Rising damp is often confused with condensation damp, leading to misdiagnosis. The Code of practice for the Investigation and Control of Dampness in Buildings advises comparing moisture levels in masonry or mortar samples from within the depth of a wall and near its inner surface to differentiate between the two types of damp. Rising damp can also be correctly diagnosed but inadequately treated due to failed injection of chemical DPC cream. This results in disappointed customers and damages the industry’s reputation.
Sussex Damp Treatments offers expert services provided by professionals with extensive experience, guaranteeing all work and materials used for peace of mind when addressing the property’s damp problems. Contact them today at **XX** for advice on how best to deal with your property’s situation through no-obligation site surveys conducted by experts.
Rising damp can affect both the internal and external walls of a property. It is important to be vigilant for signs of rising damp, such as a yellow or brown tidal line left on the wall, blown plaster directly above skirting boards, rotten or cracked floors near walls, white and fluffy deposits in/on plaster that appear salted, and discolouration caused by mould, fungus and mildew. These indicators are crucial to identify early on as they can lead to significant damage if left untreated. Therefore it is essential to take immediate action if any of these symptoms are present in your property.
Distinguishing the smell of rising damp from other types of moisture can be a challenging task, as it emits a musty and moist odour. This distinct scent is often difficult to identify, making it crucial to seek professional assistance in diagnosing and treating the issue.
For decades, physical damp-proof courses (DPCs) have been used in building design to prevent moisture from damaging walls. However, these barriers are not always effective at stopping rising damp. Over time, physical DPCs can become damaged or improperly installed, especially in older homes. Additionally, renovations and extensions can inadvertently damage the built-in DPC layer by altering ground levels and creating new pathways for moisture to rise through previously unaffected areas of the structure. In such cases where rising damp is present despite a physical DPC being in place or has been compromised due to external factors, a repair DPC must be erected as an additional protective measure against further moisture infiltration.
To prevent water from seeping into the structure, a damp proof course (DPC) is typically installed at the base of the walls. These courses are constructed using non-absorbent materials such as slate, bitumen or plastic depending on when the property was built. However, physical DPCs may deteriorate over time or be absent in older homes. In such cases, water can easily travel up through walls without any obstruction.
Even if a DPC exists, it could still be ineffective due to various reasons like debris accumulation in wall cavities or beneath floors; overlapping renders or plasters inside/outside of the DPC; raised ground levels outside of it; inadequate insulation material within cavity walls; solid flooring and abutting garden/intersecting masonry structures among others that bridge the DPC’s effectiveness.
The appearance of rising damp on interior walls is often the first indication of a problem. The tell-tale tide marks that appear are indicative of water reaching a certain height, usually up to one metre above the skirting board. However, in rare cases, water can travel beyond this limit. The extent to which water rises depends on various factors such as pore structure and evaporation rate. Masonry with fine pores will allow for greater water absorption than those with fewer pores.
Groundwater typically contains salts which are deposited onto walls during evaporation; these salts can cause paint to bubble and leave behind white deposits or crusty patches depending on their composition. Hygroscopic salts like nitrates and chlorides continue to attract moisture even after initial removal, necessitating proper handling procedures for effective remediation efforts.
Rising damp can be identified through common signs, which are also visible on external walls. The capillary process that moves groundwater up through masonry is responsible for rising damp in external walls. This occurs when a DPC fails or does not exist or when it has been bridged. To detect evidence of rising dampness on walls, look out for tidal markings and disintegrating mortar between the bricks or stones, as well as salt deposits.
Rising damp is a significant issue that must not be ignored as it can lead to structural damage. It is an unpleasant experience to live with, as it can cause harm to your plaster, flooring and decorative finishes, in addition to producing an unpleasant odour. Moreover, rising damp is detrimental to one’s health and can exacerbate respiratory illnesses. The energy consumption of the property may also increase due to heat loss caused by this type of dampness. Therefore, immediate action should be taken if you suspect that your home has rising damp issues.
