

Martin, thanks for digging up that thread. I hope it doesn't come to adding steel beams.

On asking around, a few people I know have mentioned steel, but I hadn't realized t was such a big job.

I hope to visit the site today with a friend who has spent years in the roofing trade for years.

Ned