What is Rising Damp?

Rising Damp is caused by ground water seepage into the walls or foundation of a property at ground level. Rising Damp can be associated with areas that have a high water table and can happen in an area suddenly after years of not having issues. Moisture will travel up the porous parts of the wall and soak the bricks and mortar through the process of capillary action. This means that the water soaks up the wall through the porous areas generally in the mortar joints until it reaches your plasterwork and then becomes visible. Damp will usually not rise higher than 1.4 meters (or 4 ft 6in) due to the effects of gravity. Rising Damp can commonly occur at times when your local areas water table has risen and your property has no or insufficient damp proof course (DPC). 

What effects can it have?

Along with some health issues due to the effect of dampness, rising damp can have a major effect on the structure of the property if left untreated. You will notice Rising Damp by “tide marks” on the base of the wall above the skirting level. It can lead to paint and plaster falling off the walls as well as issues like mould and musty odours. Rising Damp will also decay any wall based timers in the affected area. If left untreated this can lead to the weakening of the wall based timbers which are at risk of being infected by Dry Rot and Wet Rot. Usually the timbers will be integral to the structure of the building so it’s imperative that the Rising Damp be stopped and any rotten timbers be treated or replaced. In some severe cases a structural engineer may need to be consulted to ensure the long term integrity of the building.

A Guide to Rising Damp

 

Rising damp is a persistent problem where moisture from the ground moves up through a building’s walls, promoting mold growth and causing further damage. This typically happens when there is a failure in the property’s damp-proofing system. By recognizing early signs like peeling paint, stained walls, and musty smells, you can promptly seek out rising damp treatment, which will pinpoint the underlying cause of your problem, whether it’s ensuring adequate ventilation or installing a damp proof course (DPC). 

How to Treat Rising Damp?

Chemical Injection Damp Proofing

In most cases, the blown plasterwork on the wall will be removed and safely discarded by the dampstore. Then the process of injecting a Chemical Damp proof course is carried out by the Damp Store. This is the preferred method of rising damp treatment to fix damp problems. Other methods work well in specific use cases like lectros osmosis and ultracure DPC cream

Tanking Slurry

After the chemical dpc injection has taken place it is imperative that a form of waterproof breathable tanking slurry is applied to the surface of the damp wall, preventing any residual damp. This forms a vertical damp proof barrier to stop that dampness coming through to the new plaster.

Professional Replastering

After the walls have been damp proofed and the products have sufficiently cured, the Damp Store will replaster the walls with a render and finally to a skim finish. Leaving it ready for Paint and Decorating. The Damp store can also arrange plumbing and electrics to be removed and reinstated as part of the works.

Rising Damp Treatment Products

Explore our comprehensive range of solutions for rising damp, including chemical DPC and specialized applicator guns. This is where you can easily find effective products to tackle rising damp issues in your property. Our products ensure long-lasting protection and when used properly, greatly improve your home’s resistance to rising damp problems. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The chemical injection used for damp proofing is known as a DPC injection. This involves injecting a damp-proofing cream or gel into the wall to establish a barrier against rising damp, creating a waterproof layer within the masonry and preventing further moisture penetration.

The most effective way to tackle rising damp treatment in Ireland includes installing or repairing a damp proof course (DPC). This method addresses the root cause and presents further moisture damage.

The common cause of rising damp is the failure of a property’s damp proof course, which will allow moisture to travel from the ground into the walls.

Buying a house with rising damp is feasible but requires careful consideration of the rising damp treatment cost in Ireland. Be sure to consult with a professional to assess the extent of the damage so that you can properly understand the cost of repairs.

The Damp Store is the most trusted rising damp contractor in Ireland due to our extensive experience and reliable service. We pride ourselves in offering effective rising damp treatments that ensure long-lasting results.

Yes, it’s highly recommended that you work with a professional to fix rising damp in your home, as they are better equipped to assess the problem and apply a chemical DPC effectively.