Rising damp is one of the least common types of damp; as its name suggests it rises from the ground and can be found in buildings which do not have a damp proof course present. However, rising damp can occur in buildings which have a damp proof course present but it may have become damaged and failed due to a number of possible reasons, ‘bridging’ is a common cause of failed damp proof courses.

Visible by tide marks which appear in the wall normally to a height of 1m, rising damp is easy to identify by an expert. The tide marks and staining is caused by chloride and nitrate deposits which are known as hygroscopic salts left in the wall and plaster when the dampness evaporates.

These salts will remain present and have the ability to obtain moisture unless a meter of plaster is removed and a specially formulated plaster mix is applied instead.

Penetrating damp unfortunately is caused because of poor property maintenance. Items such as defective plumbing and blocked gutters which can cause overflows and these combined with a number of environmental factors can cause damp to penetrate through a structure.

This particular type of damp can penetrate the structure of the building and this can cause internal adjacent timbers becoming damp and as a result degrading through dry rot and wet rot infestations.

Condensation damp is caused when there is inadequate air flow and ventilation within a property. The walls become damp which then causes damage to plaster surface as well as black mould. Unfortunately there will be a musty smell when this type of damp present and this is extremely unpleasant.

What should I do if I have damp problems?

If you are experiencing damp problems within your home then you should speak us and we will either send out a surveyor or request that an approved contractor calls to see you.