Damp in bedroom

[Nomintrude]

Hi,

We’ve recently moved, and after removing the wallpaper from one wall in my son’s bedroom a damp patch has appeared in the top corner. It’s got worse after the recent bad weather and we think it’s a problem with the roof which we’ll obviously need to get fixed. I’m just wondering how to go about drying the wall out, and also if it’s ok for him to be sleeping in there? We were going to move his bed so it goes across the back wall but that’s where the damp is. It’s such a small room that this would be the only way we can get a desk and wardrobe in as well so I’m tempted to go ahead and just move it, but have a dehumidifier in there as well. He never sleeps the whole night in there anyway but maybe I shouldn’t move the bed yet? I’m just keen to get some furniture in there so we can get it a bit nicer for him and stop tripping over boxes etc.

This is the wall in question.

Anyone?

well it won't dry out until you get the leak fixed.

I did say that in my opening post. Oh well, no advice seems forthcoming, but if anyone sees this and has useful tips I would greatly appreciate it.

The dehumidifier will help but you need to wash it off with some damp spray and keep on cleaning it every week if you cant afford to fix the roof yet
I asked gp about similar when in my dd room and she said it wouldn't be harmful.

It’s only damp. I know that sounds flippant but it’s not horrible black mould or anything really likely to threaten your (or his) health. I would eventually treat with a mould killer so it doesn’t end up mouldy once you decorate over it, but there’s little to no point getting anything like that until after the leak is fixed and the wall is dried out. Dehumidifier and good ventilation will help.

Thanks

I think the recent stormy weather has been so prolonged that it has revealed many weaknesses in roofs and guttering - roofers all seem to be very busy at the moment.

In your place I would put a priority on seeking out the source of the problem, before it gets worse. It's possible it could be an easy problem to fix - maybe the gutters just need clearing of leaves and/or a down pipe has become blocked, or maybe some guttering has broken apart from the rest and water is just hitting that wall. Try to find someone with a decent ladder and get them to take a look for you, then you can decide whether to approach a specialist roofing company or find a sensible handyman to do what is required.

Beware of anyone knocking on your door touting for business though - there are some very dodgy people around who would exploit anyone who lacks DIY skills/knowledge and would potentially charge huge amounts of money even if it's just overflowing guttering.

I would not put the bed or any furniture against that wall, as it could suddenly get much worse. Better to keep that area clear until the source of the issue is sorted. No point in applying any sort of treatment or paint while the issue is still ongoing, or wasting money on a dehumidifier. Frustrating that it will delay decorating the room, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet and do the horrid stuff first.