How to Fix Rising Damp
No homeowner wants to deal with damp problems in their property, when water affects the walls and leads to wet patches that can ultimately cause mould and further problems like wet rot to the timber and structural issues. Rising damp is one of the most serious damp problems to occur in a home since it is often an indication of a problem with the damp proof course, which is a waterproof layer spanning the width and length of the internal walls to prevent water from getting inside and causing damp in your home.
What is Rising Damp?
Rising damp is a type of damp that occurs when water rises up the walls from the ground below. This is usually caused by an issue with the damp proof course. It can often occur in older homes where a damp proof course is not present, but might become a problem if your damp proof course is faulty or has not been correctly installed. Rising damp occurs due to capillary action, which is where water is sucked upwards through a small opening such as tiny holes in the bricks or stone of the walls.
What Does Rising Damp Look Like?
One tell-tale sign of rising damp is brown or yellowing patches on the ground floor walls, usually above the skirting boards. In some cases, the damp might also affect your skirting board woodwork and these might have signs of damp or rot. While rising damp will only usually rise up to a certain height, some wall coverings like certain paints or vinyl wallpaper can lead to salt deposits from the brick appearing higher up on the walls.
What Does Rising Damp Look Like on Internal Walls?
If you have noticed damp on your internal walls, it’s important to determine if you are actually dealing with rising damp or if another type of damp, like penetrating damp or condensation damp, could be to blame. One of the main signs that it is rising damp that you are dealing with is that the damp will not usually go any higher than 1.2 metres up the wall. It will also only occur on the ground floor, so if you have noticed damp around the skirting boards on the top floors of your property, this is usually down to another issue. If you are not sure if you are dealing with rising damp or another type of damp, a professional can help you determine the cause.
What Causes Rising Damp?
Rising damp is usually caused by an issue with your damp proof course. If you live in a home where there is no damp-proof course present, rising damp is likely to become a problem for you. You can easily check if there is a damp proof course installed on your property; it should be visible on the exterior walls at around six inches from the ground level. However, even if there is a damp proof course present, this does not always mean that it is functioning correctly. A damp-proof course that has become faulty due to wear and tear over time, or was not correctly installed, can lead to rising damp problems.
What Causes Rising Damp in Internal Walls?
A bridging or breach of the damp proof course is one of the most common reasons why rising damp might occur on an internal wall of your home. In this instance, the damp proof course is installed and functioning correctly; however, something has been put in place that has caused the moisture to be able to get over the damp proof course and into the walls of your home. Something attached to your walls like an area of ground next to the home that’s higher up than the damp proof course or a structure that has been installed at a higher level will provide a bridge for the moisture to get over the damp proof course and enter your home. This can also be caused by debris that might be blocking the cavity wall and as a result, giving the moisture a bridge to reach your property on the inside.
How to Treat Rising Damp
Treating rising damp will always involve finding the root of the problem with the damp proof course and rectifying it before you carry out repairs on any damage that has occurred as a result. Although it might be tempting to simply get a damp-proof undercoat and some new paint to paint over the damp so it isn’t noticeable, this should be the last step in the process. Doing the opposite will only mean that you have to repeat the process in the future when the damp problems ultimately return. Rising damp is not an issue that you can expect to go away on its own, which is why it is important to have a professional come and carry out an inspection on your home and your damp proof course to determine which treatment will be best. In some cases, it is simply a matter of removing the blockage or structure that has caused your damp proof course to become bridged, which will remove the access to the moisture.
How to Treat Rising Damp in an Old House
In an older house, rising damp might often be the result of a damp proof course that is not present, or a faulty damp proof course that has deteriorated over time due to age. If there is no damp-proof course present in your older home, you will need to have one installed in order to prevent further damp issues. While it is harder to install a damp proof course in an existing property compared to when buying a new one, the right tradesperson can ensure that a fully-functional damp proof course is installed in your home. In existing properties, this is often done by injecting water-repellent chemicals into the brick.
