Rising damp can quietly wreak havoc on your home if left unchecked. It’s the kind of issue that often goes unnoticed until it starts causing visible and sometimes irreversible damage. But what exactly is rising damp, and why should you be concerned about it?
What is Rising Damp?
Rising damp occurs when moisture from the ground travels up through the walls of a building. This can happen because of capillary action, where groundwater is drawn up through tiny pores in masonry. It’s typically visible as damp patches on the lower sections of walls.
Common Signs of Rising Damp
Rising damp can cause a variety of issues in your home, so it's important to be able to identify the signs. Here are some of the most common ones to look out for:
Stains & tidemarks on walls: Look for a tide mark, typically up to a metre high from the floor, that's brown or yellow and could be accompanied by staining on the plaster. This is caused by moisture rising up the wall and evaporating, leaving behind salts.
Damaged plaster: Rising damp can damage your plaster in a number of ways. You might see crumbling or flaking plaster, bubbling on the surface, or even powdery deposits near the floor. In severe cases, the plaster may even detach from the wall.
Wet or rotten skirting boards: Skirting boards are particularly vulnerable to rising damp, as they're closest to the source of the moisture. You might notice that they feel damp to the touch, are starting to rot, or that the nails or screws are rusting.
Peeling wallpaper: Excess moisture can cause wallpaper to peel away from the wall.
Musty smells: A musty odour can be a sign of damp and mould growth.
Cold walls: Walls affected by rising damp can feel cold to the touch.
Why Rising Damp is a Problem
Rising damp isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it can cause serious damage to your property and may contribute towards health conditions.
Structural Damage: Continuous dampness can weaken internal wall plasters, if timber floors are adjacent to areas suffering from dampness, this may cause ideal conditions for fungal decay to occur. This eventually leads to the decay of your floor over a period of time. in some cases, the masonry itself can become damaged via spalling of brickwork and pointing.
Health Risks: Damp environments are breeding grounds for mould and mildew, which can exacerbate respiratory problems and allergies.
Aesthetic Damage: Peeling paint, blistering wallpaper, and stained walls can severely impact the look of your home.
How to Fix Rising Damp
Addressing rising damp effectively requires a combination of professional intervention and preventative measures:
Damp Proof Course (DPC): This is a layer of waterproof material inserted into the wall near the ground level to prevent moisture from rising.
Chemical Damp Proofing: A water-repellent solution is injected into the walls to create a control barrier against moisture.
Improving Drainage: Ensuring proper drainage around your property can help keep groundwater away from your walls.
Ventilation: Increasing ventilation in affected areas helps reduce moisture levels and improve air quality.
Tips and Tricks
Preventing rising damp is more manageable than dealing with its consequences. Here are some proactive tips:
Regular Inspections: Regularly check the lower sections of your walls for any signs of dampness. Early detection is crucial.
Damp Surveys: Book a damp survey in London with Drysolve Surveying to get a professional assessment of your property. Independent surveyors in London can provide detailed reports and recommendations tailored to your needs.
Maintain Gutters & Downspouts: Make sure they are clear and direct water away from your home’s foundation.
Proper Landscaping: Keep plants and soil away from the base of your walls to prevent moisture accumulation.
The Importance of Professional Help
While there are many DIY fixes, the complexity and potential severity of rising damp often require professional intervention. At Drysolve Surveying, we specialise in damp, timber and below-ground waterproofing surveys in London. Our independent surveyors in London are equipped with the latest technology to provide expert inspections and detailed reports, helping you address rising damp effectively.
Take Action Against Rising Damp Today!
Rising damp is a hidden threat that can lead to significant damage if not properly managed. Recognising the signs early and taking prompt action can save you from costly repairs and health issues. For a thorough and professional waterproofing inspection in London, contact Drysolve Surveying. We’re here to help you keep your home dry, safe, and healthy.
Tel: 07951 930704 | Email: Michael@drysolvesurveying.co.uk
30 Dukes Place
London
EC3A 7LP
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