Our house is a 3 storey Victorian cottage. In 1986 it was damp proofed with vandex at the rear and sides and chemical injections in the front. It has also been rendered.
The real cause of the damp problem in the property was overlooked (very high ground levels at the rear and a garden wall adjoining the entire back wall that acts as a wick drawing moisture into the property). I think the vandex has held up for many years but when the previous owner lowered the timber floor and added a concrete subfloor they have obviously left a gap between the bottom of the vandex plaster and the new floor. When we moved in we noticed terrible humidity and condensation which I have temporarily managed by installing a ventilation system but now I have to deal with the water coming in from the rear and need some advice.
I would like to dig a trench out the back and add a membrane and a drain to stop the water coming in (unfortunately the back of my house backs directly on to my neighbours garden so need good relations and permission from them before I can attempt that). I am fairly happy with that part of the solution but now I have to work out what to do internally.
As I cannot afford to remove the render from the outside and the vandex from the inside to restore breathability and allow the house to dry out I am left with a couple of options -
- Remove vandex, allow some drying time and reapply vandex.
- Tank the lower floor even though I know the brickwork will not be able to dry out but will keep the house warm and dry.
Can anyone advise? Are there any other options?
Any suggestions welcome.