Rising Damp

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Years Of Experience

Rising Damp Treatment Specialists

Overview

Professional Damp Proofing Across Wiltshire & The South West

Rising damp is one of the most misunderstood problems in buildings — and one of the most misdiagnosed.

At Damp Services Direct, we provide accurate diagnosis and specialist rising damp treatment backed by over 25 years of experience working on residential properties, heritage buildings and high-value homes throughout Wiltshire and the South West.

Our approach is simple: diagnose correctly, treat professionally, and restore properly.

 

What Is Rising Damp?

Rising damp occurs when groundwater travels upwards through masonry by capillary action (often referred to as “wicking”). While modern properties are built with a damp proof course (DPC), older buildings may not have one — and even newer DPCs can fail or become bridged over time.

When moisture rises through walls, it carries naturally occurring ground salts (nitrates and chlorides). As moisture evaporates, these hygroscopic salts remain within the plaster and masonry. Once exposed to the internal environment, they continue attracting moisture from the air, causing:

  • Persistent damp patches at low level

  • Blown or crumbling plaster

  • Peeling paint and wallpaper

  • White salt deposits on walls

  • Skirting board decay

  • Timber deterioration

Without correct treatment, this cycle continues and gradually worsens.

Why Choose Damp Services Direct?

We are a trusted, fully trained damp proofing contractor with an established reputation for working on period and high-value properties.

Our Credentials:

  • Over 25 years’ industry experience

  • Approved Contractor – Wykamol (since 2010)

  • Approved Contractor – Permagard

  • Approved Contractor – Triton Chemicals

  • Member of the Federation of Small Businesses

  • Member of Checkatrade

  • £2,000,000 Public Liability Insurance

Professional Training & Accreditation:

  • Property Care Association – Structural Waterproofing

  • Sovereign Chemicals – Diagnosing Damp & Control

  • Triton Chemicals – Damp & Timber Preservation

  • NEBOSH General Certificate (Health & Safety)

  • IOSH Managing Health & Safety

  • COSHH Trained (Safe Chemical Use)

We work to recognised industry standards and best practice at all times.

Our Rising Damp & Salt Contamination Services

We provide a complete solution — not just damp proof course injection.

Our services include:

  • Accurate diagnosis of rising damp

  • Damp proof course (DPC) injection systems

  • Installation of physical damp proof courses

  • Salt contamination removal

  • Specialist damp-proof replastering

  • Full tanking systems

  • Cavity drain membrane installation

  • Treatment of high external ground levels

  • Removal of DPC bridging

  • Airbrick cleaning and replacement

  • Clearing blocked cavities

We treat the cause — not just the symptoms.

Common Causes of Rising Damp & Damp-Related Damage

Many damp issues are caused by building alterations or environmental changes rather than simple DPC failure.

Common contributing factors include:

  • Bridged damp proof courses

  • Raised external ground levels

  • Blocked air bricks

  • Poor ventilation

  • Concrete floors replacing suspended timber floors

  • Extensions added with solid floors

  • Timbers built into damp masonry

  • Leaking gutters and downpipes

  • Blocked cavities

Accurate identification of the true cause is critical before any work begins.

How We Diagnose Rising Damp

Correct diagnosis is essential. Many issues mistaken for rising damp are actually condensation or penetrating damp.

We use advanced moisture and diagnostic equipment including:

  • Protimeter MMS2 moisture meter

  • FLIR thermal imaging camera

  • Speedy Carbide (CM) testing

  • Salts analysis testing kit (nitrates & chlorides)

  • Borescope inspections (subfloors and cavity walls)

Combined with decades of practical experience, this allows us to provide a clear, evidence-based diagnosis.

Our Damp Proof Course System

We use professional-grade, industry-approved damp proofing systems that are:

  • Low hazard and solvent free

  • Non-flammable

  • Virtually odourless

  • Suitable for brick and stone

  • Effective on walls of varying thickness

  • Suitable for both internal and external applications

  • Applicable to 280mm cavity brick walls

Our system carries Agreement Certificate No. 02/3976.

What To Do If You Suspect Rising Damp

If you have noticed damp patches, deteriorating plaster, or salt deposits on your walls, it is important not to ignore the issue.

