Ask the experts
HOW CAN I INSULATE MY DAMP WALLS?
Q Our newly acquired rendered house was built in 1822 and we have found damp walls in three rooms. We’ve discovered that our chimney stack is missing lead flashings and soakers and that the ground floor damp is on walls with plants growing outside. We want to insulate all the walls, but are wondering what our first steps should be.
ANDREW STANDING
TIM PULLEN SAYS:
It is clear that the damp penetration to the upstairs bedroom is due to those problems with the chimney stack. You need to urgently rectify the issues and fit lead flashings and soakers, and address any big cracks in the render that make it easy for rainwater to get in.
The low level problems are a different matter and there are probably a number of factors at play. The plants are a likely culprit: they are encouraging water to enter the wall and preventing
