What is Rising Damp?

Evidence of Rising Damp is easy to notice. It represented by damp areas on walls usually within 1 metre of the ground level. It is caused by a capillary action of dampness rising from the ground up the wall through porous materials such as brickwork. Water drawn form the soil usually contains a low concentration of soluble salts. When evaporation occurs these salts crystallise out blocking pores in the brick, thus reducing evaporation, hence an increase in dampness.

External walls are most likely to become affected, but internal walls also suffer if there is no effective damp-proof course established. Rising damp often occurs when an existing damp-proof course has failed or become ‘bridged’.

Rising Damp is not always the source of damp patches as there are other possible causes such as, rain penetration from broken gutters or down pipes, defective plumbing systems, or condensation. Whatever the cause, dampness can encourage wood rot and attack from insects, corrosion to cavity wall ties, and increase the risk of respiratory illness if not acted upon.

Installation of a new damp-proof course carries a 30 year Assured Guarantee