Moisture problems in a shared wall between two adjacent homes can lead to tensions between neighbors and often raise questions about who is responsible for the repair costs. In this article, we will delve deeper into the issue of moisture in shared walls, its possible causes, and who is typically responsible for financing the necessary repairs.
What Causes Moisture Problems in Shared Walls?
Before discussing the distribution of costs, it’s essential to understand what can cause moisture problems in shared walls:
- Leaking pipes, poorly installed roofing, or even cracks in the exterior wall can cause water infiltration.
- If one of the homes is insufficiently ventilated, condensation can occur, resulting in moisture damage to the shared wall.
- Rising damp: groundwater can rise through the foundation and introduce moisture into the shared wall.
- Penetrating damp: rainwater seeps into the wall through cracks in the bricks or joints.
Who is Responsible for Addressing Moisture in a Shared Wall?
The responsibility for addressing moisture problems in a shared wall is not always straightforward. You need to consider several factors.
The Cause of the Moisture Reveals the Culprit
If the moisture problem is the result of negligence or actions by one of the neighbors, that person can usually be held responsible for the costs. However, it must be clearly established how the moisture originated and who is therefore responsible for it.
Shared Responsibility
If the problem occurs as a result of normal wear and tear or is not attributable to a specific action by one of the owners, the responsibility can often be shared. The neighbors then share the costs and come to a joint solution.
Make Use of Insurance
Often, fire insurance covers the costs for moisture damage to an exterior wall. In other cases, liability insurance can come in handy . If you or your neighbor have accidentally been negligent and this has resulted in moisture damage, at least part of the costs can be recovered. So check the policies.
The Ownership Agreement Sometimes Provides Clarity
In some cases, the ownership agreement stipulates who is responsible for the wall of adjacent properties or for shared walls. It is important to carefully consult that agreement.
Try to Come to a Joint Solution
In disputes over moisture problems in shared walls, it is advisable to first try to reach a peaceful agreement. A good conversation between both parties can help in determining responsibilities and thus who should bear the costs. If you can’t come to an agreement, it’s advisable to seek legal advice.
Don’t Let the Moisture Problem in Shared Walls Persist
Moisture in the wall can bring significant risks and damage, both to the structure of a building and to the health of the occupants. It is therefore important to address moisture in shared walls quickly, even if it may involve uncomfortable conversations.
Damp conditions in the wall provide an ideal breeding ground for mold growth. Mold spores spread through the air and cause health problems, including allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections. Moisture problems will worsen the indoor air quality. This in turn leads to unpleasant odors.
Moreover, water infiltration in walls can cause serious structural damage to your home, such as wood rot and corroding metal structures. If insulation materials are affected by the moisture, they will no longer work efficiently, and you’ll notice this on your energy bill. In short, moisture problems in walls should be taken seriously.
How Can Moisture in a Shared Wall be Combated?
When moisture is present in a shared internal wall, we can solve it in various ways. The cause of the moisture determines the treatment method.
- For rising damp, a wall injection often helps. A water-repellent agent is then injected into the shared wall to prevent groundwater.
- Is a defective facade the source of the problem? Then a hydrofuge is recommended , after the cracks and fissures are repaired first, of course. The facade bricks are then coated with a transparent protective layer that repels water.
Solusio Combats Moisture, also in Shared Walls
To combat moisture in a shared wall, you need to call in a moisture expert. The professionals from Solusio are happy to visit you to thoroughly investigate the moisture problem in your home. We examine how exactly the moisture has entered the shared wall and then develop an appropriate treatment plan. After we have addressed the problem, your house will be moisture-free again.
Want to know more? Contact us today for free advice.