How to Get Rid of Rising Damp When the Damp Proof Course is Bridged
If bridging of the damp proof course is the reason why you are dealing with rising damp in your home, the good news is that this is often one of the easiest problems to rectify. It will usually involve identifying and removing anything that could have caused the damp proof course to become bridged, such as areas of higher ground or structures that have been installed outside of the home, and removing them or lowering them. Adjusting the structure to ensure that it is no higher than the damp proof course will usually solve the problem.
How to Fix Rising Damp with a New Damp Proof Course
In some cases, a new damp proof course may need to be installed in order to stop and prevent the rising damp from reoccurring in the future. This should always be carried out by a trained professional, since damp proof course errors in installation could lead to further issues in the future. A new damp proof course might be needed in many situations, including if there is no damp-proof course present in your property or if the existing damp proof course is no longer functioning correctly due to age, wear and tear. You may need to have a new damp proof course installed higher in the walls if the damp is due to a bridging of the damp proof course that has been caused by a structure that you cannot remove. If your neighbour’s home has a damp proof course that has been installed higher than yours, this can also lead to rising damp problems in your home and you may need to have a new damp proof course installed higher up to match in order to prevent the problem from continuing.
How to Stop Rising Damp
Stopping rising damp will almost always involve repairing any problems with the damp proof course. When the damp proof course is faulty, bridged or not present, it will continue to allow moisture to enter the walls of your home where it will lead to rising damp, no matter how many damp proofing measures you might take inside. Since the water is often originating at ground level, damp-proofing the sides of the exterior or interior walls is unlikely to solve the problem over the long-term and may only become more expensive for you since this is a job that you will likely need to repeat again in the future as your home experiences ongoing damp problems.
The best way to stop rising damp is to get in touch with a professional who can help you determine the root cause of the issue and the best course of action available for rectifying it. Along with treating the root cause and helping you fix any associated damp damage, a professional can provide you with further advice for damp proof course and property maintenance in the future to ensure that the problem does not return.
Rising damp is most usually caused by a problem with your damp proof course, which is in place to prevent moisture from reaching the internal walls from ground level.
Equipment Used During Our Surveys
Equipment Used During Our Surveys
Purpose:
Takes comparative moisture readings from walls, ceilings, floors and timber to identify abnormal moisture patterns.
Common Uses / Notes:
Used when investigating rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation and leaks. Readings support the survey but are not a diagnosis on their own.
Subsurface Moisture Meter
Purpose:
Detects moisture beneath the surface of suitable building materials.
Common Uses / Notes:
Helps determine whether moisture is confined to surface finishes or extends into the building fabric.
Non-Damaging Moisture Scanner
Purpose:
Scans surfaces for hidden moisture without causing damage.
Common Uses / Notes:
Ideal for decorated walls, ceilings and flooring where pin testing would be undesirable.
High-Resolution Borescope Camera
Purpose:
Inspects hidden or difficult-to-access areas without opening up large sections of the building.
Common Uses / Notes:
Used beneath floors, inside cavities, behind walls and around pipework to identify damp, leaks, decay and concealed defects.
4K Aerial Inspection Drone
Purpose:
Captures high-resolution images of roofs and other inaccessible external areas.
Common Uses / Notes:
Inspects roof coverings, chimneys, flashing, gutters, valleys, parapets and high-level masonry. Subject to weather, safety requirements and flight regulations.
Atmospheric Humidity Sensor
Purpose:
Measures indoor relative humidity levels.
Common Uses / Notes:
Helps assess condensation and mould risk alongside temperature, ventilation, heating patterns and room usage.
Gas Detection Monitor
Purpose:
Screens for certain airborne gases where unusual odours are present.
Common Uses / Notes:
May detect gases associated with drainage, combustion or flammable substances. Does not replace inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer where gas appliances or pipework are involved.
Thermal Imaging System
Purpose:
Identifies temperature differences across building surfaces.
Common Uses / Notes:
Helps locate cold spots, thermal bridging, insulation defects and areas associated with concealed moisture. Results always require further investigation to confirm the cause.
Basic Socket and RCD Tester
Purpose:
Performs limited electrical checks during comprehensive surveys.
Common Uses / Notes:
Can identify basic socket wiring issues, AC voltage and RCD operation. It is not an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
Chemical Vapour Testing Device
Purpose:
Screens for airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde.
