Penetrating Damp

Penetrating Damp is usually caused by water moving through walls from the outside of the building.

How To Identify Penetrating Damp

There are a number of signs to help determine if your property has penetrating damp, which include:

Image of penetrating damp damage from Rentokil
  • Damaged internal decoration – damp, discoloured tidemarks in line with external ground level on internal surfaces.
  • Damaged Plaster - blistering, salting and disintegration.
  • Rotting skirting boards, floor timbers – wet rot decay.
  • Localised dampness – Random damp patches at high and low level that do not dry out
  • Mould Growth – musty smell, spoilt decoration.

What Causes Penetrating Damp?

There are two main causes of Penetrating Damp:

  • Building Defects – defective roof coverings, cracked brickwork, badly fitting windows/ door frames, faulty guttering and downpipes.
  • Lateral Penetrating Damp – caused when the external ground, abutting the wall is above internal floor level.
 

Penetrating Damp Survey

Before Rentokil undertakes any work, a surveyor will carry out a thorough inspection to establish the need for and the extent of the waterproofing system required and will also:

  • design a waterproofing system to meet your requirements taking into consideration the requirements of BS 8102.
  • provide the most cost-effective solution to your damp problem.
  • check for decay caused by the dampness.
 

Treatments for Penetrating Damp

Penetrating Damp can impact on the environment in your property but there are various treatments available to correct this potentially harmful occurrence.

We offer Single Membrane and Cementitious Tanking system solutions to treat Penetrating Damp caused by high external ground levels. 

These solutions will provide a dry internal wall surface, making the cellar or basement rooms of your property habitable again.

If the problem is caused by building defects, these can be easily repaired by a competent builder and/or plumber. Once the wall has dried out and there is no damage to plaster or decay in timbers, then you can re-decorate.

If the problem is caused by lateral penetrating damp, the most effective solution is to lower the external ground level abutting the wall. This is often impractical and very costly.

Get further technical information from our Penetrating Damp Treatment leaflet (pdf).

Rentokil’s work is covered by a 10-year guarantee, which can be passed on to future owners of the property.