Away from the coast, Sussex is Weald country: rolling farmland on heavy clay, with historic towns such as Horsham, Haywards Heath and Lewes, and villages full of tile-hung, timber-framed and brick cottages.
Clay holds water
Weald clay drains poorly. Around houses, water can sit in the ground for long periods after rain, keeping walls and floors damp. Clay also shrinks and swells with the seasons, which can contribute to cracking in masonry.
Traditional buildings
Many older Sussex houses were built with lime mortars, timber frames and solid walls that manage moisture by letting it evaporate. Problems often follow modern changes:
- Cement render and pointing that trap moisture
- Patios and paths laid above internal floor levels
- Blocked or buried air bricks under suspended floors
- Failed tile hanging or weatherboarding letting rain in
Newer towns, different problems
Crawley and parts of Haywards Heath have large areas of post-war and modern housing, where condensation in well-sealed homes is often the bigger issue.
Getting it right
Older buildings usually need breathable, sympathetic repairs and careful attention to drainage and ground levels. Timber frames should be checked for rot and woodworm wherever damp has been present.
See our local pages for damp proofing in Sussex and timber treatment in Sussex.