Common Uses / Notes:
Used where chemical odours, emissions from materials or indoor air-quality concerns are suspected after leaks or refurbishment.
Fine Air Particle Counter
Purpose:
Measures airborne particulate matter (PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10)
Common Uses / Notes:
Assists with investigations involving dust, smoke, mould concerns, post-construction contamination and indoor air quality following water damage.
Extraction and Air-Movement Tester
Purpose:
Measures the performance of extractor fans and mechanical ventilation systems.
Common Uses / Notes:
Used in kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms to identify poor ventilation that may contribute to condensation and mould growth.
Survey Levels and Equipment Provided
Basic Moisture Survey
Standard price: £299 + VAT
Special offer: £199 + VAT until the end of this month
The Level 1 survey provides a basic assessment of the main accessible internal surfaces. It is most appropriate for simple, localised damp concerns where advanced testing is not required.
Equipment Included
- Professional damp meter
Survey Checks
- Accessible walls
- Accessible floors
- Ceilings
- Visible plumbing and drainage leak inspection
- Damp-control and prevention information
Suitable For
This survey is suitable for a customer who has found an isolated damp patch, suspects rising damp in a limited area or wants a straightforward check of the property’s accessible surfaces.
Only a standard damp meter is included. Customers requiring deep moisture detection, timber inspection, thermal imaging or roof inspection should select a higher survey level.
The survey fee will be deducted if we carry out the recommended work.
Damp, Moisture and Timber Survey
Standard price: £399 + VAT
Special offer: £299 + VAT until the end of this month
Level 2 includes everything in the Level 1 inspection and adds deeper moisture detection, non-invasive scanning and timber assessment.
Equipment Included
- Professional damp meter
- Deep-reading moisture meter
- Non-invasive moisture scanner
Survey Checks
- Accessible walls, floors and ceilings
- Visible plumbing and drainage leak checks
- Subsurface moisture readings
- Non-invasive scanning of appropriate materials
- Accessible underfloor and subfloor checks
- Wet rot inspection
- Dry rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp prevention information
Suitable For
This level is intended for customers who require a more detailed inspection of dampness and timber condition. It is appropriate when moisture may be concealed within building materials or beneath accessible flooring.
The survey may identify evidence of timber decay or wood-boring insects and assess moisture in locations that cannot be properly examined with a surface meter alone.
Level 2 is particularly useful for homebuyers and sellers who want more information about damp and timber before completing a transaction.
The amount paid for the survey will be deducted from repairs undertaken by us.
Full Damp and Property Condition Survey
Standard price: £499 + VAT
Special offer: £399 + VAT until the end of this month
Level 3 is our most detailed inspection. It combines the checks from Levels 1 and 2 with advanced diagnostic technology, ventilation measurements and external roof-level assessment.
Equipment Included
- Professional damp meter
- Deep-reading moisture meter
- Non-invasive moisture scanner
- Thermal imaging camera
- Indoor humidity sensor
- HD borescope camera
- Airflow and ventilation tester
- 4K inspection drone
- Socket and RCD testing device
Survey Checks
- Accessible walls, floors and ceilings
- Visible plumbing and drainage
- Deep moisture investigation
- Non-destructive moisture scanning
- Accessible floor voids and subfloors
- Wet rot, dry rot and woodworm
- Infrared thermal imaging
- Indoor relative humidity
- Extractor-fan performance
- Borescope examination where suitable
- Visible damp-proof course
- External brickwork and pointing
- Roof coverings and junctions
- Chimney stacks and flashing
- Guttering and rainwater systems
- High-level exterior areas
- General visible structural condition
- Basic Electrical Test, socket and RCD screening
- Drone photographs, subject to safe flying conditions
Suitable For
The Level 3 survey is recommended for buyers, sellers and existing owners who want the most extensive moisture assessment available.
It is especially useful for older properties, houses with several reported defects, basement buildings and cases involving damp, mould, leaks, poor ventilation, timber decay or roof problems.
The inspection considers the property as a connected building rather than examining only the visible damp patch. A roof or gutter defect, for example, may allow water to enter at a high level and appear some distance away internally.
