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Showing results for tags 'party wall issues'.
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I have two linked issues so I hope this thread is started in the most relevant topic area. I have a terraced house built approximately 1890 which has evidence of damp in the Party Walls (it is mid terrace). There is also some damp present in non-Party Wall areas but they are not relevant to this thread. The damp is not horrendous and appears to be restricted to about 400mm upwards with evidence of salts causing "blistering" of the paint finish. I have had the property "surveyed" by a reputable damp specialist who has quoted to remove plaster to 1.2m, insert a chemical DPC, fit damp proof membrane and re-plaster. Apart from the price it all sounds reasonable until the second part of my problem arises. Both neighbours, who I am legally required to tell about the proposed works, are being difficult. They are both suggesting that their properties do not have a problem and if I put a DPC into the wall it may upset the "balance" and give them a problem. The contractor I have a quote from says that such a thing is extremely unlikely (note he has not given a guarantee that it will not happen and he will only warrant work he does to my side which is understandable). A part of my thinking is actually wondering if the neighbours have done something to prevent the appearance of damp on their side which has in fact driven the damp my way! They will not have inserted a DPC or they would not be worried about me doing so. The act specifically gives property owners the right to insert DPC's into Party Walls but only after a surveyor gives an adjudication in my favour. As there are two neighbours, if both push it to the limit I could be spending over £2000. I am not in the camp of those who may advocate the old mantra "Publish and be damned!" so I want a solution which will not come back to bite me later. Which brings me back to the damp "cure" and a suggestion which, before you all shout at me, is not an ideal solution. Much of the plaster in the affected areas is old and in some areas only held in place by the paint and wall paper! There is nothing to stop me removing this damaged plaster (it is my judgement what is damaged!) as in normal decorating procedures, omitting the insertion of a DPC (which would save me money!) and applying tanking screed. The fixing of a membrane and plastering to blend in with the rest of the wall would be as quoted. As an alternative I could omit the tanking screed which would have greater potential to trap the moisture in the wall. Under this proposal I doubt I would get any warranty from the contractor. Given my dilemma comments and suggestions will be most welcome. The matter must be resolved as I have been told that with the current evidence of damp a buyer would be unlikely to be able to secure a mortgage.