As the name suggests, rising damp is caused by moisture in the ground seeping up through the bricks and mortar of a building. It’s a common problem that can affect a variety of building materials including wood and plasterwork.
Is rising damp seasonal?
The first signs of rising damp can usually be seen on internal walls where the water has penetrated, affecting plaster and wallpaper, as well as painting. It can also cause rot in floorboards, skirtings and joists.
Rising damp isn’t a health hazard as long as it’s properly addressed, but the damage it causes to your property and the smell can be incredibly unpleasant. Additionally, rising damp can lower the value of your home and make it harder to sell, which can cost you a lot of money. Read more
If you’ve been told your property is suffering from rising damp, then there are a number of ways to treat the problem. But the most effective solution is by using a damp proofing cream to create a physical barrier on the inside of the wall, which will prevent moisture from coming in.
Typical diagnostics of rising damp include the yellow or brown tide marks that can be visible higher up the wall, as a result of salt deposition from the underground pooling of moisture (see image above). These deposits may be left behind by previous water penetration and may not always be the source of the current problems.
The best way to diagnose rising damp is to get an experienced and professional company to come and take a look at the problem. They will be able to identify the specific area that is affected and recommend the most appropriate course of action for treatment.
