Rising Damp
Common Clues/External Clues
The most basic way to determine whether you may have problems with you property is to examine the external water management systems (gutters, down pipes, etc) for signs of deterioration; this can include
- Vegetation growing out of gutters
- Slipped or loose slates
- Rusting or cracking cast iron down pipes/gutters
- Leaking overflow pipes
- Cracks in stonework
- Defective pointing
- Moss or lichen growing on the stonework
Rising Damp. When a building is constructed, a damp proof course is installed in the walls, however when this course does not exist or becomes damaged the most common result is rising damp. Materials such as stone and brick are naturally porous and will soak up moisture like a sponge. As long as a damp proof course is intact, it will prevent the walls of a property from doing so. If not, the walls will draw moisture up and this condition is known as rising damp. The condition displays as damp staining normally on the 1st meter of a wall (as demonstrated). This problem is treated with a retrofit chemical osmotic or physical damp proof membrane in the affected area and the replacement of any contaminated plaster work. If this plaster work is not properly removed and replaced with specialist salt retardant plaster, salts which are present in the plaster may continue to absorb moisture from the air and continue, even after the installation of a new retrofit damp proof course, to give the appearance of dampness.
