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Identifying the source of moisture is key when trying to tackle rising damp; additionally installing an appropriate dampproof course along with repointing brickwork provides effective barriers against future penetration whilst applying masonry sealing coatings protects exterior surfaces too! Lastly regular maintenance of drainage systems ensures no blockages occur leading up towards roof areas which ultimately help reduce risks posed from extensive seepage into building fabrics causing internal structural problems later down line…
If you suspect your home may have a rising damp issue, this How-To tutorial is the perfect resource. Here, you’ll learn how to detect it, its causes and what help is available to deal with it effectively. We provide detailed guidance on recognising the signs of rising damp in your house and how to tell them apart from other forms of damp. Plus, we dispel some common misconceptions about rising damp and outline appropriate treatments.
Rising damp is an incredibly prevalent form of moisture that impacts building walls. Capillary action draws groundwater up through microscopic pores in the bricks like a series of straws, bringing with it salts that rise too.
Porous construction materials such as plaster and timber in floorboards, joists, and skirtings around the affected wall can readily absorb groundwater. You may observe evidence of wet rot on the wood, so for advice regarding detection and treatment of this matter please refer to our guide.
Rising damp can be seen through the destruction it causes to a building’s inner walls. Plaster and paint slowly erode and wallpaper loosens, while visible tide marks form at the point of highest groundwater levels. Salts may also appear on interior surfaces. This is often a sign of rising damp that can result in coating and plasterwork detachment, with white salt stains sometimes appearing externally on walls too. We’ll cover recognisable signs of increasing humidity later in this guide.
Rising damp can be seen through the destruction it causes to a building’s inner walls. Plaster and paint slowly erode and wallpaper loosens, while visible tide marks form at the point of highest groundwater levels. Salts may also appear on interior surfaces. This is often a sign of rising damp that can result in coating and plasterwork detachment, with white salt stains sometimes appearing externally on walls too. We’ll cover recognisable signs of increasing humidity later in this guide.
Rising damp is often mistaken for condensation damp, a widespread source of misdiagnosis.
The PCA’s Code of Practice for the Investigation and Control of Dampness in Buildings, per BS5250: 2011, provides sound guidance on this matter: “To tell apart damp caused by condensation from that due to rising damp, one can compare moisture levels in samples taken from within the wall versus near its inner surface. Masonry or mortar is best; if there is no dampness present in samples from within the wall then it suggests condensation as being the only cause.”
In other cases, rising damp is accurately diagnosed but the contractor fails to treat it. Usually, this happens due to an unsuccessful injection of a chemical DPC cream. The wrongly implemented chemical DPC clearly does not work. Both of these scenarios leave customers disappointed and often angry, as well as damaging the industry’s reputation.
Rising damp is an actual issue that has to be dealt with by trained professionals, and it affects certain houses in a serious way.
Our experts boast two decades of combined experience, so you can trust us to provide superior damp treatments. We guarantee our work and materials for your assurance in tackling any damp-related issues with your property.
If you are worried about dampness at your home, please contact us now on **XX** to talk through the problem and receive expert guidance on how to handle it effectively.
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Tidal lines and powdery salt deposits on your wall above the skirting indicate rising humidity; this can cause plaster to bubble and wallpaper to peel.
The odour of rising damp can be hard to tell apart from other kinds of dampness; it has a moist and musty smell.
For many years, buildings have been constructed with physical damp-proof courses (DPCs) to protect walls from rising moisture. However, these barriers are not always impermeable; they can become damaged over time or occasionally be incorrectly installed in older homes.
Construction can also damage pre-installed physical Damp Proof Courses (DPCs) when homes are being refurbished or enlarged. For example, altering the ground level may breach the physical DPC layer, resulting in a rise of dampness which wasn’t there before. To prevent this from happening again, a repair DPC must be put up.
The phenomenon of rising damp in walls is caused by moisture climbing up capillaries, or thin tubes, in masonry. Capillaries come in various widths and can sometimes create gaps. As the diameter of the capillary decreases, surface tension increases and creates a force which drives the moisture upwards at faster speeds.
The upward movement of moisture in capillaries against gravity is called capillary action. This phenomenon is utilised both in medicine and nature – for instance, it serves as a water-conducting system for plants. Unfortunately, this same action can have negative implications with thin piliform tubes in brickwork resulting in rising damp.
To prevent water from seeping up through the ground, most structures have a barrier installed at the lower level of their walls. This is referred to as a damp proof course (DPC). Depending on when the property was built, these can be made out of non-absorbent, water-resistant materials like slate, bitumen or plastic. Over time physical DPCs may fail or not exist at all in older homes – leaving nothing stopping water travelling up your wall if you don’t have one or it has failed.
The DPC is sometimes left untouched, but it can also be bridged. A design flaw or different conditions of the property may cause damp to rise past the DPC. Examples include:
Among others, many people have contributed to the development of this project. They have worked hard and successfully achieved great results: 8 out of 10 projects were completed on time and within budget.
Rising damp is often the initial indication of an issue. Tidemarks may be seen up to a metre above skirting boards on inside walls, as this is typically how far water rises. However, in rare cases it can travel further.
The height of rising damp is influenced by multiple elements, including the pore structure and rate of evaporation in bricks and mortar. Masonry with a higher proportion of fine pores allows water to rise up to 1.5 metres or greater in rare cases.
Groundwater often contains salts, which are left on the walls as the water evaporates. This can cause paint to blister and a fluffy white deposit will appear on the surface. Sulphates tend to create crusty white patches, while hygroscopic salts like nitrates and chlorides remain invisible but still draw moisture; thus they must be dealt with.
