Believe it or not, rising damp is actually one of the more rare forms of damp. However, it can still occur and when it does you need to know the right treatment for rising damp.
In this guide we will explain what rising damp is and how it is caused. We will also describe how to treat rising damp. However it should be noted that you should always seek the help of a professional when dealing with damp issues.
Read on to find out all about rising damp as well as the treatment for rising damp.
What is Rising Damp?
Rising damp is, as we said, quite rare. It is found in the walls of buildings when water/moisture has travelled up through the walls from the ground. The moisture is sucked up through the tiny tubes that exist in bricks, causing damage to the building materials in the affected wall.
The symptoms of rising damp will be discussed later on in this article.
What Causes Rising Damp?
Usually a building has a barrier called a damp proof course (DPC) installed at the bottom of the wall. If this part of the wall is damaged or missing then there is nothing to prevent moisture and therefore damp from travelling up the wall.
Rising damp can also be cause by things like inappropriate insulation material being used in the wall. Or it can be caused by the ground level outside (against the affected wall) being higher than the floor level inside.
What are the Main Signs of Rising Damp?
There are many signs that you have rising damp. It is recommended that you get a diagnosis from a qualified surveyor or professional. If you see any of the following signs then you probably have a case of rising damp.
- Damp/musty smell
- Paint blistering, wallpaper peeling
- Discoloured or crumbling plaster
- Tide marks on the wall of either discolouration or salt
- Walls that are damp to the touch (ensure that the brickwork is damp too and not just the outside layer of paint/wallpaper).
Rising damp is most often characterised by the tide marks. They are a telling sign that you may need to look into treatment for rising damp.
What is the best treatment for rising damp?
The best treatment for rising damp is to call a professional. A company like Richardson and Starling have decades of experience in recognising and treating rising damp. They will even help you with the aftercare, in the aftermath of rising damp. This will include replastering and making sure the affected walls are completely dried out.