When damp appears at the base of internal walls, many homeowners jump straight to the conclusion that their damp proof course (DPC) has failed. But in many cases, the culprit is far simpler — bridging plaster.
At Weather Wise Solutions Limited, we specialise in accurate damp diagnosis. As proud members of the Damp Proofing Association and Federation of Damp, our team holds CPD qualifications in Dampness in Buildings and follows industry-recognised standards when assessing wall moisture issues.
🔍 What Is Bridging Plaster?
Bridging happens when plaster has been applied too far down the wall — usually behind the skirting board — making direct contact with the floor. This bypasses the DPC and allows ground moisture to rise up the face of the internal wall.
It’s a common problem, particularly in older homes or properties where previous damp treatments didn’t include careful plaster detailing.
⚠️ Signs It May Be Bridging — Not a Failed DPC
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Damp is limited to the very bottom of the wall
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No signs of salt contamination or horizontal staining
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Skirting boards are damp or swollen
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Plaster runs directly behind the skirting to floor level
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The property has had DPC work done but no plaster correction
In these cases, the DPC is often still functioning correctly — it’s just being bypassed.
🛠️ What’s the Correct Fix?
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For Bridging Only: Remove the affected plaster just behind the skirting boards — no need to strip the wall up to 1 metre high. Once the physical bridge is broken, the DPC can do its job.
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If the DPC Has Failed: We can install a new silicone-based injection DPC using trusted products from PAM Ties, and where required, re-plaster with breathable materials.
And here’s the bonus: if you choose to update your DPC while we carry out bridging removal, you’ll receive an insurance-backed guarantee at no extra charge — giving your home lasting protection and added peace of mind.
✅ Book Your Free Damp Assessment
Not sure if you need a full DPC installation or just a simple bridging correction? Let our experienced team in Chorley take a look. We’ll explain what’s needed — and what isn’t.
Book a Free Survey for your Home here with Weather Wise Solutions Limited – your trusted damp proofing experts across the North West.