Have you noticed damp patches or peeling paint near the bottom of your internal walls? In many Preston homes, this isn’t caused by a failed damp proof course — it’s often down to bridging plaster.
At Weather Wise Solutions, we regularly help customers who’ve been told they have rising damp, when the real issue is simply bridging — and the fix is usually straightforward.
We’re a family-run team of CPD-qualified specialists, proud members of the Federation of Damp and the Damp Proofing Association, offering expert damp solutions across Preston and Lancashire.
🧱 What Is Bridging Plaster?
Bridging plaster occurs when plaster touches or crosses the damp proof course (DPC), allowing moisture from the lower wall or floor to rise above it. Even if the DPC is intact and working, moisture can still travel up via the bridging material.
This is most common when:
-
Dense gypsum or bonding plasters are taken right down to the floor
-
Skirtings or plaster are in contact with damp surfaces
-
Old repairs were made without removing contaminated or inappropriate finishes
-
Internal walls were plastered after damp treatment, but incorrectly
🔍 Signs of Bridging — Not True Rising Damp
-
DPC already installed and intact
-
Plaster is damp but no signs of salt contamination
-
Timber skirtings and lower wall brickwork are dry
-
Readings only show at plaster level, not in the substrate
-
Issue disappears once bridging plaster is removed
Bridging is often misdiagnosed as rising damp — but it requires a much simpler fix.
🛠️ Our Solution: Simple Removal and Re-Finishing
If we identify bridging plaster as the issue, our approach is:
-
Carefully remove all plaster that bridges the DPC
-
Ensure correct plaster depth and gap from floor
-
Refinish using vapour-permeable plaster or leave ready for client decoration
-
Provide honest guidance — no unnecessary injections or treatments
We always prioritise honest advice. If a formal report is required, we’re happy to refer you to qualified surveyors — but in most cases, bridging plaster issues are straightforward to fix.
✅ Damp Specialists You Can Trust
At Weather Wise Solutions, we’ve built our reputation on clear diagnosis and effective treatments. You’ll always receive practical solutions, a friendly service, and confidence that your walls are in good hands.
📞 Book a Free Damp Assessment here with Weather Wise Solutions – trusted, qualified specialists serving Preston and the surrounding area.