Are all period homes damp??

[HairyPorter]

Please tell me no because we're about to buy one! Our current flat (rented) is awful. I don't know if its a case of lack of damp proofing? (Plus we had a leaking external pipe that wasn't fixed for months) Or are all period homes goin to be bad? I can't bear the thought of putting up with it for a few more months much less the next few years! The vendors have said the house has had a damp proof course and that they've not had any issues with damp so im hopeful...

[ercoldesk]

I have owned 4 Victorian houses, and one flat, and though a couple of them had e.g. a damp corner because of a leaking pipe, it was easily fixed. None of them were intrinsically damp. Unless you've got a reason to worry, I wouldn't.

[HormonalHousewife]

Cold maybe, but damp no.

[noddyholder]

No

[EeyoreIsh]

I agree, not necessarily. Our victorian house had damp problems, but each have had a specific reason, such as leaking roof, blocked drain etc.

It is cold though. brrrr.

[FruitSaladIsNotPudding]

No, but many are, and poorly insulated too. I love period homes, but I think you have to be prepared to pay big money to make them as comfortable as a modern house.

We've lived in 3 Victorian properties and all had problems with either cold or damp. Nothing unlivable with, but my newish house is infinitely more cosy.

[icravecheese]

Our Edwardian house isnt damp at all.....but we DO have condensation issues due to erroneously having had cavity wall insulation some years ago. House is now 'sweating' somewhat and we've had to have additional air bricks & tile roof vents installed. But true damp (either rising or due to bad guttering / leaky waterworks), no problems at all.

[noddyholder]

You do have to put in time money and effort to make them warm but it can be done. Its always my first priority in a renovation to refurb sashes and draft proof them. Insulate floors and loft and good boiler. And real fires in main living areas.

[HairyPorter]

Thank you. It's very reassuring to hear that it doesn't have to be! I can't wait to move to a place where we can finally make improvements and make a place our own! :)

[peggyundercrackers]

like others have said no they dont need to be damp. a good number of them are because of bad maintenance in the past. make sure roof/gutters are in good order, also make sure drains are in good order. stone work will get damp and deteriorate if they have repointed building using cement based mortar rather than a lime based mortar.

i think the two mistakes we made when we redone our house was not renewing the insulation under the floors and not putting in a solid fuel burner/wood burner - we put in a gas fire instead - big big mistake which we really regret.

also dont think because you have done it thats it you can sit back - they need maintenance all the time to keep on top of them.

[TunipTheUnconquerable]

They don't have to be, though looking back, the majority of the ones I've lived in have had a minor but intractable problem in some part of the house (often a chimney or a cellar). I've never lived in one that is damp overall.

[wonkylegs]

Nope - we've got a mid Victorian property with no damp problems and that is on it's way to being warm (just had roof insulation in, new central heating in 2 weeks, new timber double glazing in early next year, thick insulated curtains for now)
Our old house was Edwardian, without damp problems and was toasty warm.
All houses need maintenance and period properties often show a lack of care easier (they have had problems left longer) or bare scars of previously done poor or ill thought out workmanship.