Rising damp can have a significant impact on the plaster, wallpaper, paints and skirting boards in your home. To address this issue, it is essential to tackle the root cause of the problem and restore any internal wall decor that has been affected. One highly effective and cost-efficient solution for treating rising damp is through the use of an injectable cream. These creams are available as individual cartridges or complete kits.
The cream is manually injected into designated holes within the mortar course before reverting back to its liquid state upon insertion. This allows it to penetrate bricks and absorb all moisture present. As it cures, a robust water-repellent barrier forms along with a new molecule called DPC which prevents further water from climbing up walls.
An alternative approach involves installing a new damp proof membrane as part of a physical damp proof course; however, this method requires significantly more time and effort since each brick must be removed individually along damaged mortar courses before being replaced with fresh barriers.
Once the source of dampness has been resolved, it is crucial to repair any damage caused to the décor. Alternatively, a range of damp-resistant products can be used for replastering the wall. After injecting a new Damp Proof Course (DPC), it is necessary to re-plaster the affected area. If old plasterwork remains, it may contain hygroscopic salts that attract moisture and cause further issues with salt contamination. Therefore, it is essential that you instruct your plasterer to follow precise specifications during re-plastering in order to avoid such problems from occurring again.
If you suspect rising damp in your property, it is crucial to seek a professional diagnosis to validate your concerns. A competent surveyor or preservation firm with experience in rising damp injection therapy should be your first choice. The surveyor will conduct a thorough analysis and recommend a remedy based on their results. When selecting someone to cure the problem, look for certain qualities such as recognised industry credentials like the Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatments (CSRT) qualification which includes modules on damp, and the Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) qualification for those who diagnose and offer design solutions for water entering structures below ground level.
For rented properties, landlords are responsible for diagnosing and treating any damp issues. Sussex Damp Treatments has a fully qualified team with CSRT and CSSW certification ready to help identify, treat, and resolve all types of damp problems including rising damp, penetrating damp, excessive condensation, building defects or damages, re-structuring basements or cellars wet rot and dry rot repairs/treatments as well as providing wall re-plastering services. With our expertise at hand, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your property is protected from future damage caused by moisture-related issues.
At Sussex Damp Treatments, we pride ourselves on our exceptional standards in damp proofing treatments, professional re-plastering and wood preservation. Our team of experts are highly skilled in performing thorough damp surveys to identify any issues that need addressing. We offer customised and reliable solutions for homes, local authorities, small businesses and large commercial properties alike. Our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring a competent approach to every project we undertake. With our expertise in damp proofing treatment and repair services, you can trust us to provide high-quality results that will stand the test of time.
If you’re grappling with damp issues in Sussex and nearby areas, don’t hesitate to contact our team of damp specialists at 01273 257 212 to schedule a survey or treatment. Our CSRT and CSSW-trained surveyors will conduct a thorough examination of your property and provide you with an extensive report, price quote, and recommendations for treatment.
Should you choose to proceed with our damp proofing services, we have a dedicated team of experts who possess an impressive track record in dealing with various types of damp problems such as dry rot and woodworm, wet rot, wood rot, basement waterproofing as well as all forms of internal dampness including rain penetration and condensation control both in commercial properties and private homes. Trust us to deliver quality solutions that are tailored specifically to your needs.
Advantages of choosing Sussex Damp Treatments:
Our team of highly qualified surveyors offers an expert service that is second to none. With over 20 years of combined experience, our fully trained technicians are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide you with the best possible solutions for your needs. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results and ensuring complete customer satisfaction. Trust us to handle all your damp treatment needs with professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail. Our commitment to excellence sets us apart from other providers in the industry, making us the go-to choice for anyone seeking reliable and effective solutions for their property’s damp problems. Let our experts take care of everything so you can enjoy a dry and healthy home or business environment without any worries or hassle.
