RISING DAMP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding our Wise property survey. Click to reveal the answers.
If you would like to ask us a question please email: marketing@wisepropertycare.com
Q1: WHAT CAUSES RISING DAMP IN BUILDINGS?
Rising damp is a result of ground water breaching your damp proofing course and rising up through the buildings bricks and mortar. This is known as capillary action.
Q2: HOW TO PREVENT RISING DAMP?
By ensuring you have a fully operational damp proofing course in place. Older buildings can suffer from failed a damp proofing course which means it may need replacing.
Q3: HOW CAN RISING DAMP BE CURED?
There are four Property Care Association (PCA) approved methods for the treatment of rising damp – chemical damp proof treatment, injection mortar/creams, electro osmotic treatment or the installation of a membrane. You can read more about these within the link.
Q4: WHAT DOES RISING DAMP LOOK LIKE?
Tide marks on the walls (up to a metre from the ground), peeling wallpaper & decaying skirting boards. Learn more by clicking on the link below.
Q5: WHAT CAUSES RISING DAMP IN INTERNAL WALLS?
Rising damp is ground water working its way horizontally up through a properties brick work. The two most common causes of rising damp is either the current damp proofing course has failed (perhaps you didn’t have one) or the ground around the walls of the house have risen. Failed damp proofing is more common in older buildings.
Q6: HOW CAN I IDENTIFY RISING DAMP IN MY PROPERTY?
The most obvious sign is tide marks on the walls. Due to the force of gravity, these rising damp tide marks will typically only rise about a metre high from the skirting boards. You can learn more about the tell tale rising damp signs by clicking on the following link.
Q7: HOW HIGH CAN RISING DAMP GO?
Gravity usually prevents Rising Damp from climbing more than a metre from the skirting boards.
Q8: HOW TO FIX RISING DAMP IN WALLS?
There are four PCA approved methods four effective treatments for rising damp: chemical damp proof treatment, Injection Mortar/Creams or Electro Osmotic Treatment.
Q9: IS RISING DAMP A PROBLEM?
Yes. Any form of damp in your property can lead to a more serious problem. For instance, rising damp can dampen the timber structure of your building, creating the perfect environment for a dry rot infestation.
Q10: RISING DAMP HEALTH PROBLEMS – SHOULD I BE WORRIED?
For most people you do not need to be concerned. It might smell and look unsightly, however, the health risks are usually minimal. However, if the rising damp is extreme, it may lead to excessive amounts of black mould which may cause an allergic reaction, especially children, elderly people and those that have poor health. It can also cause issues for people who suffer from asthma.
Q11: WHY DOES RISING DAMP OCCUR?
Almost all homes are surrounded by natural moisture that is trying to penetrate its way through the building. If the damp proofing course has failed, then rising damp may occur.
