Older properties in Skelmersdale often come with unique charm — but they can also come with hidden damp problems. Whether it’s a Victorian terrace or a 1930s semi, knowing how to correctly identify the type of damp is essential to finding the right solution.
At Weather Wise Solutions Limited, we’re proud members of the Damp Proofing Association and work with industry-leading products from PAM Ties. Our family-run team specialises in damp diagnosis and remediation tailored to older homes.
🔍 Common Damp Types in Period Properties
1. Rising Damp
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Occurs when moisture travels up from the ground through brick or stone walls.
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Often shows a tide mark 1–1.2m high with white salts on the plaster.
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Common in properties where the original DPC (Damp Proof Course) has failed or is bridged.
2. Bridging
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Happens when plaster or render touches the ground, bypassing the DPC.
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May look like rising damp, but there’s no salt and often affects corners or under stairs.
3. Penetrating Damp
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Caused by water getting through walls from external defects — like cracked render or leaking gutters.
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Usually shows as patchy, localised stains and gets worse in heavy rain.
4. Condensation
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A result of poor ventilation, heating patterns, or insulation gaps.
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Appears as black mould, especially in corners, on external walls, or behind furniture.
🧪 How We Diagnose Damp in Skelmersdale
We don’t offer formal reports — but we do offer reliable, professional quotations based on existing RICS survey findings, or free visual inspections. Our process includes:
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Surface moisture testing
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Salt analysis
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Cavity tray and ground level checks
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Ventilation and airflow assessments
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Thermal bridging evaluation
If bridging is the issue, we can remove the offending plaster and even update the DPC if needed — giving the customer an insurance-backed guarantee at no extra charge.
🏡 Why Older Homes Need Specialist Care
Heritage buildings require breathable materials and moisture-tolerant designs. Modern waterproofing or hard cement plasters can trap moisture and make damp worse. That’s why we only use vapour-permeable plasters and breathable damp treatments.
📞 Book a Free Home Survey here with Weather Wise Solutions Limited — your trusted damp specialists for older homes across Skelmersdale.