Rising Damp Treatment

Rising Damp is simply, water from the ground that enters a structure by capillary action. Water that enters or affects a building through any other route can move about in various ways but is not rising damp. Only rising damp can be cured by the installation of a chemical damp proof course or Electro Osmosis damp proof course.

Rising damp is a commonly encountered problem in some types of building, however it is often misdiagnosed. It is important that the investigations into dampness are undertaken by a trained and competent surveyor who can recognise and understand the problem.

Decayed skirting boards, crumbling or salt stained plaster, discolouration and staining, decayed timber floors, peeling paint and wallpaper are all common when walls are affected by rising damp. These defects are not always evident but when they are, a specialist inspection is always recommended.

Most types of masonry used in the walls of buildings will allow some water movement by capillary action; however, this is usually controlled by a physical barrier or damp proof course. If this physical barrier is absent, has broken down or is damaged then it is often possible to install a remedial damp proof course (DPC) to control water rising from the ground.

Water rising from the ground often introduces contaminating salts into the walls and plaster coats. This contamination will often result in a need for the plaster to be removed and replaced using specially formulated salt resistant plasters.

Re-plastering DPC

In order to complete an effective damp-proofing system it is extremely important that the new plasterwork which replaces the salt contaminated material resists the passage of residual moisture and contaminant salts from passing from the underlying substrate through to the new decorative surface. This function is extremely important because the underlying wall can take many months to dry down following damp-proofing.

Finally it is important to understand that damp proofing is a system of the Injection/Osmosis Damp Proof Course and Re Plastering, they are generally inseparable.

Our Surveyor will advise on exactly what remedial work is necessary.

About us

Colne Valley Preservations is a family business based in Nelson, Lancashire. We have successfully been established since 1981 with over 40 years experience in Remedial Treatments of Damp Control, Damp proofing, Rising Damp, Penetrating Damp, Lateral Damp, Condensation and Mould Control, Timber Preservation, Wood Infestation, Dry Rot, Wet Rot, Woodworm, Timber Treatment, Structural Waterproofing, Basement Waterproofing, Cellar Tanking, Wall Tie Replacement, Lateral Restraints, Crack Stitching.

We also do Electro Osmosis Damp Proof Courses, DPC Chemical Injection Damp Proof Courses, DPC and Re-Plastering in line with trade body specifications.