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Original poster

Blocked Gutter - Caused Damp Wall

27 replies

norma1980 · 19/10/2023 22:26

Hi All

I've a blocked gutter and spout in house and so water has been running down outside wall and has caused damp in kitchen see photo

Getting gutter fixed which which hopefully will dry out wall.

Someone recommended getting a damp expert in about wall but I've no idea if I need this.

Do I just get gutter fixed first and then see if wall dries out or do I need a damp specialist in also please?

No other damp areas in house -1910 stone built terrace and first time damp has appeared.

Any advice would be much appreciated please

Blocked Gutter - Caused Damp Wall
OP posts:
Palmasailor · 19/10/2023 22:30

Honestly, how long have you been ignoring that problem?

Also, please poast pictures of the outside and the offending gutter.

Original poster
norma1980 · 19/10/2023 22:34

@Palmasailor it's actually a house I let out. Tenant didn't report problem despite neighbour apparently informing them that gutter was blocked. Tenant informed managing agent today that they'd just been too busy to text managing agent about blocked gutter. Tenant didn't report problem at all and managing agent only got to see damp during inspection (damp wasn't there last inspection). I deal with all repairs immediately and if this had been reported to me it wouldve been dealt with immediately but now it's going to be far more costly.

Will post photos of outside wall

OP posts:
Original poster
norma1980 · 19/10/2023 22:37

This is the outside wall

Blocked Gutter - Caused Damp Wall
OP posts:
Original poster
norma1980 · 19/10/2023 22:38

Not sure where offending gutter is as managing agent took photos. I've a roofer coming out tomorrow to look at it.

OP posts:
AnnaMagnani · 19/10/2023 22:39

I would absolutely not do anything about the wall given cause has been identified - once dried out it will obvs need repair.

A damp expert will likely find something that needs an expensive and unnecessary fix.

HouseIsOnFire · 19/10/2023 22:40

Would also get a dehumidifier running to try and dry the wall too

lochmaree · 19/10/2023 22:40

We had a damp wall where the water butt had been dripping/draining over the damp course. We removed the furniture from in front of it (couldn't see damp as old style build in wardrobe over it), wiped it down with a bleach solution (mixed opinions on this) and let it dry for a long time. Repainted using an sealant type primer then standard paint. I also think you can get anti damp paint. The damp has not come back.

MackenCheese · 19/10/2023 22:41

Who would be the best person to call out about the gutter itself? A roofer or general builder?

Chalkdowns · 19/10/2023 22:42

General builder for gutters. They are v important.
we had a lot of damage in very little time when the gutters filled up with leaves and water flowed down the house and through the walls. I’m waiting to see if it happens this autumn too

Original poster
norma1980 · 19/10/2023 22:43

Thanks everyone for the quick responses much appreciated

Managing agent recommended a roofer but I will want bricks looked at too to see if any gaps as agent also said there was a shrub growing from a brick which seemed to come from next door

OP posts:
Original poster
norma1980 · 19/10/2023 22:43

Thanks @Chalkdowns I'll get onto a builder

OP posts:
Original poster
norma1980 · 19/10/2023 22:44

@Chalkdowns did your walls need repairing please? Dehumidifiers in? How long to dry please?

OP posts:
Rollercoaster1920 · 19/10/2023 22:44

I bet it is that hopper which was blocked and so water cascading down that corner. It looks like there used to be an outhouse / lean to where the wall is painted white.

Original poster
norma1980 · 19/10/2023 22:45

@Rollercoaster1920 thanks what's a hopper please? Yes there was a lean to there until about 8 years ago and got a builder to remove it

OP posts:
daytriptovulcan · 19/10/2023 22:54

If you fix the gutter the wall will naturally dry out. But the stains you already have will need redecorating after the wall is dry. If the sun shines onto the wall, it ll dry quicker.

Original poster
norma1980 · 19/10/2023 22:55

Thanks @daytriptovulcan

OP posts:
Palmasailor · 19/10/2023 23:58

norma1980 · 19/10/2023 22:37

This is the outside wall

Need better pictures really but if the room above is dry then it isn’t the gutter or the roof. if they were faulty then you’d usually know higher up on the first floor.

It is probably the hopper overflowing or blocked and some other leak.

looks like a bathroom above, check all the bath and shower wastes under the bath & shower. That problem has been bought about by a lot of water, a lot more than you’d expect from a gutter or a wonky hopper through a summer period.

It’ll take the wall a long time to dry out, don’t do any “specialist damp treatments” they’re mainly bollocks.

Palmasailor · 20/10/2023 00:04

Ackshually………., just realised that the bricks are all stretchers, but the house looks Victorian pre cavity wall so is it a single skin brick wall at the back? Ouch?..

if it is a cavity wall with a functioning cavity then hopper water shouldn’t be getting through.

Sometimes they were built with a single skin because the back bit was often an extension on what was literally a 2 up 2 down…

steppemum · 20/10/2023 00:21

the hopper is the boxy thing half way up the gutter. If that is blocked then it fill up and overflows from there down. If it is the roof gutter then it flows against the wall from roof level down.

caringcarer · 20/10/2023 01:23

I'd get a dehumidifier in and run it for a week. It means the tenants will need to empty the water tray a couple of times each day in the first couple of days. After that once a day should be enough. Once it's dried out inside you may need to get rid of the old plaster and have new plaster put on the wall.

Original poster
norma1980 · 20/10/2023 05:22

Thanks @Palmasailor much appreciated. Who would check bathroom wastewater's etc please a plumber or builder? Wonder if could get on insurance

Also re cavity wall - not sure when extension built. If single wall could an overflowing hopper have caused this please?

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Original poster
norma1980 · 20/10/2023 05:24

Hi @caringcarer I'll do that. I'm not sure how to make tenant run it even though I'll but it and contribute towards electricity

I'm cross that if she'd told me about this when neighbour told her gutter blocked this could've been avoided as would've got gutter. (If that is what it is) cleared immediately

OP posts:
Palmasailor · 20/10/2023 12:29

norma1980 · 20/10/2023 05:22

Thanks @Palmasailor much appreciated. Who would check bathroom wastewater's etc please a plumber or builder? Wonder if could get on insurance

Also re cavity wall - not sure when extension built. If single wall could an overflowing hopper have caused this please?

Really you need a competent all round builder who is slightly on the old side.

If it’s a single skin wall, there could be all sorts of issues.

See if you can get a builder by referral and take it from there.

Original poster
norma1980 · 20/10/2023 12:55

Thanks @Palmasailor much appreciated!

OP posts:
AnSolas · 20/10/2023 13:11

Have the agent drop in a box of choclates and a phone number to next door they soimd like hood NDN to have on side.

The outside plumbing may be being blocked by hair coming from the white pipe for the shower /bath/ sink and green moss or leaves ending up in the hopper.

Agree that a builder (local handyman builder) with experience in older houses would be the best option as the wall may benefit from repointing and checking that the down pipe has the capacity to move the volume of water and that the seal joints are still ok.

As for that plant kill it off asap (with a chemical) it can and will grow into the walls in any crack it can find.