What is rising damp?
Rising damp is a form of moisture damage that occurs when groundwater rises through the walls and floors of a building. It is often caused by a faulty or missing damp-proof course (DPC). The DPC is a barrier that is installed bellow the ground floor level to prevent moisture from rising up.
How do you recognise rising damp?
There are a few clues to look for in order to diagnose rising damp, such as:
- Lower part of walls is wet up to 1.5m
- Peeling wallpaper and paint
- Plaster bubbles and cracks
- Skirting boards are rotten or beginning to rot
- Microbial growth such as mould and mildue
- Musty, stale smell
If you suspect that your home has rising damp, it is important to have it inspected by a professional.
There are a number of treatments available for rising damp, including: installing a new DPC, use of chemical damp-proof treatment, apply damp-proof membrane to walls and repair cracks/leaks in foundations.
The cost of treating rising damp will vary depending on the severity of the problem and the type of treatment that is used.However, it is important to remember that the cost of not treating rising damp can be much higher, as it can lead to significant damage to your home.
