Penetrating Damp

[teenagerparent]

I seem to have penetrating damp, who do I need to get to come and look at it? Is it just a general builder or do you need a specialist?
Sorry may seem a stupid question but not had to sort anything like this before.

I've instructed rentokil before to look at and quote for a damp problem.

I thought they just did sanitary bins and pest control but no they do damp work too! Give them a ring and see if they can send someone out.

Good luck - hope it's not too expensive a problem!!

Thanks, me too! Although on the plus side better to know now whilst I'm still negotiating buying stbxh out.

Rentokil diagnosed damp behind a base kitchen cupboard as needing a damp proof chemical injected into the damp proof course. The problem was still the same after a few months.
A local builder diagnosed the problem immediately, it was a leak from the washing machine pipe, fixed in 5 minutes.
Wasted money paid to Rentokil about 15 years ago was £500 +Vat.
Rentokil would not admit this was a mistake on their part.

So often, penetrating damp has an easily fixed cause, like the PP with the washing machine leak. Have you had a really good look to see if you can find what's causing it? Go outside when it is raining (you won't have to wait long!) and check your gutters and downpipes aren't leaking. Or does it tie up with a raised ground level outside perhaps? Or is it near a water pipe or drain which may be leaking? I know this won't cure your problem, but identifying it does help.
I would always use a general builder for this kind of thing. Specialised 'damp proofing' companies will be keen to inject your walls and take your money, without necessarily fixing the original cause.
We had wet that had come through a thick stone wall, and even soaked the surrounding floor. This was caused by a downpipe and corresponding drain that was simply blocked by leaves. It was behind a thick shrub and no one had thought to check it. Free fix - just had to wait for it to dry.

Thanks for all advice, I have looked and can't see anything. Going to get a couple of builders to come and look and see whats going on.

Yes to getting builders in. Avoid Rentokil and other damp 'specialists'. They will just try to sell.

penetrating damp? That's unusual, are you in a basement? Or is persistent rain beating on the wall?

Post some photos please, and explain which room(s) it is in, and how it relates to ground level.

You don't drape wet washing indoors, do you?