How to Identify and Treat Rising Damp

Rising damp is an all-too-common issue that can affect homes of all shapes and sizes, especially older properties. It can cause problems like damp patches, mould, and even structural damage - issues that can be both expensive and time-consuming to fix.

If you're worried that rising damp might be affecting your home, it's helpful to know the signs and understand how to deal with it. Taking action early can save you a lot of stress and money in the long run.

At Croft Preservation, we help homeowners across Dorset and Hampshire tackle damp problems before they cause serious damage. Below, we'll walk you through what rising damp is, how to spot it, and the best treatment options available. Let's get started!

What is Rising Damp?

Rising damp happens when moisture from the ground makes its way up through the walls of your home. Bricks and mortar can soak up water like a sponge, allowing it to rise through the walls. As the moisture moves up, it carries salts and minerals that get trapped in the walls, which can cause even more damage over time.

Although rising damp isn't as common as other types of damp (like condensation), it can still lead to serious structural problems if it's not treated properly.

How to Indentify Rising Damp?

There are a few key signs that can indicate rising damp in your property. Keep an eye out for the following:

1. Tide Marks on Walls 

One of the most obvious signs of rising damp is a tide mark that appears on the lower part of your walls, typically up to about one metre high. These marks are caused by salts left behind as the moisture evaporates.

2. Peeling or Bubbling Paint/Wallpaper

If your paint or wallpaper is starting to peel, bubble, or come away from the wall, rising damp could be the culprit. The moisture behind the surface can cause the materials to deteriorate.

3. Damp or Wet Plaster

When you touch the wall, it may feel cold and damp. Over time, the plaster can become damaged, turning crumbly or powdery to the touch.

4. Salt Crystals

As water rises through the walls, it can bring salts with it. These may form white, powdery crystals on the surface, a clear sign that moisture is making its way through the masonry.

5. Musty Odours

Damp areas often develop a musty smell. If your home has a persistent, earthy odour, especially near the ground level, it could be a sign of rising damp.

What Causes Rising Damp?

Rising damp usually happens when there's a problem with the damp proof course (DPC) in a building. The DPC is a barrier built into the walls to stop moisture from rising up. However, over time, it can fail due to age, damage, or poor installation, allowing moisture from the ground to travel up into the walls.

In some cases, rising damp can also occur if the ground level outside your home has been raised, like with new paving or garden beds, which can allow moisture to bypass the DPC altogether.

How to Treat Rising Damp

If you suspect rising damp in your home, it's important to take action quickly. The longer it's left untreated, the more damage it can cause to both your home's structure and indoor air quality.

Rising damp can be tricky to deal with and requires the right equipment and expertise, so it's best to call in a professional team. Here are the most effective treatment options they can use:

1. Damp Proof Course (DPC)

A DPC acts as a barrier in a building's walls to stop moisture from rising up from the ground. It's usually made of waterproof materials like plastic, bitumen, or slate, and is placed horizontally at or near ground level. There's also the option of a chemical liquid that can be injected into the wall, which then forms a waterproof barrier. Both methods prevent moisture from moving further up into the walls, helping to protect your home from water damage, mould growth, and other issues that can affect walls, floors, and plaster.

2. Replacing Damaged Plaster

Once the damp has been treated, any damaged plaster should be removed and replaced. The salts left behind by rising damp can still attract moisture, so adding a fresh layer of plaster helps guarantee a dry and healthy environment.

3. Improving Ventilation

Good ventilation is key for controlling humidity and preventing damp from returning. While it doesn't directly fix rising damp, improving airflow in your home will help reduce moisture and protect your walls from further damage.

4. Lowering External Ground Levels

If rising damp is caused by high external ground levels, lowering the ground or installing drainage systems can stop water from reaching your walls in the first place.

Protect Your Home From Rising Damp With Croft Preservation

Rising damp can lead to serious issues if left untreated, from structural damage to creating an unhealthy living environment. If you've noticed any of the signs we've mentioned, it's important to act now before the problem gets worse.

At Croft Preservation, we have years of experience diagnosing and treating rising damp in homes throughout Dorset and Hampshire. Our expert team will assess your property, recommend the best solution, and carry out the necessary work to protect your home. This includes preventive measures like improved ventilation, installing a new DPC, and more. No matter how severe the issue, we're here to make your home dry and safe again.

Ready to take the next step? Book a free survey online or give us a call on 01202 737739 today!