Rising Damp Treatment

Rising Damp and its Effects

Many mature properties are subject to rising damp due to the lack of an effective damp proof course (a horizontal layer of water-proof material built into a wall, e.g. slate, bitumen, polythene). Existing damp proof courses can also become bridged by high external ground levels or can, over time break down.

Identifying rising damp

Most materials do not become visibly damp and do not feel damp to the touch until they are quite significantly so. The common tell-tale signs are:

Visual discolouration to decorations and plaster.
Decay to skirting board and adjacent flooring timbers.
Loose and salt laden plaster and render.

Resolving Rising Damp

Once we have been instructed to undertake an inspection of the building our surveyors will use specialist equipment and their expertise to determine the source and extent of the dampness.

Typical solutions involve:

The installation of a chemical damp proof course.
The removal and reinstatement of contaminated plaster.
The installation of specialist waterproof coatings and membranes.

In some instances it may be found that damp problems within a property are due to internal or external defects, such as faulty rainwater goods and porous external pointing. The presence of condensation and associated moulds can sometimes be mistaken by householders for rising or penetrating dampness. Our surveyors will identify the problem and advise accordingly.