Old cottage problem

mm999

Hi all, I recently inherited an old cottage and it's very damp inside. It is built with thick stone walls on 3 sides and one of the gables was rebuilt recently with blocks, this gable is also insulated with foam of some sort. I know getting rid of damp in these old buildings is tricky and I need professional advice but would this insulated wall be causing some of the dampness?

Thanks
Marie

sinnerboy

The most probable causes of damp in this case is likely to be lack of heating and ventilation especially if the building was left empty over time.

Then check that all roof overhangs , gutters , down pipes and flashings are in good condition.

Then check all window cills are free from cracks or similar imperfections and that all window and external door opening are properly sealed between frame and wall.

Then check that in all cases that the external footpaths pavings are located at least 150mm below the internal floor level.

I would not expect the insulated wall in and of itself to be contributing to dampness.

mm999

Thanks for your reply, yea the house needs lots of heating and ventilation. The roof, windows and doors seem OK. Outside the house there is just gravel and there is no drainage under this as far as i know so I'm guessing this could be part of the problem. I have "lovely" green moss on my floor at the moment so better get this sorted soon. Thanks for your help.

Marie

wayoutwest

Does the cottage have a Damp Proof Membrane in the floor?

mm999

I doubt it has so guess that's part of the problem too. There's so much to be done with it to make it livable that I'm not sure it would be worth it, also it's pretty small so would need extending.... OK off to do the lotto

crockholm

I hate to have to say it now, as it may well be too late and you could have problems with dampness for quite a while, but just a caveat to anyone else looking to "do up" a dream cottage or derelict old stone house. Lots of time and lots of money.


I have seen people consult their local "stonemason" about pointing up an old house,the fact that the burbhin will do this indicates his lack of knowledge,the inside of these walls are rotten and full of decaying debris, so it is best to either take it down and rebuild it(very expensive)or grout the lot of it and let it settle(very expensive).

I love old buildings,they are my bread and butter,but people need to research a lot more when doing restoration work,and I mean no slight towards the OP, just giving the caveat.