Damp in the upstairs flat lounge wall

Crystal Palace, London SE19
This was a case of persistent dampness affecting the lounge wall in an upstairs flat. The problem became progressively worse during the winter months, likely due to increased rainfall and colder conditions exacerbating moisture retention.

Mould Wall

Various tradespeople from the Housing Association had previously attended the property. Among them were four operatives who cleaned the mould, but despite their efforts, none were able to identify the root cause of the damp.

Guttering

When we attended, we began by cleaning the mould to create a safe and manageable working area. Following this, we conducted a thorough inspection of the property using specialist camera equipment. Our investigation revealed that the external guttering system had been severely compromised due to substandard repair attempts.

The general condition of the guttering and associated downpipe system was extremely poor, with significant ageing and disrepair contributing to its failure. Additionally, ivy had been allowed to grow unchecked up the external wall. This invasive plant was obstructing the rainwater system and further exacerbating the issue by retaining moisture against the structure.

Guttering

To resolve the problem, specialist contractors were engaged to remove the ivy completely and replace the damaged guttering and downpipes with new, properly functioning systems. These measures restored the property’s ability to manage rainwater effectively, eliminating the source of dampness.

Mould

With these repairs completed, the issue was fully resolved, ensuring a dry and comfortable living space for the occupants.

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