Rising Damp Treatment Specialist

• Visible water stain (brown/yellow colour) on the lower portion of the wall
• Peeling or bubbling paint (particularly at the base of the wall)
• A musty smell and unpleasant odour in affected areas
• Deteriorating or decaying baseboards
• During touch, walls feel cold
• Salt deposits remaining from groundwater that has evaporated
• Visible tide marks on the outer and inner walls
• Wallpaper that is peeling and blistering
• Unpleasant musty or damp odour
• Areas with patches of mould

Rising damp arises when the masonry structure of a property is not protected with adequate damp-proofing measures. In such cases, groundwater finds its way into the property by travelling upwards through the bricks and mortar via a process known as capillary action. This occurs as the groundwater seeks an avenue for evaporation. The absence of a proper damp proof course allows the water to rise and penetrate through the walls, leading to dampness and damage within the property.

Preventive measures are always preferable to treatment. Preventing rising damp is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the building and ensuring a healthy living environment.

• Ensure that the building has an effective damp-proof course (DPC) installed
• Refer to your property’s site survey information for confirmation of the rising damp treatment
• If you are not sure if rising damp measures are in place then get your home inspected by a professional to ensure damp-proofing is functioning as intended
• Keep the exterior of the building well-maintained
• Divert water away from building foundation with proper drainage and guttering
• Address any leaks or water damage immediately
• Regularly maintain the external masonry of your property
• Check rainwater pipes for clogging or blockages

Require assistance with any type of damp problems? Feel free to contact us.

Treating rising damp requires a systematic approach to eliminate the source of moisture and repair any damage that has already occurred:

Identify the cause of the problem:
Conducting a thorough inspection of the affected area to determine the extent of the damage and identify any underlying issues such as faulty rising damp measures, drainage or leaking pipes

Eliminate damaged plaster/wallpapers: The entry of groundwater can lead to the formation of salty deposits, which not only weaken the plaster or peel the wallpaper. Remove the impacted plaster.

Replace Decayed Woodwork/Furniture: Repairing or replace decayed woodwork, and treat any mold or mildew growth.

Injecting Damp-proof Course in Walls: Installation of a damp-proof course (DPC) in the affected walls can be done by injecting a chemical DPC into the walls. It will establish a water-resistant protective layer that extends across the entire thickness and length of the wall.

Replaster: The treated walls should be re-plastered using a cement render that includes additives to inhibit salt formation and provide waterproofing properties.