Rising Damp
Damp Proofing
Damp proofing is a method used to prevent moisture from affecting the walls and other areas of your home.
Rising Damp
Rising damp is a recognised damp issue that requires expert diagnosis and specific treatment for effective remediation.
Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp is one of the most common causes of dampness in properties. It results from water infiltrating a building, often due to external defects.
Render Repair
Maintaining the external render of your property is crucial for protecting your home from the elements. Any damage should be addressed promptly to ensure your house remains safeguarded.
What is Rising Damp?
Rising damp is a recognised but relatively uncommon damp issue that requires expert diagnosis and specific treatment for effective remediation.
The term rising damp refers to a type of dampness caused by groundwater being drawn up through brick and stonework by capillary action. This groundwater often contains hygroscopic salts (notably chlorides and nitrates) that attract and absorb moisture from the atmosphere when humidity levels are high. This can result in unsightly marks on internal walls and damage to plaster, as well as put adjacent timber at risk of fungal decay.
This guide will help answer the following questions:
What causes rising damp?
Is rising damp a myth?
Is rising damp a problem?
How to identify rising damp?
What Causes Rising Damp?
Rising damp occurs when groundwater is drawn up through the masonry and mortar of a building’s walls, similar to how water rises up a plant stalk or a reed diffuser’s wick through capillary action. Factors such as the moisture content of the ground and the height of the water table influence rising damp. Building materials also play a role, with some types of masonry being more susceptible due to their capillary sizes.
Some properties may never experience rising damp, but buildings without a damp proof course (DPC) may be vulnerable if the water table rises. Even with a DPC, rising damp can occur if the DPC is bridged by external factors such as flowerbeds, raised footpaths, driveways, or certain external renders.
Is Rising Damp a Myth?
How to Identify Rising Damp?
Rising damp can be identified by several signs, typically visible only on the ground floor:
- Tide mark damp stains
- White marks from residual salts
- Decaying skirting boards and floorboards
- Damp wallpaper, plaster, or paint
- Localised patches of mould
Is Rising Damp a Problem?
Untreated rising damp can cause significant damage, including unsightly marks on walls, salt deposits, and decay in adjacent timber. It can also lead to increased heat loss due to higher wall conductivity.
Rising Damp Treatments
The primary method for treating rising damp is installing a damp proof course (DPC) via damp proof injection. This involves injecting a cream into drilled holes in the affected wall, creating a waterproof barrier through diffusion of liquid silane and siloxane components.
Before any treatment, a thorough diagnosis is essential. Complete Damp Proofing conducts extensive damp surveys to accurately identify the cause of dampness in your property.
What Causes Rising Damp?
Rising damp results from groundwater being drawn up through the masonry of a building’s walls, much like water rises through a plant stalk via capillary action. Factors influencing rising damp include ground moisture levels, the height of the water table, and the type of building materials used. Some buildings may never be affected, while others without a damp proof course (DPC) may be at risk, especially if external factors bridge the DPC.
Is Rising Damp a Myth?
Despite some debate, rising damp is a real phenomenon. Misdiagnosis of other damp issues has led to confusion, but rising damp occurs when water moves upward through porous materials by capillary action.
How to Identify Rising Damp?
- Look for these signs, typically on the ground floor:
- Tide mark damp stains
- White salt deposits
- Decaying skirting boards and floorboards
- Damp or peeling wallpaper, plaster, or paint
- Localised mould patches
Is Rising Damp a Problem?
If left untreated, rising damp can cause extensive damage to walls, timber, and decorative finishes. It also increases heat loss through walls.
Contact Complete Damp Proofing
For expert rising damp diagnosis and treatment, contact Complete Damp Proofing. Our specialists provide thorough surveys and effective treatments to protect your property from rising damp.
Rising Damp Treatments
Installing a damp proof course (DPC) via injection is the common treatment. This method involves injecting a cream that forms a waterproof barrier within the wall.
Accurate diagnosis by a professional is crucial before treatment.