On Tue, 15 Aug 2006 17:30:25 +0000, Mark wrote:

"seani" wrote in message
ps.com...
I recently commisioned an independent damp report, and the upshot is
that I need to remove the plaster to a height of about 1m in several
downstairs rooms, and recover, inserting a Newton nembrane where
appropriate.

Is this the sort of thing that any decent plasterer should be able to
take in their stride, or do I really need to find one with specific
experience?


I've used Newton membrane a few times its not especially difficult to
work
with but I would try and find a builder that had done this type of work
before,
I don't think I would trust most plasterers
with fixing anything to a wall. I think Newton have an approved
Contractors
list if you email them.
http://www.newton-membranes.co.uk


I've taken your advice. It's quite a fundamental requirement before we
consider the rest of the property, so I won't take any chances.


I try and avoid making suggestions regarding how to deal with damp there is
no one size fits all solutions

This is why I opted for an independent survey (www.pdoyle.net if anyone's
interested - extremely thorough and very helpful)

In this case I'm following expert advice, but as the expert in question
studiously avoids recommendations for firms to carry out the work so as to
remain independent, I just need someone to execute it.


Despite what the two opposing opinions say.

But in the case you describe ^ before spending money fitting an internal
membrane you should carefully evaluate the external drainage away from the
wall.

If a French drain has already been laid it may have become blocked and need
reinstating.

http://www.ihbc.org.uk/Technical%20P...h%20Drains.htm


There a

1) Two standard drains

2) A soakaway

3) Several drains that resemble the french drains in your link.

The french drains look a little clogged, but water seems to run freely -
I've removed what I can, but doing more means chipping the long drain
covers away from the cement and I'm doing other less ball-aching jobs
first.

The soak-away was completely blocked when we moved in. Two bin-bags full of
viscous black gunk later, and it drains like a champ. I'm also rerouting
the guttering so that it pours into the "real" drain and that should
massively reduce the pressure on the soak-away.

In advance of any works, I'll be stripping the layers of wallpaper inside,
removing the skirting board and carpets and chipping away any loose and
crumbly plaster. Then letting the whole lot breath for a while.

Hopefully this should help matters.

the internal walls should be cleaned of all previous plaster and
re
plastered using Lime plaster.

only when you have exhausted all other options and still have an
unacceptable damp wall start thinking membrane.


As I say, it was expert advice. At this stage, I'd rather overdo things
and be able to get on with the rest of our renovations. I do appreciate
the pointers though (from everyone :-)).

Thanks

Sean