Rising Damp

Rising Dampness is a blight that can affect external and internal walls alike. The source of dampness in this case comes is from ground water. The bricks and mortar in the dry upper parts of the wall acts like a sponge and draws water upwards. Well maintained, well-constructed walls will have an efficient physical damp proof course (DPC) and are unlikely to possess dampness unless the damp proof course has in some way been compromised, for example:

A Compromised physical DPC due to age and/or original use of poor material.

External materials ie soil, shingle, rubbish against the external wall below and above the DPC. Existing DPC breached by home improvements ie addition of a porch, conservatory, adjoining wall etc. Materials within the cavity of a cavity wall construction.

Once the damp proof course has been compromised remedial action is required as soon as possible, continued presence of dampness on the upper walls will lead to deterioration of brickwork and internal plaster, décor.