Rising Damp: Origins and Causes

Rising damp is an issue that affects many buildings; it occurs when moisture wends its way up walls and infiltrates the very foundations of an edifice. This happens due to capillary action, where porous materials like bricks or stones draw liquid upwards from beneath them. If not addressed promptly, rising damp can lead to problems with plastering, floorboards and other components of a structure’s framework.

Rising damp is a phenomenon that occurs when water moves upwards through porous materials in contact with the ground. This is caused by air drying on upper surfaces, making the wall act as a ‘wick’, pulling up water from below via capillary action and evaporating it into the atmosphere. The moisture will keep climbing until gravity pulls it back down again, only if evaporation is possible.

Water derived from the ground can carry various nitrates, chlorides and other salt compounds (hygroscopic ground salts) into bricks and plaster. As water evaporates, these salts accumulate in the wall over time. Ground salts are apt to absorb moisture easily due to their solubility which can lead to wood rot in neighbouring wooden structures. Therefore, even if rising damp is resolved, the plaster may still remain wet or contaminated. Consequently, when dealing with increasing moistness, it is standard practice to remove all plastering material.

This type of moisture occurs due to water seeping into the ground or beneath it, rather than penetrating damp which is caused by rain entering walls and ceilings. Installing a Damp Proof Course (DPC) that prevents rising humidity through walls and floors is the most useful solution for dealing with rising dampness issues.

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How do Rising and Penetrating Damp Differ?

Rising damp and penetrating damp are two distinct types of moisture damage that can occur in buildings. The main difference between them is the source of the water.

Rising damp is caused by ground-level moisture travelling up through a wall or masonry due to capillary action, while penetrating damp occurs when water penetrates a building’s external walls from outside sources such as rainwater, snowmelt or condensation.

The signs of rising dampness can be identified by wet patches on internal walls that rise upwards towards the ceiling line, while those of penetrating damp often appear lower down on the wall and may have an external cause such as blocked gutters or faulty pointing. Both types of damage can lead to mould growth if not rectified promptly.

The most common point of difference between rising and penetrating damp is the height to which they occur. Rising damp only reaches up to one metre above ground level, whereas penetrating damp can affect any area of a building.

What are the Indications of Rising Damp?

Rising damp is a common problem in buildings and can cause extensive damage if left untreated. There are several signs that can indicate rising damp, including: discolouration on walls or ceilings, mould growth, an unpleasant musty smell, peeling paint or wallpaper and flaking plaster. If you notice any of these symptoms in your property it is important to address them as soon as possible to prevent further damages from occurring. Professional help should be sought for more severe cases of rising damp so that the best course of action can be determined.

The damp staining and tidemarks on walls is a common issue in many homes. These are caused by rising damp, which occurs when water rises up through the brickwork or masonry of your home’s exterior walls. It can be an indication of a problem with your building’s waterproofing system, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible if you notice this happening.

Other indicators of rising damp can include:

  • Wallpaper that is stained or peeling away from the wall.
  • White powdery substance on walls and surfaces, which may be caused by salt deposits.
  • Musty smell coming from walls or floors.

Other indications of potential rising damp are wallpaper that appears to be discoloured or lifting away from the wall, a white chalky residue on walls/surfaces which could be due to salt deposits and a musty odour emanating from either the flooring or masonry.

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What are the Indications of Rising Damp?

Rising damp is a common problem in buildings and can cause extensive damage if left untreated. There are several signs that can indicate rising damp, including: discolouration on walls or ceilings, mould growth, an unpleasant musty smell, peeling paint or wallpaper and flaking plaster. If you notice any of these symptoms in your property it is important to address them as soon as possible to prevent further damages from occurring. Professional help should be sought for more severe cases of rising damp so that the best course of action can be determined.

The damp staining and tidemarks on walls is a common issue in many homes. These are caused by rising damp, which occurs when water rises up through the brickwork or masonry of your home’s exterior walls. It can be an indication of a problem with your building’s waterproofing system, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible if you notice this happening.

Why Opt for Brighton Damp Treatments?

Are you looking to resolve damp-related issues in your home or business premises? If so, Brighton Damp Treatments are the ideal choice. Our team of highly experienced specialists offer a range of services that have been designed to identify and treat any underlying causes of rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation.

We take great pride in providing our customers with quality solutions that are tailored to their specific needs. With years of experience in the industry, we understand how frustrating it can be when dealing with unwanted moisture and strive to provide a swift resolution for all types of properties – whether residential or commercial.

