6 years old flat and damp problem

[naytrel]

Hi!

I tried to find solution online, asked couple prople around and still without any solution.

I bought a fla in btand new building (i know, i know that was a good idea, but...)
Anyway everything was alright for first 4 years.
Now i have dump coming on wall almost every room.
I keep windows open, heaters work propely so no airflow blocked. Where is problem? I asked already management because there is 10 yeas of warranty but they want to send somebody to check but if they decide that is my fault than will charge me some costs.
I think there is a problem with blocked cavoty on one of external wall.
Is anyone form you guys could help or give me some advise, please.
I could give more detais if neccesary but dont know whats need.

Thanks a lot.

[sonny]

Thought this was about a 6 year old flat tyre lol

try asking on here if you get no luck http://www.diynot.com/forums/

I would say it sounds like a blocked gutter or leak coming through the roof somewhere...?

[chunky79]

Dump on your walls is not good.

[sonny]

No not good...unless you want to replicate a post hunger strike scene

[naytrel]

Hi!

Thanks for answers.

Flat is on ground floor so no chance for leaking from roof
I spoke with http://www.nhbc.co.uk/ today and they asked me for insurance number which I couldnt found (work, work, work). So get this on evening and will phone them tomorrow.

But in quick chat they asked me about problem and everything and gave me a little advice. Will need some photos what happend in flat and how it looks. But how I can make a photos if I clean this mould from walls to not live in it (hope you understand what I mean )

So will see tomorrow what they will say.

[sonny]

its condensation, 9 times out of ten it will be some for of leak, is there tenets up stairs above the flat? Could be the shower/bath area leaking into the top part or water getting in from the sides.

[Timster]

If its a dump.... its a "dirty protest", best call a local psychologist.

If it's damp, scrub with neat (clear) bleach and then sort out the ventilation. (air bricks, trickle vents etc).
Also check that the outside ground level has not risen above the damp-course (lots of new earth or rubbish against the wall)

Also the standard NHBC warranty is 10 years, they should have details from your address.

[sonny]

White vinegar or Ammonia will remove stains.

[naytrel]

If its a dump.... its a "dirty protest", best call a local psychologist.

If it's damp, scrub with neat (clear) bleach and then sort out the ventilation. (air bricks, trickle vents etc).
Also check that the outside ground level has not risen above the damp-course (lots of new earth or rubbish against the wall)

Also the standard NHBC warranty is 10 years, they should have details from your address.

Hahahha...that was good. My mistake

Its damp problem of course. And I dont think is condensation. There shouldnt be condensation in flat where noone there for two or three weeks?
I have mould on walls after couple days now and i clean them out, but its not a solution.
In bedroom i used dehumidifier ( whaterver is called) and after one day its full of water.

I checked outside and ground is below damp-course.

[adsgreen]

How is the damp presenting? IE - is it all over the wall, localised to the ceiling areas or floor level?

What is the guttering like? Is the damp on exterior walls?
If you haven't got a leak inside then water getting in from a broken gutter is a possible cause.

Worth having a look at the water meters - for flats they are usually in a block. Look for any that are moving constantly as this could represent a leak.

NHBC warranty. Hah! I've had friends try to claim on this and it's nigh on impossible. One had windows that were so badly fitted that you could get your hand through the gaps. Don't rely on this.

[Audi Pardner]

I've heard that NHBC warranties are not very good and you'll have to really persevere with them/fight your corner.

Has the dehumidifier made any difference?

Agree that diynot.com is good; it has loads of advice on all sorts of DIY problems including damp. Good luck.

[naytrel]

I spoke with them. But on the end they told me taht is ZURICH company who keep warranty. So tomorrow same story again...

[linkman72]

Given all the rain it may be a water table rising under you, if the damp is concentrated around the floor and up to halfway up your wall it is coming from below. Check your damp proof course, ideally it should be visible all the way around the property. It could be that you may never have experienced the ground this wet before. I have seen damp proof courses which have had gaps between two different rolls !!!. Avoid drying any clothing indoors if you can and keep and condensation off the windows etc and that will help.

Do you have airbricks visible outside ? if so check they are clear and havent been blocked

Ask any neighbours to check washing machine connections etc incase the water is ingressing into cavities and taking an indirect route into your property, tis funny stuff

[lynchy]

Check that the damp proofing is 150mm above ground - 2 courses of brickwork. Also air bricks are not blocked.
How is the cavity insulated ? Rockwool or kingspan ?

[barryrs]

It "could" be a problem with the cavity wall insulation if its a blown fiber type.

I know of developments where the blown fiber has over time absorbed water in the cavity and it has slumped down causing damp on ground floors. Best way to check would be to remove a brick externally or drill a hole and use a borescope; you can get cheap usb ones on ebay.