Do I have a leak in my exterior wall?

Drag00n79 · 08-01-2012 4:40pm #1

Hi, I noticed wet lines this morning at the side of the house (semi-detatched about eight years old). I haven't noticed them before and I'm worried that there might be a leak somewhere - probably in the roof? There are no water marks on ceilings or walls inside. Do you think it's a leak or might just be related to all the rain recently? Is it unusual to have wet lines in line with blocks like that? I was going to leave it for a day or two and see if it dries but any help appreciated.

Carlow52 · 08-01-2012 10:11pm

Driving rain on poor dashing.

Very common, will dry out

The scale/finish of the wall would make applying a water repellent coating expensive

Drag00n79 · 08-01-2012 10:46pm

Thanks Carlow52. That's a relief!

Spread · 09-01-2012 2:58pm

These walls were dashed without waterproofer being added to the scratch coat. If waterproofer had been added then the scratchcoat would not bite and the wetdash would hang or run .......... so to stop this happening, you would have needed two scratch coats ........ adding waterproofer to the first. Apart from looking iffy after heavy rain, the dampness should not migrate to the inner leaf.

Drag00n79 · 11-01-2012 10:45pm

Thanks Spread. Is this something to worry about in the short term?

Spread · 13-01-2012 3:21am

In short NO. But if you get damp migrating into the room .......... you might get a plasterer to give it a straightening coat of 6:2:1 (Sand:Cement:Lime) and redash it. The new thickness should do the trick. Best of luck.

Do I have a leak in my exterior wall?

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