Contact Damp Services Direct for a professional damp survey. We will:

  1. Carry out a detailed inspection

  2. Identify the true source of moisture

  3. Provide a clear diagnosis

  4. Recommend the most appropriate treatment solution

No guesswork. No unnecessary work. Just professional, accurate damp control.

Unsure What You Need?

Expert Solutions For Every Damp Issue

Need assistance?

Call Us : 07738 572899

Book a Professional Damp Survey Today

FAQS

What are the signs of rising damp?

Common signs of rising damp include: Damp patches at the base of walls Tide marks up to 1 metre high White powdery salt deposits on plaster Peeling paint or wallpaper Crumbling or blown plaster Rotten or decaying skirting boards If you notice any of these symptoms, a professional damp survey is recommended to confirm the cause.

How can you tell the difference between rising damp and condensation?

Rising damp usually affects the lower section of walls and contains ground salts (nitrates and chlorides). Condensation typically appears on colder surfaces, in corners, or around windows and is linked to ventilation and humidity levels. We use professional diagnostic tools, including moisture meters, salts analysis testing, and carbide testing, to accurately determine the source of moisture before recommending treatment.

Does rising damp really exist?

Yes — but it is often misdiagnosed. True rising damp occurs when moisture travels up through masonry due to a failed, damaged, or bridged damp proof course. However, many issues blamed on rising damp are actually caused by condensation, high ground levels, or penetrating damp. Correct diagnosis is essential before any treatment begins.

How high can rising damp travel?

In most cases, rising damp will affect walls up to approximately 1 metre high. In rare circumstances and depending on construction type and salt contamination, it may travel slightly higher

What causes a damp proof course to fail?

A damp proof course (DPC) can fail or become ineffective due to: Age and deterioration Physical damage Bridging from raised ground levels Internal plaster or debris bridging Structural alterations Blocked cavity walls We inspect for all possible causes before recommending DPC installation or repair.

Do I always need a new damp proof course?

Not necessarily. Some damp issues are caused by bridging or external factors rather than DPC failure. In those cases, addressing the root cause may resolve the issue without full replacement. We only recommend a new damp proof course where it is genuinely required.

What is salt contamination and why is it important?

When moisture rises through walls, it carries ground salts into the plaster. Even after drying, these salts attract moisture from the air, causing walls to remain damp. That is why proper damp-proof replastering is essential following rising damp treatment. Simply drying the wall is not enough.

How long does rising damp treatment take?

Installation of a damp proof course is typically completed within one day, depending on property size. Replastering and drying times will vary depending on wall thickness and environmental conditions. We provide a clear timeline following inspection.

Is the damp proof course injection process disruptive?

The process involves drilling small holes into the mortar joint and injecting a specialist damp-proofing cream. It is controlled, professional, and causes minimal disruption. Replastering will be required where salt contamination is present.

Can rising damp affect timber floors and joists?

Yes. Prolonged damp conditions can lead to timber decay and rot, especially where timbers are built into damp masonry. Early intervention helps prevent structural timber damage.

Do you work on older or heritage properties?

Yes. We have extensive experience working on period and high-value properties throughout Wiltshire and the South West. Older buildings require careful diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Is rising damp covered by insurance?

In most cases, rising damp is considered a maintenance issue and is not typically covered by standard home insurance policies. However, we can provide full documentation and survey reports if required.

How much does rising damp treatment cost?

Costs vary depending on: Size of the affected area Level of salt contamination Wall construction type Access requirements We provide a detailed quotation following a professional damp survey so you understand exactly what work is required and why.

What should I do if I suspect rising damp?

Do not ignore the problem or attempt DIY solutions. Contact Damp Services Direct to arrange a professional damp inspection. We will accurately diagnose the issue and recommend the correct treatment plan.

Our professional damp proofing service quickly identifies and treats the root cause of moisture problems using advanced diagnostic equipment and proven treatment methods. Whether you’re dealing with rising damp, mould growth, condensation issues or timber decay, our experienced specialists respond promptly to protect your property and restore a dry, healthy environment with minimal disruption.

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