Damp patch on inside wall

[Ric.ror]

I have found damp patches on the bedroom wall
The wall is the connecting wall with next door and is approx two feet from ceiling and from the outside wall so I'm thinking it cannot be as a result of damp coming through the outside wall
Two of the patches are black but the others have a mustard colour
Thing is I don't know where the damp is coming from
BTW- this is my house not the house my son lives in featured on my other post

Many thanks in anticipation

[Mosaic]

At roof level, how do the houses join together - eg is there a 'valley' where the properties meet at roof level? If so this can be blocked with leaves and stuff, causing rainwater to flow out of the gutters and into the wall cavity.
Are there any cracks in the brickwork or the render, that water could penetrate along? (look both sides of the property line)
Do you know what the adjoining room is ie could it have a bathroom with a leak?
If it is not near a window then can the problem originate with the join between chimney stack and roof tiles?

[The Builder]

Most likely from above, Ric. We'll know more if you can answer Moses' questions :o)

[Ric.ror]

Right - please bear with me
If you imagine a long triangle forming the shared roof then two smaller triangles touching with a shared fall pipe thats my roof

I do hope this helps
Many thanks for your help so far

[Mosaic]

From what you describe it sounds as if the 'valley' between the two roof (or bay window?) lines has got clarted up with debris.
Do you know when this was last cleaned out?
If not recently, then first off is either to get up a very long ladder (carefully) and give it a coat of looking-at - or get someone you trust to do that for you.
If you can get into your roofspace and have a look at what's going on from there, you might get a few more clues about what's occurring.

[Ric.ror]

Thank you for your help so far
I now need to ask about ladders - I am not keen on letting my son go up a ladder but would be intrested to know if - in your experience there are ladders that can form a kind of platform? I have a ladder that folds over in half and can also make a platform (I do hope this makes sense) but I doubt this will be high enough to clear the guttering

[The Builder]

Yes... valleys ... always a weak point as they age. Certainly start by getting into the roofspace and having a good nose around under the valley. If there is a problem, it should be easily apparent. I would do that before considering acces via ladders or whatever.
There isn't so much one can do with ladders these days with more stringent H&S rules and the like. The way to go is with access platforms and towers. Have a Google for the bigger hire companies such as HSS. You'll soon see what's available.
Preferably... access that not only lets you inspect, but also gives a good working deck if perhaps the valley needs repair or replacement.

What's the age and construction of the house, and what's the roof covering?

[Mosaic]

I think you will need a 3part extendable ladder for this job. The 2-part ones don't ever seem long enough to reach gutters but I don't know how tall your house is.
A platform is a sensible option but you are talking a lot of hundreds to get a decent system that will reach the gutter height - and you will have lots of metalwork to store when it's not in use. Ditto with a 3-piece extending ladder - you need someowhere out of the way to store it, also somewhere where burglar bill can't help himself.
Sites like Screwfix have lots of options for ladders and platforms but from what you're saying I'd suggest getting a bloke with a ladder to have a look and sort it out.