Brighton and Hove’s Regency and Victorian terraces are some of the most handsome buildings on the south coast. They are also some of the most exposed. On the seafront, rain is often driven hard against walls by strong winds off the Channel.
Why the coast is different
Wind-driven rain is pushed into tiny defects that would barely matter inland: hairline cracks in render, eroded pointing, failed sealant around windows and gaps in parapets and copings. Salt in the air speeds up the decay of render and mortar, so defects develop faster.
Common problems in seafront properties
- Penetrating damp on south- and west-facing walls
- Cracked and hollow stucco render trapping water behind it
- Damp around bay windows and below parapets
- Condensation and mould in converted flats with limited ventilation
- Damp lower ground floors and basements
Fixing it at source
Penetrating damp isn’t solved by a damp proof course. It is fixed by repairing the way in: render and pointing repairs, resealing windows, repairing parapets and copings, and making sure gutters and downpipes cope with heavy downpours. Once the wall has dried, internal plaster can be repaired.
Breathability matters
Many older Sussex buildings were built with lime. Repairs should use materials that let walls breathe, otherwise moisture gets trapped.
Flats and shared buildings
In converted buildings, the cause of damp in one flat may be in a communal area or a neighbouring property. A clear report helps freeholders, managing agents and leaseholders agree what needs doing.
Read more about damp proofing in Sussex and condensation control in Sussex.
