damp Problems

Damp Patches on Walls

Damp patches on walls can indicate different problems: condensation (most common), penetrating damp from outside, or rising damp from below. Correct diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

⚠️ Urgent - Don't Delay

Diagnosis Solutions Prevention FAQs

Common Causes

Condensation (most common - 80% of cases)

Penetrating damp (rain getting through)

Rising damp (moisture rising from ground)

Plumbing leak behind wall

Bridged damp proof course

Blocked cavity in wall

Failed pointing or rendering

Identifying Your Damp Type

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Condensation: on windows, cold walls, often in bathrooms/kitchens

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Penetrating: appears after rain, on external walls

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Rising: tide marks at low level, salt deposits

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Mould growth: black spots, musty smell

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Peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint

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Wet patches that come and go

🚨 What Happens If You Ignore This?

Untreated damp causes structural damage, destroys decorations, and creates health hazards through mould. Rising damp can damage timber floor joists. Address promptly.

Diagnosing Your Damp

Check Location

Damp at low level (under 1m) = possibly rising damp. Damp at any height on external wall = penetrating damp. Damp in bathroom/kitchen/bedroom = likely condensation.

Note When It's Worst

Worse in winter/after rain = penetrating. Worse in cold weather with heating on = condensation. Constant regardless of weather = rising/structural.

Look for Salt Deposits

White crystalline deposits at low level are a classic sign of rising damp - salts are carried up from the ground.

Check Outside

Inspect external wall for cracked pointing, damaged render, leaking gutters, or anything allowing water in.

⚠️ Call a Professional If You Notice:

•You're unsure what type of damp it is
•Rising damp signs are present
•Damp is causing mould growth
•Structural damage is visible
•Condensation won't reduce with ventilation
•DIY fixes haven't worked
•You want a proper damp survey

Solutions

🔧 DIY Solution

Difficulty: moderate

1
For condensation: improve ventilation, use extractor fans, reduce humidity sources
2
Install trickle vents in windows
3
Use a dehumidifier in problem rooms
4
Heat home consistently (avoid cold spots)
5
Check outside: repair obvious pointing/render damage
6
Ensure gutters and downpipes aren't leaking onto walls
7
Check soil level isn't above DPC

👷 Professional Solution

We provide proper damp surveys to identify the true cause. Treatment depends on type: improving ventilation, external waterproofing, or DPC injection for genuine rising damp.

Typical Cost:Damp survey: £150-£300. Condensation fixes: £200-£500. External pointing: £500-£1500. Rising damp treatment: £1500-£4000 per wall

Time to Fix:Condensation management: ongoing. Professional repairs: 1-5 days depending on cause

Call 07459 345456

Preventing Damp Problems

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Ensure good ventilation throughout home

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Use extract fans in bathrooms and kitchens

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Don't block air bricks or vents

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Keep gutters and downpipes clear

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Maintain pointing and render

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Don't pile soil above the DPC

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Open windows regularly to air rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our services.

True rising damp is rare in homes built after 1930s (they have DPCs). Most "rising damp" diagnoses are actually condensation or penetrating damp. We provide honest assessments - many damp proofing companies have a vested interest in finding rising damp.

Cold walls create condensation when warm moist air meets them. In winter, we produce more moisture (drying clothes, cooking, breathing) while keeping windows closed. Better ventilation is usually the answer.

A good survey uses moisture meters, salt analysis, and investigation to correctly diagnose the issue. Beware free surveys from damp proofing companies - they may recommend unnecessary treatments.

Yes, especially for people with asthma or allergies. Black mould (Stachybotrys) is particularly concerning. Mould indicates excess moisture - fix the cause, don't just clean the mould.

Still have questions? We're here to help.

Still Having Problems?

If you've tried the DIY solutions and still have issues, or if you'd prefer a professional to handle it from the start, we're here to help.

Call 07459 345456 Request Quote

Free quotes • Gas Safe registered • NICEIC approved