It started with an overflow pipe...
At first glance, many might assume this was due to poor pointing, or even rainwater penetration. However, a thorough damp inspection quickly revealed the true cause: an overflow pipe from the water tank in the loft.
Instead of discharging safely away from the building, the overflow was running directly onto the front door canopy. This constant discharge was soaking into the brickwork below, leading to both the green algae staining outside and the dampness and plaster damage inside.
The solution required two key steps:
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Internal repairs: The salt-contaminated plaster was removed and the affected areas replastered.
Rectifying the source: The water tank in the loft was adjusted to stop the overflow pipe from discharging.
By tackling both the cause and the effects, the property was properly restored and the risk of repeat damp issues eliminated.
This case study highlights the importance of using a certified surveyor to trace damp back to its true source. Simply replastering without identifying the cause would only ever be a short-term fix. At ProCheck Damp & Timber, we provide independent diagnosis first and, where works are required, ensure they’re carried out properly — giving homeowners peace of mind.