Rising damp is when moisture or water travels through the ground and into a property’s floors and walls. It can lead to mould and mildew growth, which looks ugly and can be a health hazard. It can also cause structural damage. So if you have this kind of damp, it’s important to do something about it.
Keep reading to find out how rising damp spreads and how to treat it.
How can I tell if my property has rising damp?
Damp can build up for a long time without showing any visible signs. However, there are a few things to look for if you’re worried about damp in your home. These include:
- Patches of damp, mould or mildew
- Deteriorating plaster
- Peeling paint and plaster
- Rotting flooring or skirting boards
You’re more likely to find signs of rising damp up to 1 metre from ground level. If you’re worried about damp but aren’t sure whether your property has it, get advice from a professional.
How does rising damp spread?
Once damp has got into a property, it will usually travel up through the building. This is because mortar and masonry have complex pore structures that let moisture travel through them. Particularly porous materials like brick are particularly susceptible to this.
What’s the best way to treat rising damp?
The best way to treat rising damp is to cut off the moisture source. This will stop it spreading and getting worse and will mean that you can dry it out.
If you’ve got rising damp, your property either doesn’t have damp proofing or it’s no longer working properly. So you’ll probably have to install a new damp proof course or membrane. Both of these effectively act as a barrier to stop moisture travelling through your building materials and up into your home.
Once you’ve done this you’ll need to clean or replace any affected plaster and redecorate.
If you need help detecting damp or treating it, click ‘Start my project’ and complete our online form. We’ll connect you with up to 4 damp proofing professionals in your area.
Price
Approx. £70 - £100 per square metre
To fit a damp proof membrane
Price
Approx. £400 - £4,000
To fit a damp proof course
Treatment time
Approx. 1-5 days
Depending on property type and style
Advantages and disadvantages
- Prevents damp from spreading and getting worse
- Helps to get rid of damp in your home