to be really angry

[cuteboots]

Over the past year Ive had an issue with rising damp in my house. It started in the bathroom and kitchen and has now moved into other rooms in the house. The housing association initially said it was caused by a leak in the bathroom but have sent out numerous repairmen but after having another visit from the damp company they have again confirmed rising damp! I am getting really angry and now think they moved me into a house with a known damp problem? How bad is this for my health and also my little boys? Should I be getting enviromental health involved? Does this just happen in a hosue or does it have to be there for a while before it starts coming throught he walls?

[belledechocchipcookie]

I'd contact environmental health. From what I can gather (thanks to Sarah Beeney), rising damp can be caused by a few things, mainly a cracked pipe under the house. Are you certain the damp company isn't trying to make you pay for expensive repairs? Is there adequate insulation in the loft? Are you airing it (not covering the air bricky things/opening the windows)?

[cuteboots]

Initially they thought it was a leak under the bath but this has now been ruled out. There are now water marks on all of the living rooms walls which are getting worse i.e visible through the wallpaper. As winter is on the way this does worry me a bit. They said its to do with the age of the house and the lack of a proper damp course! Windows are always open but I think there is a bigger issue here .

[belledechocchipcookie]

No, it's not the age of the house. Have you looked at the gutters? If one is cracked then water will be going down the wall, the bricks will be absorbing the water to cause the damp.

[scuzy]

whatever it is its dangerous to be breathing in and if any of your kids are asthmatic it will play havoc with their health. i hope you can get it sorted soon.

[belledechocchipcookie]

I agree, it's dangerous. I grew up in a damp house, I had a permanent cough and cold for 15 years. It needs sorting out.

[cuteboots]

thanks for all your comments. Ive just chased them again and they are waiting for the damp proofing company to submit the report and then they will decide on a plan of action?

[belledechocchipcookie]

I hope it gets sorted soon. Do check your gutters though.

[ScarlettIsWalking]

Yes this is dangerous for children's well being and health - hope you get things sorted

[cuteboots]

Im going to hound them relentlessly and involve enviromental health if they dont come back to me by next week