RISING DAMP
What is Rising Damp?
While there are numerous forms of damp, rising damp is unique in that it refers to ground moisture that rises up a building, causing damage as it does so. Brickwork and masonry draw in moisture using capillary action, much like a sponge absorbs liquid and every London building should have a damp proof course, or DPC, as it is known. This is a waterproof barrier that is installed between the first few courses of bricks and it prevents moisture from crossing that barrier. Damp that enters a building from any source other than the ground is known as penetrating damp and the two are often confused.
Older London Properties
There are many houses in London that have compromised DPC, which might be due to ground movement or simply wear and tear over many decades. Of course, DPC membrane has improved over time and older buildings have a bitumen-based strip that is sandwiched between lower courses of bricks, which can easily be damaged. Terraced houses are particularly prone to rising damp, which can affect an adjoining property; your home might be protected, yet the damp is coming from an adjoining house. If you are the owner of a terraced house in London and there are signs of damp, you need a professional assessment from a respected damp survey company that will get to the root cause of the issue.
Ground Subsidence
Ground movement is a common cause of rising damp; you might notice cracks in external rendering or brickwork, which is a sure sign that the building has shifted and this can cause the DPC membrane to split, rendering the barrier ineffective. Building an extension without taking the DPC into consideration is another reason rising damp appears, as moisture can bypass the DPC and continue to attack the walls.
Tell-Tale Signs of Rising Damp
Rising damp is a serious threat to London homes and signs include:
- Moss growth on external walls, especially close to ground level.
- Defective masonry and brickwork; moisture can cause these materials to crumble and break off. Use a screwdriver to probe suspected materials.
- Mould & mildew forming on internal surfaces; fungi thrive in still and damp environments.
- Damp patches on internal walls that do not dry out.
- Salt stains on interior walls.
- Flaking and bubbling paint on walls and wooden frames.
- Musty smell in the house.
- Damaged plaster that is crumbling and breaking away from the substrate.
If you see any of the above in your home, rising damp might be present and the best solution is to contact us on the number below or complete the form on this website. Our PCA-certified surveyor will source the root cause of any damp, mould or timber rot and provide you with a detailed report the following day.
Typical Treatments for Rising Damp
Common rising damp treatments include the following:
- Repair or replacement of the existing damp proof course.
- Injectable chemical DPC foam to provide an extra moisture barrier.
- Application of waterproof render/plaster.
- Cavity wall insulation.
While we do not carry out damp-proofing treatment, we do work closely with one of London’s most respected damp-proofing companies.
The Importance of Regular Damp Inspections
There are no obvious visible signs when rising damp impacts a building; it is usually much later when this is discovered and by that time, damage has been caused. In order to get a heads-up, we recommend an annual damp survey that would reveal any signs of damp, mould and timber rot. We cover all areas of London, including Kensington, Fulham, Mayfair, Camden, Hammersmith, Chelsea, Soho and many other districts of the capital, and we can usually carry out an independent damp survey within a few days of receiving a booking.
If you require urgent damp-proofing work, we have a close working relationship with a top London damp-proofing company with more than 40 years of hands-on experience dealing with damp, mould and timber rot.
We are proud of our independent damp survey service and if you suspect that rising damp is present in your home, give us a call or fill in the survey booking form on this website.