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Rising damp is a phenomenon where water from the ground infiltrates buildings through tiny pores in brickwork, known as capillary action. This process can be obstructed by gravity and evaporation, resulting in a visible “tide-mark” approximately one metre high. However, non-porous renders or wall paint may cause other symptoms of rising damp to appear above this level. Porous materials such as plaster, lumber and wallpaper are commonly used for walls and are susceptible to decay and disintegration due to moisture damage. Groundwater salts also rise up through bricks leaving white stains on internal walls which is another common symptom of rising moisture.
To avoid confusion, it is crucial to consult a damp specialist to correctly identify the type of damp present in your building. A common misconception is that a tide mark on your wall indicates rising damp, but this may not be the case as external factors such as poor guttering, or overgrown vegetation can cause penetrating damp instead. It’s also worth noting that an efficient damp proof course may not have been installed in your property within the last two decades. If you notice mould on your walls, it could signify humidity caused by condensation rather than rising damp. It’s important to understand that, unlike other types of dampness, rising damp cannot exist above ground level since moisture rises from the soil onto the walls of buildings. Consulting with a professional will help determine if you are dealing with rising or another form of damp and how best to address it for optimal results.
If you’ve noticed any signs of rising damp in your home, it’s important to understand the sources and causes of this problem. Sussex Damp Treatments can help you identify these indications and provide a professional examination to accurately diagnose the issue. Rising damp can be difficult to distinguish from other types of damp, such as condensation or penetrating damp, so it’s crucial to get an expert opinion. Our team of surveyors are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and determine the leading cause of the problem. By calling 01273 257 212, one of our specialists can check your property for any signs of rising damp and provide effective solutions tailored specifically to your needs. Don’t let rising damp go untreated – contact Sussex Damp Treatments today for reliable assistance in resolving this issue promptly and efficiently.
There exist a plethora of discernible indicators that your abode is afflicted with the scourge of rising damp, which can be identified by homeowners. Acquiring knowledge on how to detect this malady could aid in promptly rectifying the issue at hand.
Tide marks on walls are a common indication of moisture buildup. These marks result from the evaporation of water and salt migration from the ground, which seeps up through the wall. Typically, tide markings can be observed at the base of the wall to about one metre above it. However, if these markings are not visible, damp patches or stains may also indicate rising dampness. These patches usually appear as dark yellow or brown spots and can be found at similar heights as tide marks. If dampness is presently higher than one metre up the wall, it could still be due to rising damp but might suggest a penetrating damp issue instead. It is essential to exercise caution when diagnosing this type of problem since both types of moisture issues may coexist in some cases.
Rising damp is a common cause of moist or damp patches on walls, particularly if they are located on the lower section of the wall and your property is situated on the ground floor. Capillary action causes moisture from the ground to rise through brick or stonework, resulting in rising damp if there is no effective Damp Proof Course at the base of your property’s walls. This issue only affects properties’ ground floors since it originates from below. If you experience a damp problem above this level, it may be due to penetrating damp or condensation rather than rising damp. It’s critical to identify and address any type of moisture issue promptly since prolonged exposure can result in structural damage and health issues for occupants.
The pungent aroma of dampness is a telltale sign that your property may be suffering from this affliction. Even if you cannot see any visible signs of moisture, the musty and unpleasant scent can almost always be detected. However, identifying the specific type of damp causing damage to your property can prove challenging without visible evidence on the fabric of your home. In such cases, it is advisable to seek assistance from a Specialist Damp Surveyor who can diagnose the issue accurately for appropriate treatment. Different types of damp require different treatments; therefore, correct identification is crucial in resolving the problem as quickly as possible.
The presence of black mould in the lower regions of your wall is a clear indication that there is an abundance of moisture. The existence of this unsightly fungus suggests that you have a condensation problem. However, if the issue arises on the bottom half of your ground floor walls, it could indicate rising or penetrating dampness, which requires immediate attention. It’s imperative to address any form of dampness as soon as possible since it can lead to structural damage and pose health risks for occupants. Therefore, it’s crucial to identify the root cause and take appropriate measures to eliminate excess moisture from your home promptly.
Through capillary action, moisture rises from the ground and travels upwards through the stonework. As it does so, it collects hygroscopic salts from the earth that migrate into your property and cause damage to plaster and decoration. These salts have a tendency to draw in moisture from the air, resulting in damp walls that may feel wet when touched. When evaporation moisture brings these salts to the surface, they can leave behind a white coating on your wall.
If you suspect rising damp is causing your wall’s dampness, then you must also consider how hygroscopic salts are contributing to this problem. Addressing both issues simultaneously will be necessary for the effective remediation of rising damp-related problems.
Peeling wallpaper or paint can be a telltale sign of rising humidity levels within your walls. The accumulation of moisture due to ongoing damp issues can cause the wallpaper or paint to detach from the wall surface. This is particularly noticeable in areas such as skirting boards and lower portions of walls, where the wallpaper often peels away first, with edges curling outward. However, it’s important to note that this could also indicate a condensation or penetrating damp issue in your home, requiring an accurate diagnosis for proper repair specification implementation. To ensure effective resolution, it’s essential to identify the root cause accurately before proceeding with any repairs.
