Damp in new build house

Willz · Post by **Willz** » Sun Feb 06, 2022 10:19 pm

Hi It is a new build house from redrow just bought in December.
We noticed mould behind the skirting boards after taking boards off for wooden flooring, mostly in the hallway on either side of the entrance door. Firstly we assume it is due to moisture in the wall as new house. Basically the heating is on as controlled by a programmer to **** the house a bit although we have not moved in yet..
However today I noticed the area is quite wet after a raining and windy weekend. Water is almost noticeable as I get some mud from the wall. The plasterboard looks affected as well. It get loose and powder easily get off. From outside the slab paving is above the internal concrete floor. The dpc level on the wall barely same or above the concrete floor level. The two vents once blocked by mud. The mud was once above the dpc level. I removed the mud three weeks ago. However it seemswater still get into the house, raining water penetration or rising damp?

Before I raise the issue to Redrow customer service I would like to get some thoughts here to help me understand the damp and the reasons that may cause the problem.
Thanks in advance.

toolbox · Post by **toolbox** » Tue Feb 08, 2022 12:48 pm

That ground level looks very high, as a rule the air brick will be just below the DPC and I would expect at least a couple of bricks before the soil level. I think it is about 150mm but I am not a expert.

wes56 · Post by **wes56** » Sat Feb 12, 2022 4:28 pm

that must be a bit of a disappointment for you in your new house.
your dpc looks to be too high. if i'm right its sseems to be level with the finished floor? it should be much lower.
air bricks should sit on the dpc and the ground should be 150mm below the dpc.
air brick should be set over two bricks/450mm away from the outside corner.
do you have block and beam floors or what kind of floor, sold concrete or suspended?
damp behind the skirting and water showing in the hall is well wrong.

sad to tell you but new builds are mostly shock & horror.
first go through the Redrow procedure but you might have to take further advice from CAB or a solicitor.
there are solicitors called Expert Witness's who cost but do surveys and represent you, and are far better than RICS people in court.
good luck

oz0707 · Post by **oz0707** » Sun Feb 13, 2022 5:30 pm

Level threshold at front door is mostly always upto dpc/floor level now unless the accepted gradient is unachievable off the footpath. It's part of the regs.

I wouldn't panic too much just yet it could be perhaps bridging off some compo in cavity, coming in from above, or residual moisture. Do you have all tricks vents open? I'd contact record first port of call let us know what they say first.

arco_iris · Post by **arco_iris** » Sun Feb 13, 2022 6:54 pm

Who laid / arranged to have the paving installed? If it was not Redrow but something done (incorrectly) after you bought the house, they won't want to know.

Another suggestion would be to report the issue to (Redrow first) NHBC, but they're likely to wriggle & squirm.

oz0707 · Post by **oz0707** » Sun Feb 13, 2022 6:58 pm

I meant redrow in my post bloody auto correct.

Also that paving is a standard part m detail. Blame the regs not the builder. Same reason you have external opening 2'9" doors on ground floor cloakroom.

With my places I bring a couple of extra courses of blues up adjacent to the accessible door and put some dpc above just for belt and braces.

wes56 · Post by **wes56** » Sun Feb 13, 2022 7:19 pm

Suspended floor construction. Approved document C.
shows and tells where the the DPC is located.

air bricks and joist tails sit on the DPC.

Willz · Post by **Willz** » Mon Feb 21, 2022 12:45 am

Thanks for everyone. Really sorry for late reply.
After I reported the issue Redrow had someone to check. The builder cut off some plasterboard and resealed the area attached to threshold on both sides. It was told in the phone they did find some problem but still claim it is due to moisture in the wall as new build house, apprentanly not
.
It was rainy this weekend. I checked the area again. One side is basically dry the other side remains wet with water almost noticeable however.

I have removed more soil outside to let the ground level two bricks below dpc level now. There is canopy above the entrance patio and a plastic barrier between the threshold and patio slab. However raining water still blow onto the threshold area due to strong wind.

The builder is supposed to check again tomorrow. I have a feeling the raining water come inside through the threshold somewhere if it was not sealed properly

Willz · Post by **Willz** » Mon Feb 21, 2022 1:58 am

Redrow did the paving. The two air bricks next to entrance door were once buried under ground soil. I removed some mud but the airbrick is far too low I believe

arco_iris wrote: ↑Sun Feb 13, 2022 6:54 pm Who laid / arranged to have the paving installed? If it was not Redrow but something done (incorrectly) after you bought the house, they won't want to know.

Another suggestion would be to report the issue to (Redrow first) NHBC, but they're likely to wriggle & squirm.

Willz · Post by **Willz** » Mon Feb 21, 2022 2:00 am

It is concrete internal floor.

wes56 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 12, 2022 4:28 pm that must be a bit of a disappointment for you in your new house.
your dpc looks to be too high. if i'm right its sseems to be level with the finished floor? it should be much lower.
air bricks should sit on the dpc and the ground should be 150mm below the dpc.
air brick should be set over two bricks/450mm away from the outside corner.
do you have block and beam floors or what kind of floor, sold concrete or suspended?
damp behind the skirting and water showing in the hall is well wrong.

sad to tell you but new builds are mostly shock & horror.
first go through the Redrow procedure but you might have to take further advice from CAB or a solicitor.
there are solicitors called Expert Witness's who cost but do surveys and represent you, and are far better than RICS people in court.
good luck

wes56 · Post by **wes56** » Thu Feb 24, 2022 10:03 pm

Air bricks are not wanted with a solid concrete floor. Air bicks are used under beam and block floors.The last photos you posted have no context or explanation so its difficult to understand what you want to show. The photos are a bit blurred and maybe one is the wrong way up. Is that a block wall with interior insulation?
What was the sealing you said a man did? What was used for this sealing.

Willz · Post by **Willz** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 9:53 pm

Sorry for no updating for long time. Seems been sunny for a few weeks no raining to check whether water still get inside or not

I believe the technician sent by redrow used same sealant as used in bathroom to seal the possible leaking hole along the door frame inside/outside. Now the area is dry however no heavy raining during last several weeks to test

wes56 wrote: ↑Thu Feb 24, 2022 10:03 pm Air bricks are not wanted with a solid concrete floor. Air bicks are used under beam and block <span class="skimlinks-unlinked">floors.The</spanast photos you posted have no context or explanation so its difficult to understand what you want to show. The photos are a bit blurred and maybe one is the wrong way up. Is that a block wall with interior insulation?
What was the sealing you said a man did? What was used for this sealing.