Common signs of rising damp may be observed on exterior walls, including mould, efflorescence and salt deposits. Additionally, woodwork may become soft and rot as well as paint peeling off the wall.
Rising damp in exterior walls is caused by the same capillary effect that draws groundwater upwards through the brickwork. It occurs when a Damp-Proof Course (DPC) doesn’t exist or has been bypassed, or fails.
Be alert to tidal markings if seeking signs of rising dampness on walls. Look for mortar disintegrating between the bricks or stones, as well as salt deposits.
Rising damp is a detectable issue that, if not resolved, can lead to structural damage. It’s unpleasant to live with due to the harm it may cause plastering, flooring and decorative finishes as well as the stench. As with most types of dampness, rising damp poses a risk to your health and can worsen some respiratory problems. Additionally, it can result in higher energy costs because of increased heat loss.
To rectify the effects of rising damp, one must first identify and address the source of the issue. Plaster, wallpaper, paint, and skirting boards are commonly affected. To resolve this problem, it is necessary to restore interior wall décor.
An injectable cream is the most effective and economical way to treat rising damp; kits and individual cream cartridges are both available.
By hand, the moist proofing cream is injected or pumped into designated holes in the mortar course. Once inserted, it reverts to a liquid allowing for penetration of the bricks and absorption of all water. As it cures, a water-repellent barrier and DPC molecule form – blocking moisture from ascending up the wall.
Alternatively, a new damp proof membrane can be fitted as a damp proof course. This is more involved and time-consuming, requiring each brick along the damaged mortar course to be removed and replaced with a physical damp proof barrier.
Builders typically install a stainless steel or plastic sheet Damp Proof Course (DPC) when constructing a house. However, retrofitting is possible using saw cut slots and vibrating stainless steel sheets into walls; however, it requires the expertise of an experienced tradesman. Alternatively, there are various simpler retrofit alternatives available.
If you have a cavity wall, you must install your DPC on both the internal and external walls regardless of which method is chosen. If the ground level outside is higher than inside, dig a trench along the outer wall to make sure that the DPC lies at an even height with either your concrete floor or under your raised wood floor.
Correct installation of chemical injection systems has proven to be an effective solution for rising damp. Through the years, formulas have been refined and now offer lasting protection.
It is imperative to strip any wallpaper and plaster from interior walls if there are signs of rising damp. The same must be done on external walls as well.
Prior to injecting a fresh DPC, ensure that the preceding one hasn’t been connected in any fashion. When it comes to treating rising damp on interior walls, simply adhere to the injection technique noted above and then complete repairs and redecoration internally.
A rapid solution to this is the Damp Proof Membrane (DPM). It provides a moisture-proof barrier.
Once the source of moisture has been identified and addressed, one can proceed to restoring the decor. Alternatively, damp-proofing products may be used for re-plastering the wall.
After administering the new DPC, it is essential to re-plaster the affected area. The old plasterwork may still contain hygroscopic salts which will draw in moisture if not completely removed. It is important that you get the plasterer to replaster with exact precision so as to avoid further salt contamination issues.
Suspecting rising damp in a property? Get an expert to confirm your fears. An experienced specialist or firm specialising in rising damp injections is your best bet. They’ll do an inspection, analyse the situation and suggest a solution based on their findings. When selecting who to trust with curing your damp problem, look for certain qualities.
The surveyor should possess industry-recognised credentials, ideally comprising:
To obtain the Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatments (CSRT), surveyors must pass three modules, one of which is focused on damp.
Certified Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) is a qualification for those who diagnose and provide design solutions for water infiltration into structures below ground.
Landlords of rented homes are responsible for dealing with any rising damp present. An expert should be engaged to diagnose and address the issue, ensuring other potential causes have been ruled out first.
Brighton Damp Treatments are committed to treating damp problems seriously, so our qualified and certified **(CSRT and CSSW)** team is ready to help. We can identify, treat, and resolve any issue from rising damp, penetrating damp, excessive condensation or building defects/damages; plus re-structure basements or cellars, repair wet rot/dry rot treatments and carry out damp proofing with re-plastering of walls. Our competent staff will ensure you have the peace of mind that comes with a long term solution for your property’s protection against moisture damage.
Brighton Damp Proofing – Affordable Treatments for Your Home
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 on 01273 920588 to book a survey and have one of our friendly team members inspect the property and help you fully understand the situation, thus providing you with the most cost-effective quote for treatments and repairs.
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.
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, all types of internal dampness, rain penetration, condensation control both in commercial properties and private homes.
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.
Max and his team have been at our property all week and I really can’t thank them enough for the fantastic job they’ve done on plastering both our walls and ceilings. They have literally transformed the appearance of our house! Not only has Ma…
From start to finish Max has been incredable. His knowledge lin damp proofing is second to none and his team where very clean and polite. The plastered finish was like glass so happy we choose Max Plastering for job.
Lovely bunch of lads left a very neat and clean job. Problem was solved.
Perfect Finnish and all left clean and tidy and no mess. Used Max previously and would not hesitate to ask him carry out more work.
Max, Harvey and Stuart arrived promptly as arranged. Done a great job on our outside rear wall. Work completed to a high standard, removal of all old material and cleaned up after themselves. I am so pleased with the standard of their work they ar…
They turned up on time and carried out the works in a very professional manor leaving the front of the house clean and tidy. Very impressed would definitely recommend.
I have to say that on every level Max (with Stuart and Harvey) did an extremely professional job! They explained what they were going to do, they were polite and courteous and respected that they were coming into our home. The plastering is of the…
I called max and he managed to come around the same day to do a survey. The next day I received an extremely detailed survey compared to any other damp proofer which made me feel very at ease that he was going to do the right job. Max and team tur…
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