Rising Damp

Rising Damp

This is commonly caused when water from the ground rises into the home.

What is it?

This is caused by ground water moving up through a wall or floor.

How is it caused?  

Water from the ground rises into the home by either passing though the brickwork or concrete of the property if there is no damp-proof course (DPC) or the DPC is broken.

Where is it found?

Rising damp will only affect basements and ground floor rooms in a home, up to a height of about 1 metre.

Older homes are more vulnerable to rising damp.

How to spot Rising Damp

• ‘Tide mark’ low down on the wall (above skirting board) that rises up
• Wet patches on walls
• Peeling paint or lifting wallpaper
• A white powdery substance on walls (salts)
• Wall plaster may be crumbling

It will be seen all year round but is more noticeable in winter.

It is rare to see black mould on rising damp as this type of dampness carries with it ground salts which are poisonous to black mould.