Rising Damp

What is rising damp?

Rising damp is a damp problem that occurs when the masonry structure of the property has been left unprotected and a damp proof course has not been installed or is defective. Without a new or replacement damp proof course, rising damp will continue to get worse, so preventative action is always advised.

Groundwater travels up through the bricks and mortar of a property via capillary action as it seeks a means of evaporation. The damp will rise until it reaches a height where no further evaporation is possible and gravity prevents it from rising further, which typically tends to be no more than 1.5m.

Do you have a case of rising damp in your property? Our damp proofing experts for Dorset & Hampshire can identify the source of the problem and provide an effective solution! Get in touch with your concerns on 01202 737739.

How to identify rising damp

Whilst there are several types of damp problem, it is relatively easy to identify signs of rising damp. It is only ever found on the ground floor of a property, so if you spot damp on upper levels, then it's likely a case of penetrating damp or condensation instead. Signs of rising damp include:

• Deposits of salt left behind from groundwater that has evaporated
• Tide marks visible on both the exterior and interior of the wall
• Crumbling or rotting skirting boards
• Peeling and blistering wallpaper
• Musty or damp smell
• Patches of mould

What causes rising damp?

Most problems with rising damp occur because of not having a course of damp proofing installed, or if a course of damp proofing which has been implemented is faulty and is therefore ineffective.

Damp proofing is a waterproof layer within your wall which sits around six inches from the ground on the external wall. A layer of damp proofing essentially repels water and if your property doesn’t have damp proofing, then it may be susceptible to issues with rising damp.

To identify what is causing your rising damp, it is worthwhile checking if your property has received a course of damp proofing. If your property has had damp proofing installed, then it is likely that this isn’t working as effectively as it should be.

Either way, it is highly recommended that you consult with a team of rising damp experts who will be able to offer you further guidance.

How can you repair rising damp?

In the first instance, it is imperative to remove the contaminated plaster that has been affected by the damp problem. The ingress of groundwater can cause salty deposits which can weaken the plaster as well as absorbing dampness from the surrounding air.

The more long-term solution is to start an injection of a new damp proof course, this will create a tight water-resistant protective band throughout the thickness and length of the wall.

Once a course of damp proofing has been created, the affected walls should be re-plastered using a cement render, complete with salt-inhibiting and waterproofing additives.

How can you prevent rising damp?

Preventions are always better than cure and if your property hasn’t received damp proofing, then we would definitely recommend undertaking this as soon as possible.

If your home already has received a course of damp proofing, then it would be wise to get this checked by a professional to check that this is working as expected.

Unsure if you have damp proofing in place? Check your walls to see if you can see a little black line that is situated between 3 inches and 2 feet from the ground. You can also check your properties site survey information too.

It is also recommended that you keep external masonry well-maintained along with the likes of rainwater pipes and guttering.

Need some advice on any kind of damp problems? Contact a member of the Croft Preservation team today.

Our team are local damp proofing specialists and we offer some of the most effective solutions when it comes to eliminating damp problems. Thankfully tackling damp is usually straightforward, but it can appear in many forms and every property will have its own unique features that make each project different.

Croft Preservation is experienced in all types of damp treatment, so you can trust us to provide the best possible solution for you.

Our damp proofing services are open to all types of premises, so get in touch today on 01202 737739 to find out more.