When homeowners in Stockport notice damp patches at the base of interior walls, they often assume rising damp is to blame. But in many cases, the true culprit is something far more common and less costly to fix: bridging plaster.
What Is Bridging Plaster?
Bridging plaster occurs when internal plasterwork extends down over the original damp proof course (DPC), or when it's allowed to contact the solid floor. This creates a pathway that allows ground moisture to rise above the DPC, mimicking the signs of rising damp.
Unlike true rising damp—which is characterised by hygroscopic salts drawn from the ground—bridging doesn't always show these salt deposits. This is one of the key diagnostic differences.
Key Signs It Might Be Bridging and Not Rising Damp
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Damp or stained plaster just above skirting level
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No visible salt contamination
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No evidence of high external ground levels or water ingress
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Moisture only on internal walls with no external defects
At Weather Wise Solutions Limited, we use moisture mapping and visual inspection to confirm whether plaster bridging is present.
How We Fix It
If bridging is diagnosed, we carefully remove a strip of plaster behind the skirting boards, just enough to break the moisture path. This avoids the need for full wall re-plastering. Where appropriate, we also update the DPC using PAM Ties systems and can provide an insurance-backed guarantee for long-term peace of mind.
We only recommend full re-plastering if there’s genuine salt contamination or other underlying issues. This tailored approach helps customers save money while ensuring a lasting fix.
Need Help with Damp in Stockport?
If you're unsure whether your home needs a new DPC or just a small bridging removal, our team can help. We cover Stockport and the wider Greater Manchester area with free quotations and trusted advice.