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Advantages of Choosing Brighton Damp Treatments

The advantages associated with opting for Brighton Damp Treatments are numerous. With an experienced team specialising in all manner of damp related issues – ranging from rising and penetrating dampness to woodworm infestations – choosing this service offers assurance that any problem will be addressed promptly and effectively. Additionally, having access to the most current treatments ensures complete satisfaction in the results delivered; furthermore each job is covered by a guarantee providing customers with added peace-of-mind that nothing has been overlooked or left undone.

CSSW and CSRT Surveyors are delighted to offer you their expertise in surveying. Our team of professionals can provide a range of valuable services that will help you assess the condition of your property and make informed decisions about its future. We understand the importance of careful consideration when making such important investments, so we ensure that our surveys are conducted with accuracy and attention to detail. Whether it’s for residential or commercial purposes, our surveyors have the experience and skills necessary to deliver accurate results. With us, you can trust that your property is in safe hands.

Rising Damp Treatment Services

Rising Damp Proofing Course

Even when rising damp is minimised, there will frequently be a tiny amount of moisture trapped in the substrate owing to salt contamination. PTL will install a chemical DPC system to control the problem if necessary. At regular intervals, the chemical DPC is injected into the walls. The salt-contaminated plaster will be replaced, and the decorative surface will be protected from any remaining moisture in the wall.

Expert Rendering

Water-attractive hygroscopic salts, which are transferred from the earth to the brickwork by increased wetness, will continue to draw moisture, especially during periods of high humidity. The damp-proof course will keep the dampness from rising any further. Re-plastering to the PTL specification is necessary if this occurs to an unsatisfactory degree. PTL has expert plasterers on staff and would be happy to give quotes for this job.

What Is The Purpose Of a Damp Proofing Course?

Damp proofing is a method of preventing moisture from entering a structure, especially from rising damp. A ‘tide line’ of yellowish or brownish stains or blown plaster in the bottom section of your wall above your skirting board are typical symptoms of rising dampness. You can also have decaying or moist skirting boards or floors.

Performing a minor repair for rising damp (e.g. repointing or painting over the damp) will increase the cost of the job in the long run and require you to redo the job later.

A damp proof course is a water-resistant barrier that runs the length and width of your wall. It prevents groundwater from creeping up through the wall due to capillary action.

We can offer you a variety of damp proofing choices at Sussex Damp Experts, each with its own set of advantages. A damp proof course (DPC) is a method that aids in the control of rising dampness by regulating the moisture caused by capillary action.

A damp proof membrane (DPM) is a unique membrane added to a DPC to combat dampness. A DPM can use a silicone material to help manage moisture. Buildings are protected from water and moisture, including rain, using this coating process. It also contains cement, such as shotcrete, which provides moisture, water, and pressure resistance. The construction of cavity walls creates a space between the inner and outside walls to keep water out, whereas pressure grouting is used to plug any gaps in masonry walls.

Don’t Delay Solving The Damp Problem

If you discover rising dampness in your property, act soon! Otherwise, your property may face serious issues.

Beyond the visual soreness caused by damp problems, dampness can cause severe damage to a property’s structure and compromise structural integrity if not addressed on time. There is also evidence that it can induce respiratory difficulties, albeit this mainly affects people who already have a respiratory problem. Whether you have damp developing due to condensation, leaking guttering, or leaking pipes, call our damp removal and proofing experts immediately to get it fixed as soon as possible. Our commitment to providing excellent customer service, as well as our depth and breadth of knowledge, are the foundations of our continued success.

Sussex Damp Experts – Solving Any Damp Issues

Our team has over XX years of combined expertise offering damp proofing in Brighton. If you are experiencing damp issues in Brighton and the surrounding areas, please call our damp specialist team on 01273 920588 to schedule a survey or treatment.

Following our instructions, one of our CSRT and CSSW trained surveyors will thoroughly examine and provide a report, price quote and treatment suggestions.

Suppose you decide to go ahead with our damp proofing services. In that case, we have a complete team of damp proofing specialists who have a comprehensive portfolio dealing with damp problems, such as dry rot and woodworm, wet rot, wood rot, basement waterproofing, internal dampness, rain penetration, condensation control both in commercial properties and private homes.

Requesting A Rising Damp Survey

Book a damp survey appointment or give us a call, and we can arrange for a local team to contact you. We have many rising damp investigators that can efficiently and promptly schedule a visit to your house when most convenient for you.

Sussex Damp Experts – Damp Proofing At Affordable Prices

The costs associated with addressing a damp problem depend on many different factors such as the property’s dimension and architecture, the type of damp causes, the materials involved, among others.

