Damp proofing - DIY or pay for it?

Question

Morning all,

We have a 1930's bungalow that seems to require damp proofing, we have wallpaper lifting and the windows have loads of condensation, as well as me having coughs and wheezing whilst at home but no where else!

Could anyone tell me if this is something you could do yourself and be effective or is it better to get the big guns in?

Also does anyone have any idea of the likely cost? I live in Gloucestershire if that helps.

Thanks for any information.

Answer 1

The best answer to this question is probably a cross. between the two!

Its better to get the big guns in from a health and safety point of view and they will be experts in establishing exactly what you need.

However the work required probably involves stripping your walls of plaster, to a metre high, damp proofing the wall with chemical and them replastering it.

This is where you come in! Its worth asking them if they'll reduce the cost if you take the plaster off the wall. Buy a hammer, bolster and some heavy duty rubbish bags from a DIY store (for about a tenner), measure a metre high (or whatever they tell you to do), draw a line and start hacking away back to the brickwork, when you're finished take it to the tip!

It also depends on what your walls are made of as to how much of a nigtmare this is going to be. If its lathes, plaster and horse hair its worse because you have to hammer and bolster the plaster off, hack out the lathes and plaster and strip the wall batons of nails so you can plasterboard it. A novice can still do this though.

My brother works in damp proofing and he says that customers do this better than he does he says that they take put so much care into not getting it wrong they make a brilliant job!

Then get the experts in to put the damp course in (some involve spraying). Then if you're any cop at rendering/sand and cement/plastering try that as well. Thats hard work and if you can't do it best to leave it to the pro's don't try it thinking that you can, it'll be a nightmare!

Answer 2

firstly ..do you have central heating ? are you using it properly ?..do you have double glazing ?..do you ever open a window ?..if a home is properly heated and ventilated then it does not condensate .from your question you do have a problem ..but if you keep the home warm and dry then you wont have one ..you only need a new damp coarse if you have rising damp ..are the skirting boards damp ?..is the plaster at low level damp ?..if not then you probably dint need a new damp coarse ..if you do need one ..then all skirting boards in areas affected need to be removed and discarded..all plaster up to a metre high to be removed ..then it is injected with a liquid a bit like w d 4 0 .you then must re plaster using a renovation type plaster ..then fit new skirting's ..you cannot redecorate until it is absolutely dry ..if you do this work yourself ..its not difficult ..that's fine ..but when you go to sell the house ..you wont live there forever ..the estate agents and the new buyer will expect some form of guarantee..so get it done by a reputable company and it will pay in the long run ..if you can re plaster yourself ..then expect to pay no more than 700 to 1000 ..but make sure you get the guarantee

Answer 3

It depends on what is causing the damp in the first place!

It sounds like the damp could be due to bad ventillation as you say that you have condensation!

But there could also be some rising damp. There is an article here on rising damp- http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/rising_damp.htm

Rising damp is easy to sort out, if you use an electro osmosis damp proof course.

Answer 4

I saw a TV programme once and 99% of old properties do not require damp-proofing. It is normally due to the ground level outside being too high. Also, the mortar in the building would be lime-mortar and often repairs are done with cement. Lime allows the walls to breathe and cement traps the water.

If you feel it still needs DPC'd, get some quotes from local firms.

Answer 5

I wouldn't personally look to DIY it because that it needs to be done a specific way. My husband tried to damp proof the walls him self and got in a total mess!! Therefore we enlisted the help of Roof Proofers and they were very quick to come round and help out, fixing the mess my husband had made and fully damp proofing the walls. They also noticed a strucural crack, which they added to the list. All in all, its easier and quicker to get in a professional. Roof Proofers were very professional and got the job done quickly, and to a very high standard!!!!! I would highly recommened!!

Answer 6

Not a diy project certainly !!!! the walls probably need injecting , which will result in 1 meter height of the walls internal (those on an outside elevation) requiring de/plastering then re/plastering !!!! this is not a cheap job !! get at least 3 quotes !!

Answer 7

this could also mean the seals have gone in your windows to check your damp move away from the window about a metre look behind the plaster and check iff cement in brick work is damp but you do need to get someone proffesional in

Answer 8

It's a big job!! I'd get someone in for it!! Would home insurance pay if stuff damaged??