Damp proofing wall of old stone house

[Brigid]

Hi, we have a property which is a stone build backing onto to a small very damp yard, with water coming from the hill above. It is probably at least 150 years old. The damp has been penetrating into the property and we need to get it sorted. Our builder has suggested plastering the bottom 4 feet of the wall to keep damp out. My worry is, will this trap the damp inside the wall of the property and cause more problems? I was thinking of putting insulated plaster board on the inside of this stone wall in an attempt to keep heat in but is that advisable in old houses? The property is used as an office but that room is always very cold and of course damp. Very many thanks for any thoughts or suggestions as to how to deal with this matter.

 

[Leo]

A french drain to the side of the yard or building facing the hill would allow you drain most of the flow away from the structure.

Insulated plasterboard will just rot in a wet environment.

 

[Nicklesilver]

It is vital that any insulation used is breathable and that you use lime plaster which is also breathable. This is a specialist job and you will be wasting your money if you do not do your research

 

[Saavy99]

Find the source of the dampness, treat it and then let wall dry out before you do anything with it.

 

[Brigid]

A french drain to the side of the yard or building facing the hill would allow you drain most of the flow away from the structure.

Insulated plasterboard will just rot in a wet environment.

Many thanks. There is a drain in the small yard at the back which drains most of the water.

 

[Brigid]

It is vital that any insulation used is breathable and that you use lime plaster which is also breathable. This is a specialist job and you will be wasting your money if you do not do your research

Thanks very much for this. I wouldn't have thought of using lime plaster.

 

[Brigid]

Find the source of the dampness, treat it and then let wall dry out before you do anything with it.

Thank you. I think the plaster which was on the external wall has disintegrated and the damp is getting in that way as the yard is so damp. As well as that there is of course no such thing as any damp proof course as the building is far too old. I'll have to see if I can get someone with a bit of expertise to look at it. Thanks for your help.

 

[Leo]

I'll have to see if I can get someone with a bit of expertise to look at it. Thanks for your help.

Be wary of anyone telling you the problem is rising damp and suggesting very expensive chemical remedies.