Rising damp is a common problem in buildings where groundwater rises up through walls, floors, and other porous materials by capillary action. When moisture from the ground is drawn up into the building, it can cause damage to walls, floors, and other structures. The moisture may contain dissolved salts, which can also cause problems, such as salt crystallization and efflorescence.

The causes of rising damp can include the absence or failure of a damp-proof course (DPC), which is a barrier that is installed in the walls of a building to prevent moisture from rising up from the ground. Other causes can include high levels of ground moisture, poor ventilation, and other building defects.

Symptoms of rising damp can include a musty odor, dampness or staining on walls, blistering or flaking paint or wallpaper, and the presence of mold or mildew. If left untreated, rising damp can lead to structural damage, including the deterioration of plaster and brickwork.

There are several external signs that may indicate the presence of rising damp, including:

Damp patches on walls: You may notice patches of damp or discoloration on the lower parts of the walls, particularly close to the ground. The patches may be yellow or brown and can be soft or crumbly to the touch.

Flaking or blistering paint: Rising damp can cause paint and plaster to bubble or flake off the wall surface. This can be particularly noticeable close to the skirting boards or floor level.

White or grey marks: As the damp evaporates, it can leave behind a white or grey powdery residue on the surface of the wall. This is known as efflorescence and is caused by the salts present in the rising moisture.

Rotting skirting boards or floorboards: If the damp has been present for a long time, it can cause the wood to rot or decay. This can be a sign that the damp has been present for a considerable amount of time.

Musty smells: If you notice a damp or musty smell in your home, this can be a sign of rising damp, particularly if it is stronger close to the floor.

If you notice any of these external signs of rising damp, it is important to have the problem assessed by a professional damp specialist. They can identify the underlying cause of the problem and recommend the most appropriate solution to fix the issue.

To prevent penetrative damp, it is important to maintain the external fabric of the building, such as repairing damaged roof tiles, gutters, and flashing, and ensuring that external walls are properly sealed and painted. Improving ventilation and reducing excess moisture in the building can also help to prevent condensation-related penetrative damp. If penetrative damp is suspected, it is important to consult a professional to assess the problem and recommend appropriate solutions, which may include repairs or improvements to the building’s external fabric or ventilation system.

There are several internal signs that may indicate the presence of rising damp, including:

Damp or wet patches on walls: This is the most common sign of rising damp. You may notice damp or wet patches on the lower parts of walls, particularly near the skirting boards or floor. The patches may be soft and crumbly to the touch, and the wall may feel cold and damp.

Peeling wallpaper or blistering paint: Rising damp can cause wallpaper to peel away from the wall, or paint to blister or bubble. This is because the moisture is getting behind the wall covering, causing it to lift away from the wall.

Salt stains: Rising damp can carry salts from the ground up into the walls. These salts can then form white, powdery deposits on the surface of the wall or plaster. This is known as efflorescence.

Mold or mildew: Rising damp can create the damp conditions that mold and mildew thrive in. You may notice black or green spots on the walls or ceiling, or a musty smell.

Rotting skirting boards or floorboards: If the damp has been present for a long time, it can cause the wood to rot or decay. This can be a sign that the damp has been present for a considerable amount of time.

If you notice any of these internal signs of rising damp, it is important to have the problem assessed by a professional damp specialist. They can identify the underlying cause of the problem and recommend the most appropriate solution to fix the issue.

Rising damp is caused by groundwater or soil moisture rising up through the porous materials of a building by capillary action. This can occur when the building’s damp-proof course (DPC), a barrier installed in the walls of a building to prevent moisture from rising up from the ground, is missing, damaged, or bridged. Other factors that can contribute to rising damp include:

High groundwater levels: Buildings located in areas with high groundwater levels are more susceptible to rising damp. This is because the moisture in the ground can easily penetrate the porous materials of the building.

Poor ventilation: Lack of proper ventilation can create a damp environment that allows moisture to accumulate and contribute to rising damp.

Building design and construction: Some older buildings may not have a damp-proof course or may have been built using porous materials that allow moisture to seep in.

Bridging of the damp-proof course: If the DPC is bridged or breached, moisture can penetrate the walls and rise up through the building.

Plumbing leaks: Leaking pipes or other plumbing issues can cause moisture to accumulate in walls or floors, contributing to rising damp.

It is important to identify and address the underlying causes of rising damp to prevent further damage to the building’s structure and to ensure a healthy living environment. A professional damp specialist can assess the extent of the problem and recommend appropriate solutions, such as repairing or installing a damp-proof course, improving ventilation, or addressing plumbing leaks.

Using a damp professional can be highly beneficial for several reasons:

Accurate diagnosis: A damp specialist can accurately diagnose the type and extent of damp affecting your property. This is essential as different types of damp require different treatments, and an incorrect diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and ongoing issues.

Specialist knowledge: Damp professionals have specialist knowledge and training in identifying and treating damp issues. They have access to specialized equipment and techniques that enable them to identify the root cause of the problem and recommend the most appropriate solution.

Prevent further damage: Damp can cause significant damage to a property if left untreated. A damp specialist can help prevent further damage by identifying and treating the root cause of the problem and implementing appropriate solutions to prevent further moisture ingress.

Improve indoor air quality: Damp can create a damp, musty environment that can have a negative impact on indoor air quality and the health of occupants. A damp specialist can help improve indoor air quality by addressing the underlying damp issue and implementing appropriate ventilation and moisture control measures.

Long-term solutions: A damp specialist can recommend long-term solutions that address the root cause of the damp issue, rather than simply treating the symptoms. This can help ensure a lasting solution and prevent future damp problems.

In summary, using a damp professional can help accurately diagnose the problem, prevent further damage, improve indoor air quality, and provide long-term solutions to damp issues.