The presence of flaking or bubbling plaster, crumbling plaster, or powdery deposits on the walls of your ground floor is a clear indication that you are dealing with a damp problem. This type of issue could be caused by rising damp, which occurs when moisture from the air rises and causes damage to the plaster on your walls. If left unaddressed, this can lead to significant cosmetic damage to your property’s ornate and decorated walls. The cost of repairing such damages can be substantial for property owners if not dealt with promptly. Therefore, it is crucial to take action as soon as possible if you notice any signs of rising damp in your home.
If left unaddressed, rising damp can lead to severe damage in your home’s skirting boards and floors. The excessive moisture caused by the dampness can harm the timbers, making them vulnerable to fungal attacks. This type of decay is similar to other forms of damp that cause rot in direct contact with the timber. Property owners should avoid skirtings and other timbers that show signs of cracking or disintegration upon touch. Visible fungus growth on the skirting boards or flooring timbers may indicate long-term wetness damage to the house. It is crucial for homeowners to address rising damp promptly before it causes irreversible harm to their property’s structural integrity.
Iron and steel that are not protected can succumb to rust when exposed to excessive moisture levels over a prolonged period. Rust can cause fasteners made of iron or steel, such as cavity wall ties, to lose their stability, thereby compromising the structural integrity of the property. The impact of rusted and non-functional fasteners on the property’s overall security cannot be overstated. It is essential to ensure that all metal components in a building are adequately protected against moisture damage to prevent significant harm from occurring.
Ground-floor walls, both internal and external, are susceptible to severe damage from rising damp. Repairing crumbling bricks and mortar can be a costly affair. Rising damp causes the bricks or mortar to become porous, leading to penetrating damp that further damages internal walls. Fortunately, fretting is an easily identifiable condition caused by decaying bricks or mortar.
When inspecting your brickwork or stonework, check for cracking or powdery mortar and deterioration of the brick surface as these are signs of moisture and salt deposits causing fretting. In the later stages of this condition, the joints may have almost entirely lost their mortar content. Therefore it is essential to keep a close eye on cement joints in external brickwork or stonework so that any issues with fretting can be identified early on before they cause significant damage requiring expensive repairs.
Our team of experienced damp surveyors conduct a thorough examination of the affected area before commencing any rising damp treatment. This allows for an accurate diagnosis and identification of the type of damp issue your property is experiencing, followed by necessary repairs to address the problem. Our expert technicians carry out these repairs in a timely and cost-effective manner, tailored to suit your specific property’s requirements. Depending on the type and condition of your property, various rising damp remedial works may be required such as the removal of wall fabric or repair/installation of a new DPC system. In case the old system fails, our experts will instal a brand new chemical DPC that creates a continuous waterproof layer serving as a barrier against moisture from the ground rising up masonry walls.
Contact Sussex Damp Experts Now to Speak With an Expert.
At Sussex Damp Treatments, we offer a diverse range of products and brands to cater to the specific requirements and limitations of each case. Our comprehensive solutions for rot damage treatment and repair are tailored to meet individual needs. It is crucial to address rising damp as soon as any symptoms arise, as leaving it untreated can lead to severe structural damage in your home.
To ensure that you receive the most effective solution at an affordable price, our team provides personalised surveys based on your concerns and requirements. No two cases are alike, which is why we send one of our expert surveyors to assess your situation thoroughly. Contact us today at 01273 257 212 for a consultation with our knowledgeable staff who will provide you with peace of mind by offering cost-effective quotes that suit your unique needs.
Sussex Damp Treatments is a team of highly skilled damp proofing experts who provide comprehensive services ranging from inspections to treatments and repairs for wood, walls, ceilings, and floors. Our clientele includes commercial property owners, property management businesses, and residential property owners.
We have rot treatment specialists who will inspect your property thoroughly to evaluate the severity of the damp problem before providing specific damp and timber treatments as well as rotten timber repairs using the most effective methods available. All our employees are trained beyond industry standards with Certified Surveyors in Remedial Treatment (CSRT) ensuring that we deliver top-notch service to all our customers.
Some benefits of choosing us include almost 20 years of combined experience among our welcome group of specialists with diverse skills at reasonable prices; any type of property can benefit from this service; up to 30-year guarantee included with all work; successful track record in both dry rot and wet rot repairs as well as real estate inspections. Contact us today via phone or email if you’re experiencing any damp problems on your property.
Max and his team have been at our property all week and I really can’t thank them enough for the fantastic job they’ve done on plastering both our walls and ceilings. They have literally transformed the appearance of our house! Not only has Ma…
From start to finish Max has been incredable. His knowledge lin damp proofing is second to none and his team where very clean and polite. The plastered finish was like glass so happy we choose Max Plastering for job.
Lovely bunch of lads left a very neat and clean job. Problem was solved.
Perfect Finnish and all left clean and tidy and no mess. Used Max previously and would not hesitate to ask him carry out more work.
Max, Harvey and Stuart arrived promptly as arranged. Done a great job on our outside rear wall. Work completed to a high standard, removal of all old material and cleaned up after themselves. I am so pleased with the standard of their work they ar…
They turned up on time and carried out the works in a very professional manor leaving the front of the house clean and tidy. Very impressed would definitely recommend.
I have to say that on every level Max (with Stuart and Harvey) did an extremely professional job! They explained what they were going to do, they were polite and courteous and respected that they were coming into our home. The plastering is of the…
I called max and he managed to come around the same day to do a survey. The next day I received an extremely detailed survey compared to any other damp proofer which made me feel very at ease that he was going to do the right job. Max and team tur…
Contact Sussex Damp Experts Now to Speak With an Expert.