There are 3 types of damp that can affect properties – condensation, penetrating damp and rising damp. Rising damp occurs when ground water soaks into a wall or floor – similar to how a sponge absorbs water. A damp proof course and membrane stops water causing damage to a property by sealing and protecting it.

A damp proof course is built into a wall above ground level with a damp proof membrane laid beneath a concrete floor. Newer houses will have a damp proof course and membrane although houses built prior to 1875 may not.

Damp proofing can get damaged over time, which can result in rising damp. It could also be the level of the ground is higher than the damp proof course or there is something amiss with drainage. The key signs of rising damp to look out for include:

1. Tide marks on the inside and outside wall; usually no more than a metre above ground level
2. Damp stains above the skirting board
3. Crumbling or rotting skirting boards
4. Discoloration or staining on walls
5. Deposits causing blistering on walls
6. Black mould
7. Peeling wallpaper
8. Rotting floor boards
9. Raised floor coverings
10. Smell – you can often smell damp even if you can’t actually see it

The cause of the damp needs to be identified before it can be removed as different damp issues can require different treatments. 

To find out more about our damp proofing options available, please get in touch!