A little damp here and there is fine, but if it gets bigger and stays there longer, then you may be in trouble. Untreated rising damp can lead to a number of problems, including damage to internal walls and furniture, and rotting timber within skirtings, floorboards and joists.
How do you dry out rising damp?
Rising Damp Treatment is caused by water evaporating through permeable surfaces and dissolving soluble salts in building materials, such as calcium sulphate. This moisture can then travel upwards through the masonry and into the internal walls of your home, which is why it’s known as rising damp.
The problem with rising damp can be prevented if a damp-proof course (DPC) is installed during the construction process. This barrier is built into the brickwork at ground level near to the lowest section of timber in the wall.
However, many older buildings lack these courses. If this is the case, it’s essential to get them repaired or replaced.
Traditionally, this would mean cutting into and removing all the masonry from the walls to install a new physical damp-proofing course along the masonry line. This method is costly and can be risky for old structures, particularly in areas where the building is structurally weaker.
Instead, the best option is to call in an independent damp specialist to carry out a thorough survey of your property. Then, based on their findings, they will be able to give you an accurate and unbiased opinion on the type of remedial treatment needed.