Penetrating Damp – The Causes, Signs and Solutions

There are two main forms of damp, rising and penetrating damp, and in this blog, we take an in-depth look at penetrating damp, the causes, signs and solutions.

Rising damp vs penetrating damp, what is the difference?

Rising damp comes from the ground, whereas penetrating damp can affect any area of a structure, both are equally destructive. If your roof is compromised, serious damage to joist and rafters could mean expensive repairs if timbers have to be replaced. Woodworm, dry and wet rot thrive in a moist setting and should you visit your loft and notice a musky odour, you should inspect the space looking for damp damage and timber decay.

What causes penetrating damp?

Penetrating damp can be the result of a leaking roof; all it takes is a few missing roof tiles and a heavy bout of rain to let rainwater into the internal roof structure. If the exterior brickwork is compromised, damp can enter and start to spread to the timber frames and interior walls, while blocked guttering is another cause of penetrating damp.

Compromised mortar

This is common with older properties, of which there are many in our capital and the wet climate means endless damp days; penetrating damp can slowly get a grip on a building and if you are not vigilant, by the time you find out, a lot of damage has already occurred.

Tell-tale signs of penetrating damp

Common signs of penetrating damp include the following:

• Tide marks on walls and ceilings
• Damp patches on walls and ceilings
• Crumbling brickwork and mortar
• Peeling wallpaper and bubbling paint
• Musky smell in the house

If you notice any of the above in your home, call London Damp Specialists on 020 7458 4864 during office hours or fill in the online form and we will determine the status of your home.

Penetrating damp treatments

Once the source of the moisture has been established, we can carry out repairs, which might be to repoint brickwork, repair a leaking roof or even unblock guttering. On rendered properties in London, it is common for the render to crack and crumble; sub-zero temperatures damage render and brickwork and when moisture attacks building materials, damage is inevitable. We offer penetrating damp solutions and we guarantee our work for 30 years.

Homebuyer damp survey

At London Damp Specialists, our most popular service is the homebuyer damp survey, which comes in 3 levels, with an additional plaster lab analysis that accurately tests for moisture content in various rooms if the house. Our surveyor would include recommended damp repair work in the survey report with a price quoted and the survey cost would be deducted from the repair invoice.

We are in the midst of a climate crisis; we have not seen the Sun for months here in London and this promotes damp and mould growth. If you have not inspected your home for a few years, now is the right time to commission a thorough damp survey from London’s leading damp specialist; early detection can save a fortune on repairs.

Don’t wait until you spot signs of damp, call us on 020 7458 4864 today and set the ball rolling by booking a survey.