Shona63

I think the water slopes to one corner and both walls at the corner are the worst. The further away from the corner the less water falls, less marking anf less hollow sounding behind the render. Going on that basis the grout/mortar is a major factor.

Apologies, I missed your comment. I think the render was done before the path of slabs running along the walls was laid so I'm not sure what is at the bottom of the render as its hidden. When I started to notice this I asked if something could be attached under the slabs to catch the water and drain it away....told no. The solution was to stick silicon at the end of the mortar. That didn't last long. The mortar I dont believe is the right one as it just comes away when you brush it. Until yesterday I couldn't have told you what the weep vents did. I just assumed ventilation but I saw yesterday one was slightly wet underneath it.

Ah ok, thanks.

Decorative slips??

Wouldn't this still not come off if water is seeping through the walls?

4 years ago

Thank you for the advice. I will look into this.

There is a gap at the bottom of the wall before it hits more slabs. I've knocked the walls surrounding the patio and it mostly sounds hollow and unfortunately it's spreading beyond the patio. From what I can gauge the slabs are slightly angled to one corner so the water doesn't lie on top of the slabs.

Expensive option to lift the slabs etc but one which I have considered but was hoping someone could give me a less expensive option.

The builder I used hasn't been the greatest, although recommended. He certainly didn't advise not to do it or explain the consequences, had he I would have looked at other options.

Thank you for this

If the water is coming through the walls will it not eventually push the tiles off?

I don't honestly know what's behind the walls but I'm guessing rubble etc topped with sand of sorts. I know a membrane or similar can be put in the inside but I'm guessing that's not been done. When you say through the tiles do you mean through the grout? If so, is there any type of grout I can use to stop it? Whatever is down just disintegrates when it's brushed.

I'm not even sure if it's brick or breeze block underneath it. I've had 2 guys out and neither can give me a solution other than rendering and redoing every 3-4 years which isn't an option. Do you think it's coming from the slabs and coming over the edges or through the walls....or both?

I have a raised patio which has porcelain tiles laid on top and render on the walls. The render as you can see from the photos is cracking and coming away. This started last year and has progressively got worse. Now up 4 years. I know this is related to water etc but I'm unsure whether it's coming from the slabs and getting behind the render or coming through the walls and into the render. Any ideas looking at the photos? I know the render needs to come off but I don't want to be in the same situation again in a couple of years so any suggestions on what I can do to stop it happening again would be very much appreciated.