What is Rising Damp?
Rising damp is a condition where moisture from the ground travels up through the porous building materials such as bricks, sandstone, or mortar of a building. This occurs via capillary action, where moisture moves upwards through tiny pores in the structural materials of a building. This can lead to a range of structural problems within the property, including damage to plaster, salt deposits on walls, peeling paint and wallpaper, and in severe cases, it can even affect the structural integrity of the walls.
Misconceptions About the Prevalence of Rising Damp
Despite common concerns, rising damp is not as prevalent as some contractors might suggest. It often occurs due to the absence of an effective damp-proof course (DPC) or the failure of an existing one. However, the symptoms frequently attributed to rising damp might often be due to other moisture-related issues such as condensation or rain penetration, which are more common and can resemble the signs of rising damp.
The Role of Damp Proof Courses (DPC)
The core function of a damp-proof course is to prevent rising damp. It acts as a barrier through which water cannot pass, effectively stopping the capillary action that draws water upwards. Historically, DPCs were not standard in buildings constructed before the late 19th century. It was during the implementation of the Public Health Acts of 1875 that the installation of damp-proof courses became a requirement for new buildings to ensure sanitary conditions and protect them from moisture & sewage. The materials used for DPCs have evolved from slate and bitumen to more modern materials like plastic or other waterproof substances.
When diagnosing damp issues in a building, it’s crucial to ensure an accurate identification of the problem. Rising damp should only be considered once other more common forms of dampness, such as condensation and penetrating damp, have been ruled out. Restoration or repair should focus on the underlying problem using the appropriate methods, which may involve repairing or replacing the DPC or addressing external drainage issues.
How We at Preservit Ltd Address Rising Damp
At Preservit Ltd, addressing rising damp begins with an accurate diagnosis to confirm its presence, as misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective and costly treatments. Here’s how we ensure the correct identification and treatment of rising damp:
Comprehensive Diagnosis
The first and most critical step in addressing rising damp is to ensure that it is indeed the cause of the moisture problem. At Preservit Ltd, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and techniques, including moisture meters and hygrometers, to measure the moisture levels in the walls. Our experts also conduct a thorough inspection of the building to identify any potential external factors contributing to damp issues, such as ground salts, poor drainage or defective guttering.
Identifying the Correct Cause
Many symptoms often attributed to rising damp, such as peeling paint, salt efflorescence, and damp patches, can also be caused by other damp-related issues like condensation or penetrating damp. We distinguish rising damp from other forms of moisture damage by looking for characteristic signs such as a ‘tide line’ of dampness rising from the ground on internal walls.
Treatment Plans
Once we confirm the presence of rising damp, we find a treatment plan to the specific needs of the building. This involves the installation or repair of a damp-proof course. Our approach may include the use of chemical DPC injections, which involve injecting a silicone-based cream into the mortar joints to create a barrier against moisture. In buildings where a physical DPC is more suitable.
Preventive measures and Treatments
After treating the immediate problem, we focus on long-term solutions to prevent the recurrence of rising damp. This includes improving external drainage and ensuring that soil levels are well below the damp-proof course. We also advise on regular maintenance checks to ensure that the DPC remains intact and effective.
Follow-Up and Guarantee’s
At Preservit Ltd, our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in our follow-up service. We provide a guarantee for our damp proofing treatments, offering peace of mind and protection for your investment. Post-treatment, we schedule follow-up visits to ensure that the damp has been successfully eradicated and to address any concerns the property owner might have.
In conclusions, correctly diagnosing and treating rising damp is crucial to preserving the integrity and value of your property. At Preservit Ltd, our expert team is dedicated to providing effective, long-lasting solutions to rising damp, ensuring that our clients’ homes and buildings are dry, healthy, and comfortable.
At Preservit Ltd., we have been providing specialised rising damp treatment services for more than 40 years. Our team of professionals have the experience, skill, and tools required to treat a rising damp problem in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Unlike other companies, we not only focus on fixing the issue, but also use specialised damp proofing techniques to prevent reoccurrence of the problem.
By choosing Preservit Ltd., you can rest assured that your damp problem will be taken care of in the most professional manner. In addition, with offer a 20-year guarantee on our damp proofing treatment services, so you can have peace of mind knowing that the problem won’t arise again!
Do you suspect that you have a damp issue?
Call us at 01902 742461 to schedule a professional rising damp survey and get your property examined by one of our experts today!
