Damp Problem - should we move or not?

[Rhyfelwr]

I didn't know where else to put this, so it's ended up in "general".

We have a post-war ex-council semi which we have been in now for circa 15 years.

Last year, when we were modernising the central heating and living room, we noticed a 5" high persistent damp section at the base of one of the interior walls. After some initial checks (under floorboards etc.), there didn't seem to be any particularly obvious reason.

Since then, we have become aware of a possible cause.

When cutting back some shrubs at the back of the property, it appears that the gutter has been leaking onto the wall. This has caused quite a bit of external "whiting" of the brickwork and has eaten away quite badly at pointing and mortar.

We have also noticed some kitchen floor tiles separating slightly, indicating a slight rise.

The kitchen separates the damaged outside wall and this interior wall with the rising damp. The kitchen has a concrete base. We now suspect that, over a prolonged time, water has seeped through the concrete, causing the damp on the interior wall.

This presents a huge problem...

a) we don't know if house insurance will cover it.
b) we are considering moving but don't know the effect this will have on the sale value.

Has anyone else been in this position? Can anyone offer any advice?

Anything would be appreciated.

[Rhyfelwr]

Well... that was worth posting....

[brian]

Well, perhaps not many people have been in a similar position.

Have you contacted the home insurers to see what they say?

And have you had a damp proofing company out to inspect the issue?