fixing cellar windows caused damp

[NannyPlumForPrimeMinister]

Hi,
So we fixed the broken windows in our cellar of our Victorian money pit when we moved in last year. Lo and Behold, it is now starting to look damp when it never was before.

It shouldn't be a surprise really since there was a gale blowing through the broken windows (not to mention access for all sorts of wildlife- nice).

So, we obviously need to add ventilation- what is the best way to do this- air bricks? We couldn't put these on opposite walls but maybe perpendicular walls (like the windows are).

Is that sufficient? Would something else be better? How big a job is it for a builder?

The walls he will need to go through are stone (grit) rather than brick.

Meanwhile Deirdre the dehumidifier is humming away good style.

Thanks!

Air bricks are the usual way. It might be possible to have grilles in the windows.

When you say you can't have ventilation in opposite walls, why not? Has something been built on the back of the house that prevents ventilation?

Have you got a water meter, or an external stopcock in the front garden (someone may have buried it)?

p.s.

An air brick every two metres all the way round the house is now considered good practice.

Sometimes walls below ground level are not made in the same material as the ones on show. A experienced local builder should be familiar with the materials and techniques in houses like yours.

Thanks for the reply. Sorry, I have been working funny shifts and not had a chance to answer.

The walls look about a foot thick.
The house is built on a hill. We have 2 cellar rooms at the front- a thin one with a stone thrawl that was probably the pantry area and a big square one that was probably for coal. We are semi detached. The back half of the house cellars/underfloor area is behind thick stone walls- I don't think there has ever been access- I imagine it is only half height. There are hole plates in the wall between that and the main cellar.

At the front there is a big window (double casement) with an iron grill over the ground- possibly been coal access back in the day. At the side was a wooden panel- smaller and squarer- now been replaced by a window.

The water stopcock is in the cellar along with the elec/gas meters.

The (nice new) windows were hand made by the man who has refurbished some of our sash windows- they are hardwood frames with double glazing units in. The frames are maybe an inch and a half deep before the glass.

If the walls are so thick could something be done with the frames by drilling holes in them and covering with mesh?

Thank you again pigletjohn :)

Built on a hill may mean water runs down the hill towards your house and cellar.

Drainage on the higher side may help. Possibly a French drain, but ensure no paving or patios slope towards the house but take water past the sides. Examine rainwater downpipes for cracks.

The person who made the windows could probably change some of the glass for grilles.