If you’re seeing damp patches at the base of your walls in Runcorn, you may be concerned that your damp proof course (DPC) has failed.
But before installing a new DPC, it’s important to confirm the cause — because many “failed DPC” cases are actually due to bridging, condensation, or plaster contamination, not a genuine DPC failure.
At Weather Wise Solutions, we prioritise accurate diagnosis first, so you don’t spend money on unnecessary treatments.
🧩 What a Failed DPC Looks Like
A functioning DPC should prevent moisture from rising more than 1 metre above floor level.
Common signs of a genuine DPC failure include:
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Tide marks up to 1 metre high
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White, powdery salts (nitrates & chlorides) on plaster
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Crumbling or blown plaster at the bottom of the wall
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Rotting skirting boards or flooring
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Persistent damp that returns after repainting
If these symptoms are present only at low level, a failed DPC may be the cause — but testing is essential before assuming.
🚫 When It Isn’t a Failed DPC
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that rising damp is not the most common diagnosis.
Moisture problems that mimic a failed DPC include:
❌ Bridging – plaster, render, or external ground levels sitting above the DPC
❌ Condensation – mistaken for rising damp due to moisture settling on cold walls
❌ Internal leaks – radiators, pipes, or bathroom drainage
❌ Salt-contaminated plaster – retains moisture even after the wall dries
Without correct diagnosis, injecting a new DPC won’t fix the issue.
🧪 Why Testing Comes First
At Weather Wise Solutions Limited, we never inject a new DPC without evidence.
Our CPD-qualified specialists carry out the following:
✅ Moisture Mapping – to see the moisture profile and identify rising vs condensation patterns
✅ Speedy (Carbide) Testing – measures moisture deep inside the masonry
✅ Salt Analysis – confirms whether hygroscopic salts from rising damp are present
✅ External Checks – ground levels, pointing, render, and bridging investigations
Only if tests prove that the DPC has failed will we recommend a silicone-based DPC injection, installed using professional products from PAM Ties and Wycamol.
🏡 Trusted Damp Specialists in Runcorn
As a family-run damp company, we provide clear, honest guidance — not guesswork.
We’re accredited members of the Federation of Damp, the Damp Proofing Association and Checkatrade.
Our reports and treatments come with insurance-backed guarantees on approved works for complete peace of mind.
👉 Book your free rising damp diagnosis in Runcorn:
https://weatherwiseuk.co.uk/pages/contact