What could be cause of damp/moulds - how to get help

[Sailawaygirl]

I have damp / mould patch in my hall right under my roof on the join between top of ceiling and wall of stairs.
Noticed this about 2 years ago and got several roofers in as it seemed the logical explanation

• roofer 1 said that there was some missing tiles and a broken tyle ( he was a complete rip off and paid him 1k to replace tyles that he didnt and repoint chimeny which he bodged) lesson learned
• roofer 2 said that there was a damp patch under the eves and that the felt was torn and also tucked under so it was directing water inside he said he un tucked the felt and he would come back but was then too busy or didn't answer calls.
• so last year we paid another roofer to re felt and re batton that side of the roof ( needed scaffolding) so we hoped thay would have sorted it

The wet patch has looked better since ( but dry summer) but this last two weeks house has smelt a damp and yesterday the way was really damp even low down and the wall paper is coming away. So I really worried its got worse and something needs to be done asap. But I just feel I have been fobbed of by roofers and they are so hard to get hold of! Also worried it might not be the roof at all! DH worried thay cavity wall insulation is damp and that's the issue. How can we find a reliable person to get to the bottom of it? I feel like roofers just say I need a new roof for the work would a general builder be able to help? What trade am I looking for to diagnose the issue I have owned the property for 6 years.

This is such a great idea - I am going to use this. Thank you!

I had a damp problem in my single storey extension, I got a local property surveyor in to do a damp survey - from memory it was about £300 but worth it as he was very thorough, he identified the issues (with no ulterior motive of getting the work) and said he would revisit if I took the recommended actions and still had an issue. Fortunately it is now resolved.

Also, if you have a large tree outside, the leaves could easily be landing in and blocking your gutters and they might need to be cleaned. This should be a cheap job. A roofer giving a free quote would confirm this. You can get what my builder calls a hedgehog from Screwfix, a wiry brush thing in 4m lengths to lay along the gutter and stop the leaves landing there if that is what has happened. It can be tied to the gutters with cable ties.
I don’t personally think the patch is from indoor condensation. Indoor condensation tends to cause problems where you’ve got furniture against walls and you would be getting mould there first.
Can you post pictures of the outside area adjacent to where the damp patch is?

The problem with getting tradesmen in to diagnose a problem is that they almost always will suggest a solution that will generate them business. A roofer will always find some 'problem' with roof rather than just say, "it's probably condensation".

The cling film trick suggested above will help you know if there is an actual leak or if it's condensation. You could also buy a cheap infrared thermometer to see if there is a cold spot on that part of the ceiling that's causing condensation to form.

Out side. Possibly slight darker on the brick work. I don't have a tall ladder unfortunately to check or do clingfilm test

I suspect it is something to do with those two brown patches on the weather boarding which look like they are from water dripping over the gutter. There are also cracks in the render which could be letting damp in although it looks like they might have been repaired?