What is rising damp

Wondering what is rising damp? Don't worry...you are not the only one trying to figure out ‘what is rising damp'. In short, rising damp in buildings occurs when water from the ground rises up through the bricks and mortar of a building by capillary action - rising through fine cracks in the masonry. In simple terms, the water rises up the wall of a building in the same way that a sponge will soak up surrounding water by a sink.

What is rising damp - why it happens?

Any masonry structure, unprotected by a properly installed damp proof course, is susceptible to natural rising damp. Damp will rise by capillary action through the pores of the masonry, seeking a means of evaporation.

The moisture will continue to rise until it reaches a height where, unless no evaporation is possible, gravity takes over and pulls it down again. This height is seldom more than 1 metre, although deposits of ‘salts' may be found higher in the wall, often driven there by the use of non-breathing plasters, renders, ‘tanking', paints or vinyl wall papers.

Identifying rising damp

The tell tale signs of rising damp include a "tide-mark" on the wall above skirting boards of up to 1 metre however, it is important to remember that there are many form of damp that can affect a property. Check out our guide to identifying rising damp for more information.

Further rising damp help and information

To find out more about rising damp or other damp related problems, visit the following web pages:

	Identifying rising damp Not sure what to look out for with rising damp?  Check out our guide to identifying rising damp.   Identifying rising damp
	Rising damp treatment Watch our handy rising damp treatment video and find out how we solve rising damp issues. More about rising damp treatment
	Rising damp survey Unsure if you have a rising damp problem or another damp related problem. Contract Wise Property Care for a no obligation damp survey.  Request a rising damp survey
	Not a rising damp issue Think your damp problem might not be rising damp. Identify the problem you might have by visiting our damp proofing section. More on damp proofing information
	Property care videos Would you rather watch a video to identify your damp problem? Check out our property care videos web page View our property care videos

Speak to a specialist about rising damp

Want to speak to specialist about a possible rising damp problem? Contact Wise Property Care today on 0800 65 22 678 and speak to one of our damp specialists for some free and impartial advice.

Alternatively, if you want someone to take a look at your damp problem, you can request a property repair survey online. With our 20 year property repair guarantee, you can have peace of mind that your rising damp problem will soon be over.