What is Rising Damp? Rising damp is a relatively rare form of damp that affects the walls of buildings. It occurs when moisture from the ground travels up through the walls by capillary action. This means that ground water is effectively sucked up through tiny tubes in the bricks, like a series of straws.
Is rising damp a structural problem?
Rising damp can cause superficial damage to an internal wall, as well as structural damage to timber and masonry. It harbours mould too, which can result in health problems for you and your family.
Can you cure rising damp?
The most common and effective way to treat rising damp is to install a remedial damp proof course by injecting a water repellent damp proof cream into the mortar bed joint of affected walls.
How far up a wall can rising damp go?
In practice Rising damp can generally reach the height of 1.0m above the ground level however for various reasons the damp can go higher. If you are worried about rising damp within your property, it is advised that you contact a specialist as soon as possible.
Can rising damp come through the floor?
Damp from the ground can make its way into your concrete floor. Due to concrete’s porous nature, it can then travel through it, causing issues in the flooring above.
What happens if you leave rising damp?
If left unchecked, rising damp can cause damage to brick, concrete and wood structures, and cause wet rot and the dreaded dry rot.
How long does it take for rising damp to dry out?
6 to 12 months
Indeed in the damp proofing industry’s own Code of Practice it states that “walls will take at least 6 to 12 months to dry out. The presence of paints or renders will substantially extend the drying period”.
How do you treat damp walls internally UK?
You can also take other steps to halt damp on internal walls, including:
- Open the windows and air your property regularly.
- Heat every room evenly.
- Make sure air can circulate freely around your property and avoid putting furniture and other items against walls.
- Check pipes and guttering regularly and unblock if needed.
Will dehumidifier help with rising damp?
A dehumidifier will extract moisture from the air, a bit like a tumble dryer extracts moisture from clothing. This will help your home dry out much faster. If you’re damp problem was caused by condensation in the first place, then a dehumidifier will solve the problem without you having to get the landlord involved.
What are the signs of rising damp?
Rising Damp Signs
- Damp Or Wet Patches Appearing On Walls. …
- Salts Within The Plaster | One of the Most Frequent Signs of Rising Damp. …
- Flaky Or Bubbling Plaster. …
- Rotting Skirting Boards And Flooring. …
- Damp and Musty Smell. …
- Rusting Iron And Steel Fasteners. …
- Crumbling Bricks and Mortar Between Bricks.
How do I stop damp coming through the floor?
The easiest solution for damp proofing concrete floors is to install a plastic membrane. Essentially, this is a plastic mesh sheet specially formulated to ensure that moisture cannot penetrate. It sits between the concrete and the underlay floor covering.
How do you get rid of damp floors?
How to get rid of damp
- Buy a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers draw moisture out of the air, so can be particularly useful if you often dry clothes inside the house – another common source of excess humidity. …
- Ventilate your home. …
- Check your gutters. …
- Try damp-proof paint. …
- Check for signs of rot. …
- Be cautious of free damp surveys.
