Rising Damp: Common Signs, Causes, and How to Prevent It

You probably already know that damp is dangerous for properties, but did you know that it actually comes in several different types? One of the most pernicious is rising damp, which progresses slowly at first but can end up affecting large areas of your property when left untreated. Here is everything you need to know about how to spot it, what causes it, and how to prevent it.

What is Rising Damp?

For sturdy, solid materials, bricks and mortar can be surprisingly sponge-like where water is involved. This is the cause of rising damp, which occurs when groundwater is soaked up out of the soil and into the pores of property walls through a process called capillary action. Modern buildings usually have a barrier that stops moisture being drawn out of the ground, known as a damp-proof course (DPC). However, many older buildings do not have this or have a defective one.

What are the Signs?

It is best to detect rising damp early to prevent costly damage and health issues. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that a property has a rising damp problem. One is discolouration or tidemarks on the lower parts of the ground-floor walls. Rising damp tends not to rise further than a metre above ground level, so you will usually find the symptoms here. These visible spots might also be cold or damp to touch.

Other symptoms to look out for include white powdery deposits, peeling paint or wallpaper, rotting skirting boards, and a persistent musty odour. The powdery deposits are just salts left behind when moisture evaporates from a surface. There are also signs you can look for outside of your property, such as moss or algae at the base of the walls, which suggest a rising damp problem.

How Is It Treated?

If you suspect that your property has rising damp, the first step is to get it inspected by a professional. While the different types of damp can cause similar symptoms and effects, they require different treatments, and a misdiagnosis could result in wasted money and time. Once a survey has confirmed that it is definitely rising damp, you can start to apply rising damp treatment. There are also short-term strategies to alleviate the symptoms and minimise damage.

In the short-term, improving ventilation and using a dehumidifier can help with property moisture control and prevent the damp from spreading. Removing affected wallpaper or paint can help too. The long-term solution is usually to install or repair the damp-proof course. This can either be done by DPC injection or the installation of a physical membrane that acts as a moisture barrier. These will also prevent rising damp from happening again.

Knowing the signs of rising damp can be the difference between an affordable, quick fix and extensive, costly repairs. The specific treatment your property needs will also depend on things like its age and the materials it is made from, so always get a damp specialist in to find the best solution. If you are looking for one today, call up London Damp Proofing Ltd on 0208 226 6330 to receive expert advice about your rising damp problem.