What are signs of rising damp?

How do you fix rising damp?

The only way to treat rising damp is to create a new damp-proofing course to prevent moisture movement through the structure. Historically, walls were cut into and masonry removed to install a new physical damp-proofing course along the masonry line. This process poses a number of problems for most structures.

What is the cause of rising damp?

Rising damp is caused by the rising of groundwater through capillaries in masonry. As this has been a well-known problem for some years, buildings these days are built with a DPC . However, rising damp can still occur, especially in older buildings.

What happens if you leave rising damp?

If left unchecked, rising damp can cause damage to brick, concrete and wood structures, and cause wet rot and the dreaded dry rot.

Can rising damp occur on internal walls?

A simple way to identify a rising damp problem is by looking at where the damp patches are appearing. Rising damp appears around the bottom metre of an internal wall; most of this will be below ground, so look around the tops of your skirting boards. You'll probably spot it due to rotting wood and mould.

What is rising damp?

Is rising damp a serious problem?

Rising damp can be a serious problem, as if left untreated it can lead to structural issues. The damage it can cause to your plaster, flooring and decorative finishes as well as the smell also makes it very unpleasant to live with.

Will a dehumidifier help rising damp?

A dehumidifier will extract moisture from the air, a bit like a tumble dryer extracts moisture from clothing. This will help your home dry out much faster. If you're damp problem was caused by condensation in the first place, then a dehumidifier will solve the problem without you having to get the landlord involved.

Will rising damp dry out?

In severe cases Rising damp can be identified by a characteristic “tide mark”. This mark is found on the lower section of affected walls where the rising damp is drying out through the plaster. Rising damp also brings nitrate and chloride salts up from the ground.

How common is rising damp?

General academic consensus puts the incidence of rising damp in all damp properties at around 5% but our own view based on pragmatic experience of carrying out hundreds of detailed damp investigations, using the full range of diagnostic tools puts the incidence at significantly less than 5%.

Can you smell rising damp?

A Musty smell is one of the main signs of rising dampness. This smell is extremely unpleasant to live with and can be dangerous to your health. It also can worsen the conditions of those who have respiratory issues. Even if you cannot see the visible signs of the damp, you will still be able to smell it.

How do you know if your house is damp?

Is rising damp common in old houses?

There are several types of damp that affect buildings, and whilst it can befall all types of properties, older buildings are more susceptible to certain types of damp, especially rising damp. This is because when older houses were built, Damp Proof Courses (DPC) were somewhat primitive or entirely absent.

How do surveyors check for damp?

As we mentioned earlier, surveyors will do a visual check for damp and will also check using a handheld moisture meter. The meter will indicate to your surveyor if the moisture in the walls is higher than it should be. The surveyor will also inspect the damp proofing and drainage of the house.

How do you treat damp in internal walls?

An easy solution to cure damp on internal walls is to paint walls and ceilings with Dryzone Mould-Resistant Emulsion Paint. The paint damp-proofs internal walls against condensation and protects for at least 5 years from unwanted mould growth.

How long does it take to treat rising damp?

Rising damp affected walls can take up to 6 months to dry out for a 150mm thick wall and will even take longer for thicker walls. The general rule is that it will take one month for each 25mm thickness of wall to dry after the rising damp has been stopped.

How do I test for rising damp?

Wet Patches On Walls

If the walls in your property appear to have damp or wet patches then it is more than likely that it is rising damp causing the problem. In order for rising damp to occur these patches must be on the lower parts of the wall and on the ground floor of the building.

Is damp worse in summer or winter?

In winter your flat is warmer than outside temp (esp if you have heating on) therefore water in the air will condense less. In summer your flat is cooler than outside, so the water in the air will condense more. It's like how a very cold bottle of water will quickly get wet on the outside in hot weather.

Can you damp proof without removing plaster?

Damp proof courses can sometimes be replaced or inserted / injected without removing plaster however the contractor must ensure the plaster is tested for the presence of hydrscopic salts which are often present due to being drawn up into the plaster by the rising damp.

Is damp covered by house insurance?

The worse a damp situation gets, the more it's likely to cost to repair any damage. Most standard buildings and contents home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by damp and condensation. A damp-proof course can run into thousands of pounds if the whole house needs treating.

Why does my house feel so damp?

Condensation caused damp

The most common form of damp is often caused by poor heating and ventilation. It occurs when activities such as cooking raise the level of humidity in a building. This air condenses on cold surfaces, such as windows and walls.

How do I keep my house damp free?

Other tips to help reduce excess moisture

At the same time, open windows to allow an escape route for the moisture. Open your curtains and blinds during the day to warm rooms up naturally and prevent moisture being trapped around the windows. Ensure your bathroom/kitchen extractor fans are on when bathing/cooking.

Can you sell a house with rising damp?

As long as the buyer doesn't reduce their offer, this is a good outcome for the seller. In severe cases of rising damp, mortgage companies won't lend and that means the seller will either need to carry out the work themselves or sell to a cash buyer.

How much does damp devalue a house?

Especially in moist areas of your home such as basements, lofts and bathrooms, the spread is accelerated and can get out of control. According to property experts, a property with these issues can lose up to 53% of its value.

Is damp easy to fix?

Condensation is the most common type of damp and is also the easiest to fix. It can often be solved cheaply and quickly, and sometimes without the need for professional help.