In Kirkdale, L4 and L5, many damp problems come down to water getting into older brick walls: leaking gutters and downpipes, tired pointing, cracked sills or plumbing leaks. Mould then grows on the wet plaster inside. We trace the water to its source, explain what needs fixing, then treat the mould and repair the inside of the wall once it has dried.
Where does the water get in?
Kirkdale’s Victorian terraces were built with solid walls, which work well when the outside is in good order and rainwater is carried away properly. Problems start when something fails. The common culprits we find include:
- Cracked or blocked gutters overflowing down the front or rear wall.
- Downpipes that leak at a joint, soaking the same section of brick every time it rains.
- Pointing that has worn back, letting rain soak deep into the wall.
- Cracked stone or concrete window sills directing water into the reveal.
- A leaking pipe, toilet or shower tray inside the house.
Fixing the outside defect comes first. Outside repairs at height may need a roofer or builder, and we explain exactly what we found so they can be arranged. Inside, our penetrating damp repair work deals with the wet and stained plaster once the source is sorted.
What about mould in post-war homes?
Kirkdale also has post-war social housing. In these homes, condensation tends to be the main driver of mould: small kitchens, bathrooms with limited extraction and bedrooms with cold outside corners. The approach is different from a leak. We look at fans, background ventilation, humidity and heating patterns, then recommend changes that suit the household and the building. For housing providers, we record findings with photos.
Older houses with cellars
Some older Kirkdale houses have cellars. A damp cellar is not unusual, because the walls are holding back moisture from the ground, but it can lead to musty smells, mould and decay in the floor timbers above. If you want to use a cellar for storage or as a room, it may need waterproofing such as a cavity drain membrane, following the approach set out in BS 8102. Our cellar damp proofing page explains the options.
Step by step
- A phone call to understand where the damp is and when it appears.
- A visit with moisture and humidity readings inside and a look at gutters, downpipes and walls outside.
- A written explanation of the cause and a quote.
- Mould treatment, followed by plaster repair once the wall is dry enough.
Costs depend on the size of the area, whether plaster must be removed and how long the wall needs to dry. Our damp and mould cost guide covers the factors in more detail.
Nearby
Kirkdale borders Everton and Walton, and the older housing continues north into Bootle. Our homepage explains our approach to professional mould removal and other damp and mould help across the city.
Damp patch that appears after rain?
Call 07777 659786 and tell us where it is and when it gets worse. We will call back to arrange a visit to your Kirkdale home.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if damp is coming from outside?
Penetrating damp usually appears as a patch that grows or darkens after heavy rain, often on one wall, around a window, on a chimney breast or on a ceiling. It tends to come and go with the weather rather than with cooking or showers. We check the outside of the wall above and around the patch to find the entry point.
A gutter shared with my neighbour is leaking. Who fixes it?
That depends on ownership and, for rented homes, on the tenancy and the landlord’s repairing duties. We can identify the fault and describe it in writing so the right people can agree a repair. Gutter work at height is for a roofer or builder; we explain what needs doing.
My cellar smells musty. Is that damp?
A musty smell in a cellar usually means moisture, and possibly mould or timber decay. Below-ground walls hold back water from the surrounding ground, so some dampness is common. Whether the cellar needs waterproofing depends on how you want to use it; we inspect and talk through the options.
How long should a wall dry before it is replastered?
It varies with the wall’s thickness, how wet it got and the time of year. Solid brick walls can take weeks or months to dry out after a leak is fixed. Plastering too soon can trap moisture, so we check the wall before recommending the next step.
Can wet plaster cause mould on my wallpaper?
Yes. Damp plaster keeps the surface moist, and wallpaper and paste give mould something to grow on. Once the water source is fixed, affected paper and plaster are usually removed and the wall left to dry before redecorating.