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Rising damp is an issue that has the potential to affect any building. It is a particular problem in older houses where the original damp proof course that was installed to prevent rising damp has become damaged or where the ground level around a property has been raised bridging the original damp proof course with the possible addition of a new path, drive way, flower bed, etc.

Over time, a failed barrier to prevent rising damp will allow water from the ground to rise through the brick work, stone work or through the mortar joint that holds the brick work together. This ground water often contains soluble salts that are deposited on the surfaces of the walls as they dry out. In turn, these salts draw moisture from the atmosphere giving a permanent damp feeling to the wall leading to one of the key indicators to help identify rising damp.

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Why Rising Damp Occurs?

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All buildings are surrounded by natural moisture that unless prevented is trying to get into the structure of the building. Materials such as stone and brick are naturally porous and will gradually soak up moisture via their capillaries. When a building is constructed, a measure to prevent rising damp is generally installed in the form of a physical (lead lined bituminous or other membranes, slate, blue brick) damp proof course into the walls however, when this preventative rising damp treatment does not exist or becomes damaged the most common result is rising damp. 

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Why Rising Damp Can Be A Problem?

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Rising damp is unsightly, potentially unhealthy, and can cause heat loss due to the increased conductivity of the walls. If you notice the tell tale signs of rising damp a general rule of thumb is that the sooner you start thinking about resolving the issue, the less likely for more damage to occur and the lower the potential costs to remedy the issue. Often, the easiest and most reliable way to do this is to contact an experienced and qualified rising damp specialist such as ourselves that are familiar with rising damp problems and the variety of rising damp treatments available.