Dealing with rising damp is an ongoing challenge for property owners. It occurs when groundwater enters a building’s walls and travels up through the brick or stone by way of capillary action.
The first signs of rising damp are usually cosmetic – think tidemarks (from salt deposits), wet patches and peeling paint. While these may seem harmless at first, the problem can quickly escalate, leading to black mould and rotting wood. Such effects can pose serious health risks like breathing problems and jeopardise a building’s structural integrity,
Once you notice the signs of rising dampness, it’s important to act quickly. Treatment may involve more than just treating the damp spots. You may need to lower the soil level to at least 150mm below the damp proof course (DPC) as part of the groundwork. You may also need to replace rotting flooring, damaged plaster, skirting boards, or radiators.
Rising damp is primarily caused by groundwater, but it can also stem from a faulty DPC or the absence of one altogether. Before undergoing any treatment, it’s vital to hire a damp-proofing expert to check the property, diagnose the issue, and provide the best wall-damping options.
1. Damp Proof Course Injection
A damp proof course injection (also called a chemical damp proof course injection) is one of the most common rising damp treatments. People typically use this treatment when an existing damp-proof course is damaged.
To install a damp-proof injection, wall coverings such as plaster, wallpaper, and skirting boards must be removed to expose the brickwork. Once exposed, holes are then drilled about 150mm above ground level, and a chemical injection (either liquid or cream) is applied. This forms a water-repellent barrier that stops moisture from the ground rising further.
This method is cost-effective, minimally invasive, and relatively quick. However, for the best results, it’s really important to hire a damp specialist. Mistakes like drilling into damaged walls, injecting the chemical incorrectly, or misdiagnosing the issue with the current DPC can cause significant and costly damage.
2. Electro-Osmosis Damp Proofing Course
Chemical treatments, like damp-proof course injections, may not always be the most suitable option. As a property owner, you may want to avoid chemicals, or a damp survey might show that chemicals are not the best choice. In such cases, an alternative treatment to consider is electro-osmosis DPC.
This method also requires drilling holes in the walls. But instead of injecting chemicals, special titanium or copper wires are placed inside. These wires carry a small, safe electrical current, which pushes the water back into the ground, away from the walls. To keep the walls dry, the current must run continuously.
Electro-osmosis offers a safe, chemical-free way to reduce damp. It uses a low-voltage electrical current, the wires can be hidden after they’re installed, and it works well on various materials like rubble, brick, and stone. However, it’s worth noting that electro-osmosis systems may impact damp and property surveys, which should be considered when buying, renting, or selling a property.
3. Damp Proof Membrane
Another rising damp treatment involves installing a damp-proof membrane. This is particularly useful if the existing DPC has deteriorated or is missing.
During installation, the bottom layer of masonry is removed, and a waterproof membrane, typically made of polyethlene or high-density polyethlene (HDPE), is inserted. This membrane acts as a physical barrier, preventing moisture from affecting internal walls.
To comply with regulations, the membrane must have a minimum thickness of 12000 gauge. In some cases, it’s placed under a concrete slab. Proper overlapping is important to create a cavity that allows absorbed water to evaporate. Once installed, the brick or stonework is carefully re-laid.
You can use damp-proof membranes alone or combine them with other treatments, such as a DPC injection, for a more robust wall-damping solution. Additionally, vertically applied membranes can protect against penetrating damp.
While this method is chemical- and electricity-free, its main drawback is the invasive nature of the installation. The process requires dismantling stonework, making it time-consuming, labour-intensive, and costly. Also, in buildings that have already been damaged by rising damp, cutting into the walls may make them weaker. Therefore, it’s crucial to weigh up all the factors before choosing this treatment.
4. Mortar Injection Damp Proof Course
The mortar injection damp proof course is similar to the standard damp proof course injection, as both treatments involve exposing the stonework, drilling holes, and injecting a substance into the walls. However, instead of a cream or liquid chemical, this method uses mortar.
This approach serves two key purposes.
- The mortar contains water-repellent chemicals that require a barrier against rising damp.
- It fills gaps within the masonry, reinforcing and binding the materials together.
This treatment is perfect for older buildings with failing damp-proof courses, and where extra structural support is needed if your property has damp damage or was built with materials that naturally form gaps, a mortar injection DPC offers both added strength and protection against rising damp.
Choosing the Right Rising Damp Treatment for Your Property
The best rising damp treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of the issue and the type of property. At CS Damp Proofing, we often recommend damp-proof course (DPC) injection and damp-proof membranes, both of which are effective individually and even more so when used together.
- DPC Injection – A cost-effective and efficient solution, this treatment involves injecting a water-repellent chemical into the walls to block moisture from rising.
- Damp-Proof Membrane – A non-chemical option made from water-impermeable material, this versatile membrane protects walls and floors, prevents rot, and even adds insulation.
- Mortar Injection Damp Proofing – Not only does this method combat rising damp, but it also reinforces weak or deteriorating masonry, providing additional structural stability.
- Electro-Osmosis Damp Proofing – A non-chemical, minimally invasive solution that uses a safe, low-level electrical current to redirect moisture away from walls.
While these are four of the most common solutions, additional treatments may be necessary depending on your specific situation.
Why Rising Damp Treatment is Essential
If left untreated, rising damp can pose significant risks to your property, especially over time. It can lead to respiratory issues, unsightly cosmetic damage, structural deterioration, and a decrease in property value. Repairing these issues can be costly, but with timely and effective treatment, they can be prevented.
Don’t let minor damp problems escalate into serious structural concerns. Explore the available damp-proofing solutions and take action at the first signs of rising damp. The best approach is to hire a professional for a comprehensive damp survey to assess your property’s specific needs and determine the most effective treatment.
Contact CS Damp Proofing
At CS Damp Proofing, our team of specialists are equipped with thirty years of experience and is more than capable of finding the right damp treatment for your property. If you’re unsure whether your property is being affected by rising damp, our experts can conduct a damp survey and guide you through treatment.
Contact CS Damp Proofing today at 01765 452510 or fill in our contact form.