The term ‘rising damp treatment’ is used to describe unwanted water or moisture that slowly moves upwards through the walls and structure of a property. It usually affects older buildings that do not have damp proof courses (DPC) in place to modern standards.
Should I avoid buying a house with rising damp?
This problem is not only aesthetically unpleasant, it can also cause serious damage to the building itself. It can cause blistering, peeling paint or wallpaper, deterioration of timber and masonry as well as the formation of mould.
Penetrating Damp
Rain penetration and condensation are two of the most common causes of dampness in buildings. They can look similar to rising damp but both can be very difficult to diagnose if the problem is misdiagnosed by the wrong person or professional.
Condensation is more common in houses that do not have enough ventilation, or that have poor insulation, and can be caused by a number of factors such as showering or cooking.
It is also common for rising damp to go undetected for many years. Once it has penetrated a wall it can cause significant structural damage to the building.
The most effective treatment of rising damp is to create a new Damp Proof Course in the wall. This can be done through re-plastering the wall or installing a new membrane.