Because there’s a comprehensive range of details to consider, don’t hesitate to contact our fully trained team to book a survey and have one of our friendly team members inspect the property and fully understand the situation, thus providing you with the most cost-effective quote for treatments and repairs.

Why Choose Sussex Damp Experts?

We follow excellent standards in damp proofing treatments, professional re-plastering, wood preservation and are experts in performing damp surveys.

We provide highly customised, competent, and dependable damp proofing treatment and repair services to homes, local authorities, small businesses, and large commercial properties.

Call us today on 01273 920588 to speak with a member of our helpful team about your needs.

Advantages of choosing Sussex Damp Experts:

  • CSSW and CSRT Surveyors
  • Award-winning PCA members
  • Expert service from fully qualified technicians
  • Over XX years of combined experience

XX Years Guarantee

For your safety and security, all of our work is covered by our company’s guarantee. We are also members of the Guarantee Protection Scheme, an independent insurance policy that covers the duration of your guarantee if you want to take it out.

FAQs

Is rising damp common in old houses?

Basements, semi-basements, cellars, and vaults are common in bigger, older homes in towns and cities. The lateral damp penetration and rising damp and rain penetration are widespread in these buildings and locations.

Does opening windows reduce damp?

Yes, opening windows can help with damp problems, but only if the air outside is dry and has less moisture than the air within. Furthermore, an open window will only help with condensation and will not help with rising or penetrating damp.

Will a dehumidifier help with rising damp?

A dehumidifier won’t help you get rid of growing damp. It will surely aid in the drying of the afflicted rooms’ walls. However, if the rising damp persists, it will reappear.

Does rising damp dry out?

The damp tide markings caused by rising damp will usually dry out and appear to improve as the groundwater decreases in the warmer summer months. This is because water is no longer drawn from the ground beneath. The increase in temperature will also help with the drying process.

Can rising damp make you ill?

Yes, if you have damp and mould in your home, you’re more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma. Damp and mould can also affect the immune system.

Should I be worried about rising damp?

Rising damp can damage an internal wall’s surface as well as timber and masonry’s structural integrity. It also harbours mould, which can cause health issues for you and your family.

What happens if rising damp is left untreated?

If left unchecked, rising damp can cause damage to wall plaster as well as timber decay in the form of dry or wet rot. Dry rot is undoubtedly the most severe property problem that may develop. Thus any indicators of rising damp should not be overlooked.

Can I ignore rising damp?

If left unchecked, rising damp can cause damage to wall plaster as well as timber decay in the form of dry or wet rot. Dry rot is undoubtedly the most severe property problem that may develop. Thus any indicators of rising damp should not be overlooked.

What does rising damp smell like?

It smells like old socks or rotting wood, which is probably what you’d expect it to smell like. Mould produces microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC), which emit unpleasant odours as it grows.

How Much Does A Rising Damp Survey Cost?

The examination cost will vary depending on how quickly you detect rising damp and the size of the building. Rising damp surveys are affordable, and they save you money in the long run by preventing property damage.

Can you sell a house with rising damp?

The simple answer is ‘yes,’ but it is contingent on the price you wish to sell for. A survey will be conducted in the majority of situations, and damp issues will be discovered. A mortgage lender will almost always request more investigation from an expert surveyor if this is the case.

Does insurance cover rising damp?

Most house insurance policies for homes and contents do not cover damage caused by wet and humidity. If you have rising damp in your property, it is in poor condition. Failure to notify your insurer could result in your policy being cancelled.

How long after damp proofing can I paint?

You should wait 6 months after a damp proof treatment if you want to paint with a mist coat and 12 months if you’re going to wallpaper or paint with a silk emulsion.

How long does it take for walls to dry out after damp proofing?

For each 25mm thickness of the wall, complete drying may take up to one month. The amount of airflow given throughout the drying period, the room temperature, and the initial moisture level all influence drying times.

What does rising damp look like on internal walls?

What does rising damp look like? Rising damp is often characterised by the tide marks on your wall above the skirting as well as powdery white salt deposits. It can cause plaster to bubble and wallpaper to peel away.

Can you get rising damp on inside walls?

Rising damp on internal walls is far less common. You are more likely to have this issue with external walls. But more often than not, rising damp will occur on a wall where one side is outside facing. This can cause damage to the interior side of an external wall (inside your property).

Does heating make damp worse?

Warm air has a higher moisture content than cold air. With the central heating on, it can be more challenging to dry out a damp area.

Areas We Cover

  • Aldrington
  • Bear Road
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