Frodsham (WA6) Bungalow Damp & Ventilation Case Study

Overview

Location: Frodsham, Cheshire (WA6 area)

Property type: Late 1950s–early 1960s detached bungalow (cavity wall, solid concrete floor)

Survey fee: £500

Elevated moisture readings were recorded at floor/wall junctions and skirtings across multiple rooms. The symptoms can resemble “rising damp”, but inspection evidence pointed to moisture bypassing the original DPC due to physical bridging (internally via plaster finishes below DPC level; externally via raised ground levels and cement-based plinths). In parallel, the property showed major ventilation deficiencies (no kitchen extract, significantly underperforming bathroom fan, no trickle vents, restricted air transfer), and the report flagged condensation risk driven by fabric/ventilation performance rather than lifestyle alone.

Findings

• Moisture bypassing the original DPC was considered likely due to physical bridging: raised external levels/cement plinths and internal plaster finishes extending below DPC level.
• Ventilation provision was inadequate: no whole-house strategy, underperforming bathroom extract, no kitchen mechanical extraction, no trickle vents, and restricted air circulation due to tightly fitted internal doors.
• Condensation risk was identified even with low occupancy/vacant conditions, suggesting fabric/ventilation performance as primary drivers rather than lifestyle alone.
• Retrospective cavity wall insulation was treated as a potential moisture-risk factor where cavity detailing/drainage paths may be inadequate; further cavity/wall-tie assessment was recommended.
• Loft access/condition issues were flagged due to pest contamination and disrupted/contaminated insulation, with ventilation/insulation management requiring safe remediation before improvements.

Recommendations

• Reduce DPC bridging: lower external ground levels to provide separation below DPC where feasible; remove/cut back cement plinths below DPC level to allow drying at wall bases.
• Adjust internal low-level plaster where bridging/salt contamination is suspected and reinstate with vapour-permeable, compatible systems after source control measures.
• Implement a ventilation upgrade plan: add effective kitchen extraction and replace/upgrade bathroom extraction (continuous or humidistat-controlled), plus background ventilation and improved air transfer (e.g., door undercuts).
• Commission a cavity wall inspection (borescope + wall tie condition assessment) to assess insulation condition, moisture bridging and corrosion risk; consider insulation removal if moisture retention is confirmed.
• Address roof void risks: pest control + safe clearance, restore/maintain cross-ventilation (clear eaves airflow; add baffles/vents as needed), and reinstate insulation without blocking ventilation paths.
• Stage the works: source control + ventilation first, then monitor drying and only then proceed with decorative/plaster reinstatement.

Outcome

A coordinated, staged remediation strategy was recommended to stop moisture bypass via bridging, correct ventilation deficits and reduce condensation risk. This approach targets the true moisture pathways and helps avoid repeat spend on “one-size-fits-all” damp treatments.