The drone component provides valuable information about roofs, chimneys, parapets and guttering that cannot normally be seen from the ground. These areas may contain hidden repair costs capable of affecting a property purchase.
Identifying damage before buying can help the purchaser budget correctly, request further specialist advice or use the findings during negotiations. Even a relatively small roof defect may cost more to repair than the difference between the survey packages.
If we complete the recommended remedial work, your survey payment will be credited against the price.
Specialist Survey Add-On Services
For complex damp investigations, we offer three specialised laboratory and environmental testing add-ons:
Laboratory Analysis of Plaster Samples
Price £299 + VAT
Description: Small plaster samples are extracted from affected masonry walls and submitted to an independent testing laboratory. The lab analyses the sample for hygroscopic salts (specifically nitrates and chlorides).
Value: Scientifically differentiates true rising damp (which deposits ground salts over time) from surface condensation or lateral penetrating damp. Ensures that remedial recommendations are based on chemical analysis rather than surface meter readings alone.
This service can be beneficial when:
- The cause of low-level dampness is disputed.
- Moisture-meter readings are inconsistent.
- A property has undergone previous damp-proofing.
- Old plaster continues to attract moisture.
- Independent laboratory evidence is required.
- Several possible moisture sources are present.
Note: Salt analysis is only one part of the investigation. Results must be assessed alongside the location of moisture, condition of the masonry, external ground levels, damp-proof course and potential plumbing or rainwater defects. Requires minor invasive plaster sampling (the only add-on requiring material removal). Survey fee credited when repairs are completed by us.
Mould Identification & qPCR DNA Testing
Price £299 + VAT
Description: Surface swab samples are collected and sent to an accredited laboratory for advanced qPCR DNA analysis. Identifies exact mould species, measures spore concentrations and detects hidden fungal growth behind furniture, within void spaces, or under floorboards.
Value: Provides precise scientific data regarding mould toxicity and contamination levels, helping establish the exact scale of cleaning, drying and structural remediation needed.
Laboratory mould testing may be useful when:
- There is an unexplained musty odour.
- Visible mould repeatedly returns.
- Water damage occurred previously.
- Mould is suspected behind cupboards or furniture.
- Contamination may be present in a concealed location.
- The visible extent of growth is uncertain.
- Independent results are needed.
- Remediation work is being planned.
Note: The results can provide a clearer indication of whether contamination appears minor, concentrated or potentially widespread. This information may be used when deciding the scale of cleaning, removal, drying or remedial work required. Testing should be combined with an investigation of the moisture source. Removing visible mould without resolving the underlying condensation, leak or ventilation problem may allow it to return. Survey fee credited against subsequent remediation works completed by us.
Air Quality, Gas, Vapour & Airborne Particle Screening
Price £299 + VAT
Description: Comprehensive environmental air testing including:
- Indoor environmental quality – IAQ
- Volatile organic compounds – VOC and TVOC
- Formaldehyde – HCHO
- Fine airborne particles – PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10
- Dust and smoke particles
- Sewer gases – H2S, NH3 and CH4
- Flammable gases – CH4 and C3H8
- Carbon monoxide – CO
- Hydrogen sulphide – H2S
- Ammonia – NH3
- Oxygen measurement – O2
- Ventilation and stale-air assessment
- Drain-smell investigation
- Chemical-odour investigation
- Air checks following a leak or flood
- Combustion-related screening
- Building-material off-gassing assessment
- General airborne pollutant monitoring
Value: Pinpoints invisible airborne hazards, toxic sewer gases, chemical off-gassing and foul odours resulting from damp or trapped water.
This service can assist when investigating:
- Persistent foul smells
- Suspected sewer or drain odours
- Chemical smells
- Stale indoor air
- Odours following water damage
- Possible stagnant water
- Building material emissions
- Fine dust after construction work
- Poorly ventilated rooms
Note: Unpleasant odours can have several possible sources. Measurements for specific gases, compounds and particles may help identify which source requires further investigation. The assessment is a screening service and does not replace specialist gas-safety, environmental or medical testing where this is necessary. Survey fee credited against subsequent repair works completed by us.
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form: