What causes low level damp?

Rising damp can be spotted on low level surfaces as it is caused by excess ground water infiltrating through the bricks and mortar. Rising damp, which usually affects older buildings with a large percentage of masonry walls, is one of the most common types of damp around the world.

What are the main causes of rising damp?

Rising damp is caused by moisture ascending through capillaries which are found in masonry. Capillaries are thin, lengthy tubes (pores) which are very small within the material. Within masonry, these tubes can often differ considerably in their thickness.

Can rising damp reach first floor?

These will be left behind even after the water has evaporated. Although rising damp can usually only reach a height of around 1 metre up the wall, salt deposits may be visible higher up.

How do you fix damp rising?

How do you fix rising damp? The only way to treat rising damp is to create a new damp-proofing course to prevent moisture movement through the structure. Historically, walls were cut into and masonry removed to install a new physical damp-proofing course along the masonry line.

Does insurance cover rising damp?

Is rising damp covered by insurance? Most buildings and contents home insurance policies won’t cover you for damage caused by damp and condensation. If your home does have rising damp, then it’s not in good condition. Failure to tell your insurer could put you at risk of invalidating your insurance.

Can I fix rising damp myself?

The most effective and economical way to treat rising damp is with a damp proofing injection cream. You can choose between complete kits or individual cartridges of cream from leading brands such as Kiesol C and Aida. The cream is injected or hand-pumped into specially-positioned holes in the mortar course.

What happens if rising damp is left untreated?

If left untreated, rising damp can cause extreme damage to the structure of your property. Rising damp can destroy decoration, plaster and can cause rot to the timber within your home. For example, a raised flower bed against a wall might result in soil being piled up above the level of the DPC.

Can I treat rising damp myself?

The most effective and economical way to treat rising damp is with a damp proofing injection cream. Alternatively, you can install a new damp proof membrane to act as a damp proof course.

What does it mean to have a rising damp problem?

Rising damp is a type of damp which can impact the lower portion of walls on the ground floor of properties. Accurate diagnosis and the necessary remedial work being carried out swiftly are very important when dealing with a rising damp issue. Rising damp is the upwards flow of water through wall structures.

Why does the damp in my cavity keep rising?

Rising damp can happen as a result of debris present in your cavity wall bridging the Damp Proof Course and giving water a way to travel around the DPC and up into your walls Remember that your damp problem may not necessarily be caused by rising damp – there may be another source of water that you are not aware of.

Why do I have a lot of damp in my house?

This is because rising damp is caused by moisture from the external soil rising up the walls resulting in damp issue to your property fabric. If your damp issue is on the first floor or above, it is likely you are encountering either a penetrating damp, plumbing leak or condensation problem. Rising damp can be commonly misdiagnosed.

Why does my damp proof course keep rising?

You may be experiencing rising damp even if your Damp Proof Course is functioning well –in this case the DPC may be breached – that is, there may be something attached to your walls that is allowing water to travel around the Damp Proof Course and continue moving upwards.