Rising Damp Survey

Our holistic and comprehensive survey will identify if the issue really is rising damp. 

First, what is rising damp? Rising damp is where moisture from the ground travels up to the surface of the property’s walls through porous materials (bricks, stones). One of the most common signs of rising damp is stained patches and mould on the wall about a metre above ground level. However, cases of rising damp is less common than you might think, and it’s likely that other forms of damp are causing these issues. 

Let’s bust some common myths to start off with: 

Myth: Rising damp is a common problem in all buildings. 

It does happen, but it is quite uncommon. Many properties that are suspected of rising damp are likely suffering from other damp issues such as condensation and penetrating damp. 

There is another myth that ‘rising damp is not real’. It most certainly is! The important thing is to identify the real source of damp and address it properly. 

Myth: Rising damp can reach unlimited heights. 

Rising damp is unlikely to rise higher than one metre. There are limits to how far water can travel through porous material. If you spot damp higher on a wall, it’s likely caused by a different form of damp. 

Myth: Applying mould treatment and waterproof coatings will help a rising damp issue. 

You may find a temporary hiatus on the attack of mould, but it will not address the underlying issue. These treatments can also cause further damage by trapping moisture that’s already inside the wall, leading to further deterioration. 

Getting a holistic damp survey is crucial to get a proper diagnosis. Without this level of certainty and clarity, you are risking making the problem worse by missing the root case and applying the wrong treatments. We offer a non-destructive damp testing. Using sophisticated equipment, we can detect how water is travelling through your home and give you an accurate, independent and thorough diagnosis without digging up your floors. 

How to cure rising damp, and what causes it in the first place? 

There are several factors that can lead to rising damp, most of which are related to the construction and maintenance of the building.

The most common is the absence of a Damp-Proof Course (DPC). A DPC is a physical waterproof barrier that’s install in the walls near to ground level to prevent moisture from travelling through porous material such as brick or stone. Very old properties may have been build without DPC, making them vulnerable to rising damp. This is most common in UK buildings constructed before 1875, and it’s an unlikely issue in buildings built after WWII.

If your home does have DPC, it is mostly likely still as effective as it ever was. Degradation of DPC does occur, but it’s more likely that you’re experiencing other forms of damp.

Other factors that could lead to rising damp include:

• High external groundwater levels – the ground in your locality may be naturally more saturated, common in regions that are prone to flooding. Groundwater levels can also fluctuate with period of heavy rain.
• Poor drainage – when water surrounding the property isn’t properly directed away, it can pool near the foundation making the ground more saturated.
• Improper construction or renovation – renovations can disturb the existing DPC, creating vulnerable areas where water can rise. Inappropriate materials or improper installation of DPC can also lead to rising damp.

The rising damp treatment you need depends on exactly what has caused it in the first place. It requires a holistic approach with a very clear and accurate diagnosis. 

If my property is old, do I need to inject Damp Proof Course (DPC)?

Injected damp proofing is not alway the answer. It’s very rare that we suggest you use this solution. This involved removing the internal wall plaster to replace it with some form of tanking. This can be very disruptive and it can actually make the problem worse in older properties.