Rising damp is unsightly, unhealthy and can lead to serious timber decay which if left untreated could leave a property unsafe. Rising damp effects anything constructed off the ground and as the dampness rises from the ground it also brings up hygroscopic salts (Nitrates & Chlorides) which can break down plaster and ruin the internal decoration of the property

The term “Rising damp” is used to describe dampness in a wall that has risen from the ground below.

Causes of rising damp

There are various reasons why damp can rise into buildings, some of these include:

• The failing of an existing damp proof course (DPC)
• A complete absence of a damp course in the first place
• Bridging of the damp proof course – usually where the internal plaster has been taken down lower than the DPC or if there is a build up of rubble inside a cavity of a wall.
• Leaking pipes

How to identify rising damp in your property

There are a number of signs that may identify rising damp although you will not always see these right away and may not show until the problem has worsened

• Damage to internal decoration – usually discoloured watermarks to the plaster or paint
• Damage to internal plaster – this will appear as blistering of the plaster, build up of salts or even disintegration
• Rotting to skirting boards and timbers of wooden floors, timbers like skirting boards will have a wet rot decay, but they will rot from the back so this may not be visible until the problem has worsened

Rising damp will rarely exceed one metre above ground level but in extreme problem areas this could be much higher

Due to the complexity of rising damp, its identification needs to be carried out by an industry surveyor and dampness could be picked up at an earlier stage.

Treatments for rising damp

Treatments for rising damp may vary depending on the structure of the building and we recommend requesting a survey

If you suspect that you may have any kind of damp problem in your property then contact us and we can arrange for a full survey to be taken out on the building. This will identify if there is a problem or even if there is possibility of future problems.

If there were any problems found in the survey then recommendations will be made on the best method of treatment to be taken out. Oakfield Consulting Services can also offer up to a 30 year independent guarantee on treatment carried out to prevent the problem of rising dampness in buildings.