Rising damp is visible as moisture on the lower sections of your walls. You may first notice this issue in the morning, when you see damp patches near the base of your bathroom walls, or when you return home after being away and find dampness on the lower portions of your interior walls.
If you have noticed signs of rising damp, it is important to take action before it leads to more serious damage to your property.
The above symptoms can cause infected areas in your home, resulting in damage to your brickwork, potent and stale odours, and harming the health of anyone living on the property.
Rising damp is a phenomenon wherein water infiltrates from the ground, encircling the foundations of a building. The natural porosity of brick and stone allows moisture to permeate these materials over time gradually. This process occurs as heat facilitates the upward movement of moisture, carrying soluble salts, notably sulphates, nitrates, and chlorides, commonly referred to as "capillarity."
The extent of subsequent dampness rising is contingent on several factors, including the porosity of the brick or stone and the rate of evaporation. Masonry with a high proportion of fine pores allows water to ascend to greater heights compared to materials with coarser pores.
When left untreated, rising damp leads to the accumulation of a substantial quantity of salts within the building's structure, resulting in the formation of a salt band. Chlorides and nitrates, being hygroscopic, tend to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. Consequently, higher salt concentrations lead to increased moisture absorption, especially in humid conditions. It is crucial to address rising damp promptly to prevent the adverse effects caused by salt build-up in the building.
Rising damp often goes unnoticed at its initial occurrence, which can eventually lead to timber decay and increased heat loss due to higher wall conductivity. Not only is rising damp unsightly, but it can also pose potential health risks and gradually deteriorate the masonry, causing the surface to crumble. Moreover, if moisture permeates the plasterwork, extensive and disruptive internal treatment becomes highly probable.
If you suspect your property may be experiencing signs of rising damp, it is crucial to take immediate action to keep the treatment costs at a minimum.
Typical indicators of lateral damp include blistering or peeling wallpaper, along with patches of discolouration becoming noticeable on the lower sections of interior walls. This type of dampness can lead to significant structural damage, such as deteriorating plaster work, rusting of skirting board nails, and the decay of skirting boards. Externally, white bands of salts may be visible along the lower region of a wall.
To properly address dampness concerns, it is essential to conduct a professional survey to determine if rising damp is the actual issue. Many treated houses do not have rising damp but other forms of dampness. To identify potential causes, inspect the external areas for faulty water services or elevated patios or flower beds exceeding the DPC level. Opening windows and heating the room to improve ventilation might help the area dry naturally.
If no apparent signs are found, it is highly recommended that a damp surveyor be hired to assess the property and recommend the appropriate action. The rising damp treatment usually involves injecting water-repellent chemicals into the masonry and replacing affected plasterwork and damaged timber.
With over 20 years of experience in the damp proofing industry, we have developed a vast portfolio of customers who have received more than satisfactory service. That is why a high percentage of our work comes from recommendations from homeowners who have benefited from our work, and it has been carried out to the very highest standards.
Our company is committed to providing not only a highly effective and professional solution to damp problems but is also backed up by the very best standards of customer service and satisfaction.
To speak to an industry professional today, call us at 0161 527 6777.
A damp survey is a professional inspection conducted by our expert team to identify the cause of damp issues in your property. It helps us recommend the most suitable treatment based on your specific requirements and findings. It is essential to have a damp survey to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective damp-proofing solutions.
Our qualified surveyors will thoroughly inspect your property to identify rising damp, wet rot, dry rot, or woodworm issues. We will provide a detailed report of our findings and offer a cost estimate for any necessary remedial works. If you proceed with the recommended treatments, the survey cost will be deducted from the final price.
In many cases, customers believe they have rising damp, but it may not be the correct diagnosis. Our survey will provide an accurate assessment, and if rising damp treatment is unnecessary, we will advise you accordingly. We only recommend treatments that address the actual damp problem present in your property.
Damp problems can cause significant damage to a property and can also pose health risks. Our damp-proofing treatments will safeguard your property from future damp issues, preventing structural damage and protecting your well-being.
Not all buildings require a damp proof course. Our expert team will assess your property during the damp survey to determine if a damp proof course is necessary. 75% of buildings with a damp proof course don't need one.
Once you receive our damp survey report and cost estimate for the necessary remedial works, you can choose to proceed with the recommended damp treatments. We will guide you through the process and ensure effective solutions for your property's damp issues.
Ignoring damp problems can lead to further deterioration of your property's structure, potential mold growth, and health hazards. Acting promptly by addressing damp issues will prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs in the future.
Yes, our damp survey team consists of qualified and experienced professionals who are specialists in providing expert damp surveys and damp proof courses. They are well-equipped to diagnose and recommend effective solutions for various damp-related issues.
Absolutely! Our damp survey and treatments are available nationwide, ensuring that you can access our professional services regardless of your location. We are committed to delivering high-quality damp-proofing solutions to safeguard your property and your health.
To schedule a damp survey with our professional team, reach out to us through our website or contact information. We will be glad to assist you in identifying and resolving any damp-related issues in your property promptly.
