Damp and Mould Solutions UK - Professional Damp Proofing & Mould Remediation

What is Rising Damp?

Rising damp is a specific and relatively rare form of damp that affects the walls of buildings. It occurs when moisture from the ground travels upwards through the porous masonry of the wall structure by a process called capillary action. Think of it like a sponge soaking up water from a surface.

This can happen when a property's damp proof course (DPC) – a waterproof barrier built into the lower walls – is missing, has failed due to age, or has been bridged by raised external ground levels, such as a new patio or flower bed.

A visible tide mark on a wall from rising damp

A classic 'tide mark' is a key sign of rising damp.

Crumbling and blistering plaster on a damp wall

Salts from groundwater cause plaster to crumble and bubble.

Common Signs of Rising Damp

Identifying rising damp correctly is crucial, as it can often be misdiagnosed. Here are the classic signs to look for, typically confined to the ground floor:

Tide Marks on Walls

Visible damp patches or staining on walls, often with a distinct 'tide mark' that rises up from the floor to a height of about 1 metre.

Peeling Paint & Wallpaper

Moisture causes paint to bubble and flake, and wallpaper to lift and peel away from the wall surface.

Crumbling or 'Blown' Plaster

Groundwater contains salts which are deposited in the plaster as the water evaporates. These salts are hygroscopic (they attract moisture) and can cause plaster to break down and crumble.

Rotting Skirting Boards

Skirting boards and floor timbers in direct contact with the damp wall may show signs of decay or wet rot.

Our Proven Solution: Chemical DPC Injection

The most effective and widely recognised method for treating rising damp is the installation of a new chemical damp proof course. This process creates a powerful, permanent waterproof barrier within the wall, preventing any further moisture from rising from the ground.

Technician drilling holes in a brick wall for DPC injection

Holes are drilled into the mortar course at precise intervals.

Close-up of a damp proofing cream being injected into a wall

Specialist cream is injected to form a new waterproof barrier.

Our Process Includes:

Preparation: We remove the damaged plaster from the affected walls to a height of at least 1.2 metres to ensure all salt-contaminated material is gone.
Drilling: A series of holes are drilled into the mortar course at precise intervals along the base of the wall.
Injection: A specialist silicone-based cream is injected under pressure into the drill holes. This cream slowly diffuses through the masonry, creating a continuous water-repellent barrier.
Re-plastering: After the DPC has cured, we apply a specialist salt-retardant render followed by a final skim coat of plaster, leaving your walls ready for redecoration.

Rising Damp Solutions