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Concrete is prone to cracking if not poured correctly with steps taken to allow it to expand and contract. That looks like what has happened here.
Could water be penetrating through those gaps and into the house causing a damp smell? Theoretically, yes, but it is unlikely any water hitting you house at that level should be below the DPC.
Couple of questions:
- Is the problem only on the ground floor?
- I see there is no drain in the concreted area, but is that area level, or does it fall (is it sloped) in any particular direction i.e towards the house.
- Are your gutters cleaned regularly? It is possible that they could be overflowing leading to rainwater either being trapped in the wall cavity or behind the render.
- What has happened to the render to the left of the sidelight on the porch? It looks very sandy, does it crumble when you touch it.
- Is the problem only on the ground floor?
Bobbo-
Thanks for the detailed reply and the questions @Bobbo!
- Yes the problem is only on the ground floor - just around the front door
- The area is pretty much exactly level. Water doesn't puddle anywhere in the area
- Gutters are all clear and fully operational
- The previous owner cemented roof tiles along the area to the left of the sidelight - to make it look pretty i guess. I don't think they were that appropriate and over the course of the last year have crumbled off.
I had a damp specialist over last week who suggested a few injections into the wall (solid wall not cavity wall). A builder friend has suggested that the injections aren't that effective so wanted to look at wider issues too.
Any other thoughts?
On a side note - do you think these issues are likely to be covered by home insurance?
Cheers again!
- Yes the problem is only on the ground floor - just around the front door
Quincy
Wasn't sure whether to ask this in here or Owning Your Own Home...
There are a series of cracks in the concrete outside my house. When it rains, the house smells damp. I'm thinking rainwater is coming through these cracks and under the house somehow. Could this be the case? How would I know for sure?
Assuming that this is the case, what would be the best course of action?
There is a small area of damp (not too bad at the moment) on the wall between the porch and the front room. I reticent do address this until I think I have addressed (what I perceive to be) the larger issue i.e. the cracked concrete.
Any advice hugely appreciated!
Joe