Estimate your project costs instantly with Build It's interactive self-build cost calculator
Calculate NowGet an accurate, detailed cost breakdown of your project
Submit plansDue to an incorrectly installed rooflight on my extension, I've had water ingress into a cavity wall. The window itself is now fixed but I'm unsure on how to deal with the damages. What's the best way to ensure that the two leaves of the wall are totally dry as well as my insulation? The plasterboard is stained and so I assume will have to be replaced. What are my options?
Hi John,
Thanks so much for getting in touch with your question. It’s a shame that this has caused so much disruption; unfortunately it happens all too frequently due to poor installation, or the roof being too low pitch for the rooflight that has been fitted.
In terms of the water damage, this usually requires a fair amount of time to dry out. When homes are flooded, often the plaster is removed to allow the walls to dry out and this would appear to be a similar situation – albeit you will have damage at the top of the roof potentially running down through the whole wall. Depending on how long the leak has been there and how extensive the water ingress has been, this may be a course of action you have to take.
I would start with a damp meter and probe the plaster to see if this is showing excessive moisture. The only way to penetrate the layers behind will be to remove sections of plaster to access the block or brick behind this. If you do find excessive moisture then I would suggest the entire plaster re