Oops

Old houses. Ours dates from 1888. Things go wrong though not for a while. However, things are quite worryingly wrong in the hall at the moment.  I've noticed the paint bubbling a bit and had the plumber in to check. His damp meter didn't register anything and he tried next door too to see if there was a leaking pipe in either of our houses.  Nothing doing, he said. 

The problem, whatever it is, has been getting worse. Today Elaine, who does DIY and general repair and building work, came in to investigate. This is the hole she has cut in the ceiling. There's all sorts of stuff falling out - the original Victorian 'insulation' and sound deadening. Ash, coal, dust, rubble, plaster and goodness knows what else being extracted. And some wooden joists which are disintegrating at her touch. It must be damp though exactly how is a mystery.  I think this is going to be a big job. The original cornicing is all in one piece (for now) and it will be a shame if it has to go. Must check the house insurance. 

I'm off to Glasgow this afternoon to pick my grandson up from school. Happy to leave this mess in Elaine's capable hands. Think I'll have a bit of vacuuming to do when I get home.