Damp question

[HeavenlyYoni]

Does anyone know the answer to this. We have what I think is rising damp in an old cottage, which we think is caused by the road outside being built up over the years. Would we be able to claim on our buildings insurance for this or claim from the local council?

What do you mean the road is built up?

"Rising damp" very rarely, if ever is actually rising. There is usually a cause such as a leak, splashback from hard surfaces or something else.

Wrt building insurance I shouldn't think so but you need a damp specialist to advise. Not a rising damp specialist because they have no idea and make the problem worse, but a historic building specialist who will find the real cause.

My DP is advising to read Geoff Howell book about the myth of rising damp.

He agrees with MsPoppet who advises to get a survey done from an historic property expert not a damp specialist; from experience the 'damp specialist' didn't live up to his name and we spent money that we didn't need to spend.

if your report to insurer they would probably investigate and pursue with council if they feel there is cause.

Thanks everyone, that really helps.

The road has been built up, by re-surfacing over the years. We are about 3 feet from an A road which gets some very heavy traffic, but I wouldn't have thought that rainwater splash from the road would be the problem. The house was built late 1700s.

Sorry I haven't been back.

Hard to diagnose from your posts but try a historic buildings specialist. Good luck.

We used ukdamp.co.uk who sorted the problem by finding the actual cause and fixing it and it was from pavement being built up. The did a special gulley thing to direct water back onto pavement and added extra air bricks where old ones had been covered by built up pavement. Check out their website for very useful information. I'm always recommending them on here. A few other mumsnetters had used the company too on here.