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Rising Damp
Rising damp is the general term for water that enters the fabric of a building by being absorbed from the surrounding ground into walls and floors.
Rising damp can be caused by a number of defects that are nothing to do with the breakdown of the installed damp course. It is important to understand the underlying problem, rather than be misled by the physical manifestation of the damp. This is why it is essential to employ the services of a specialist surveyor to provide full rising damp survey and expert treatment.
What is Rising Damp?
The term rising damp describes the process whereby ground water (moisture) is drawn upwards through the mortar and masonry of a building by means of capillary action. Porous building materials such as bricks and sandstone are most likely to be affected.
In most cases rising damp is a slow process and may be present in a building for several years before any signs of a problem appear. The speed at which the moisture rises up the walls will depend on several factors including:
- The type of wall or floor construction
- The nature of the ground
- The environment inside and outside of the building
How to Stop Rising Damp
Modern buildings in the UK include a damp proof course that acts as a barrier to water penetration. However, if some damage has occurred to the fabric of the building such as broken roof tiles, blocked air vents, leaking pipes or blocked drains; damp may then become a problem.
Performing checks and carrying out regular maintenance to your property can stop rising damp becoming an issue. We recommend these regular checks:
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- Ensure external roofs, gutters, down pipes and drains are clear from debris.
- Repair broken or cracked roof tiles, leaking pipes, defective sealant around doors and window frames.
- Maintain external ground levels at least 150mm below the damp proof course.
- Keep all air vents & air bricks free from obstruction.
- Check for signs of dampness on internal surfaces of the ground floor walls and skirting boards.
- Check walls behind furniture, curtains or sofas for any stain on wall coverings.
Rising Damp Solutions
Treating rising damp can be a tricky task to take on independently. This is why we provide specialist rising damp solutions that are covered by a 30-year guarantee which can be passed on to future owners of the property.
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Rising Damp Survey - Through experience and knowledge of damp, a Rentokil surveyor will carry out the most appropriate rising damp treatment for your property, which will include the installation of a damp proof course (DPC).
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Installation of Damp Proofing - Dependant on the thickness of walls, holes are drilled in the mortar/brick of external and internal walls to a pre-determined depth and at the correct level and spacing between holes. These holes are then injected with a low odour water based silicone damp proofing fluid (damp proof course) to reduce the movement of water through the capillaries.
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Damp Proofing Rod - Rentokil's damp proofing rod system is a high strength, liquid free, alternative to regular rising damp treatment methods. These damp proofing rods are inserted into holes in the masonry without the need for an injection pump. As large amounts of fluid are not added to an already wet wall, the time it takes for the wall to dry is substantially reduced. This then allows quicker re-plastering and re-decoration. Also there is no risk of fluid spillage's which reduces the risk of damage to carpets or flooring.
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Re-plastering - Once our team has completed treating your home for rising damp our technician will ensure any treated walls are re-plastered. Re-plastering includes:
- A dense sand and cement render as a backing coat incorporating a waterproof additive.
- Application of a gypsum skim coat to give a smooth finish.
Rising Damp Treatment Testimonials
Rising Damp Treatment
"Everyone else wanted to remove 2 tones of plaster, do the work & rebuild the house (ok, slight exaggeration!) but as there was VERY little plaster damage Rentokil did it from the outside & only replaced what needed replacing. Top team, good tradesmen & a simple transaction."
"Everyone else wanted to remove 2 tones of plaster, do the work & rebuild the house (ok, slight exaggeration!) but as there was VERY little plaster damage Rentokil did it from the outside & only replaced what needed replacing. Top team, good tradesmen & a simple transaction."
10/10
Mr Lley
12th February 2017
12th February 2017
Rising Damp Specialists
Providing all of our customers with the highest quality of service is our highest priority, this is why we ensure all our surveyors are Certificated Surveyors in Remedial Treatment (CSRT) and our technicians are trained to exceed Property Care Association (PCA) standards.
Our team of experts will assess and correctly diagnose the extent of your rising damp issue. From this, we provide recommendations on specific damp proof treatments for the most effective ways to treat your problem.