Rising Damp Treatment

Many mature properties are subject to rising damp due to the lack of an effective damp proof course (a horizontal layer of water-proof material built into a wall, e.g. slate, bitumen, polythene). Existing damp proof courses can also become bridged by high external ground levels or can, over time, break down.

In bad cases the effect of rising damp is clearly visible on internal decorations and may cause brickwork and plaster to crumble.

Example of Rising Damp and New Damp Proof Course Installation

The treatment for rising damp in most cases is to provide a new chemical damp proof course to either the brickwork or mortar bed joints to prevent the damp rising up the wall.

Even though a new damp proof course is installed and the rising dampness controlled, the wall will still contain residual moisture and salts. These salts will be hygroscopic and have the ability to absorb moisture from the environment. These salts will continue to affect the plaster and decoration. It is often necessary to remove the affected plaster and replace it with a waterproof render or renovating plaster or waterproof membrane.

Re-plastering of previously damp walls forms an integral part of the damp proofing system. It is essential that any re-plastering be undertaken in strict accordance with any supplied specification.

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