Damp causes & identification
Rising Damp, What is it? & What causes it?
Rising damp is the term used to describe dampness in a wall structure, where there is higher moisture content at the base of the wall, which rises further up the wall.
How To Identify Rising Damp
The problem of rising damp can be identified by a number of different signs, which include: Damaged internal decoration – damp, discoloured tidemarks on internal decoration. Damaged Plaster – blistering, salting and disintegration Rotting skirting boards, floor timbers – wet rot decay Localised dampness – dampness on walls rarely exceeds one metre above ground level, but may go much higher in extreme cases.
What Causes Rising Damp?
The main causes of rising damp are: Failure of an existing damp proof course No damp proof course at all High external ground bridging an existing damp proof course Internal plaster bridging an existing damp proof course Bridging of damp proof course due to a build up of rubble inside a cavity wall Residual dampness at the base of the wall following a previous penetrating damp problem Condensation at the base of a wall due to poor air circulation Leaking water pipes at the base of a wall
