Rising damp is often misunderstood. Homeowners in Crewe frequently confuse it with condensation or penetrating damp, especially during wetter months. So how do you know if what you're seeing is the real thing?
Here’s a breakdown to help you identify whether your home is at risk of rising damp – or if another issue might be to blame.
What Is Rising Damp?
Rising damp occurs when moisture from the ground travels up through porous masonry by capillary action. If your property has an ineffective or breached damp proof course (DPC), it’s especially vulnerable.
Telltale Signs of Rising Damp:
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Damp Patches at Low Level: Especially where the skirting meets the wall.
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Peeling or Bubbling Paint: Near ground level, not higher up the wall.
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Salts on Plaster: White, fluffy deposits that suggest ground moisture.
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Rotting Skirting Boards: Timber decay from consistent moisture exposure.
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Cold or Wet Internal Walls: Unusual for properly ventilated homes.
What Rising Damp Is Not:
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Mould Growth: Typically caused by condensation, not rising damp.
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High-Level Damp Patches: More likely to be a roof or gutter issue.
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Bridging Plaster: When plaster bridges over a DPC, it can mimic rising damp symptoms – but a new DPC might not be necessary. In these cases, removing the offending plaster and reapplying breathable materials often resolves the issue.
When to Install a New DPC
If the original damp proof course has failed or was never installed, updating it with a silicone-based injection (as supplied by trusted partners like PAM Ties) can solve the problem for good. Weather Wise Solutions Limited can also offer insurance-backed guarantees when a full DPC is installed.
How We Help Crewe Homeowners
At Weather Wise Solutions Limited, we begin by diagnosing the actual cause of your damp. We’ll never recommend a new DPC unless it’s necessary. In many cases, we identify bridging or condensation instead – and help you fix it at the root.
We’re proud members of the Damp Proofing Association and the Federation of Damp, and all our specialists hold a CPD qualification in dampness in buildings. You can check our credentials here: https://federationofdamp.co.uk
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