drying out a damp wall

J

jonjo

Registered User
Messages
29
My house seems to be plagued with leaks. I have (I think) found the source of a leak and am in the process of trying to dry out a patch on the exterior wall. I have blowtorched the brick work but the patch comes back I guess I am drawing the moisture to the surface? I have even turned on the heating full blast in the bathroom (where the leak was) for 12 hours, the patch is still there. Are there any recommended ways to dry out a wall? The wall is a 2 bricks thick with no cavity and the patch is about 0.5m x 1 m.
 
Time! If the leak has been resolved, it will dry out naturally. I don't think blow torching is a good idea, you're only likely to do more damage.
Leo
 
Leo said:
Time! If the leak has been resolved, it will dry out naturally. I don't think blow torching is a good idea, you're only likely to do more damage.
Leo
Click to expand...

I second that, the blow torch is not going to achieve anything. Find the source of the leak and stop it, your damp patch will then dry out over time.
 
A de-humidifier will dry out the wall, but if not used correctly it can and does cause damage as it removes all the moisture from the plaster / cement thus causing cracking. A lot of new home employs this technique to speed up the drying process so the builders can start second fixing / painting etc (cowboys!)

To dry a wall out, turn the heating on for a few weeks (start off slowly and day by day gradually increase the temp… if you turn of the temp full blast it will also cause cracking.

are you sure you have found the leak...did you seal the brick work?
 
Turning on your heating full blast without opening windows for ventilation will lead to condensation on th walls. you may not have a "leak", its possible you just have condensation. My advice is to leave the heating on for long periods on low heat with a little ventilation. buy a dehumidifier and leave on 24/7 for a week with the humidity setting about half way. Turning the dehumidifier up full will dry out the woodwork etc. IMHO all old houses should have a dehumidifier as these will cut your heating bill, keep your house dry and cost v little to run. Hope this helps
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top