When damp proofing work is carried out in your home, the installation of a new damp proof course (DPC) is only part of the job. To complete the system effectively, it’s essential to remove any contaminated or bridging plaster from the affected walls and replace it with a vapour-permeable plaster system.
In homes across Chorley, we often see the signs of past damp treatments undone by one simple mistake: leaving the original plaster in place.
🧱 Why Remove the Old Plaster?
Damp often brings salts to the surface of internal walls. These hygroscopic salts attract moisture from the air, which can reintroduce damp staining, bubbling paint, or a musty smell — even after a new DPC has been installed.
Leaving salt-contaminated or bridging plaster can:
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Reintroduce damp symptoms
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Prevent walls from drying out properly
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Reduce the lifespan of your damp treatment
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Cause decorative finishes to fail
🛠️ Vapour-Permeable Plaster: The Right Finish
At Weather Wise Solutions, we use specialist plaster systems from PAM Ties. These are designed to allow the wall to breathe and release any residual moisture while blocking the reabsorption of salts.
This is especially important in properties with:
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Solid walls (no cavity insulation)
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High humidity or condensation risk
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Previous salt contamination
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Visible signs of bridging, such as plaster touching the floor
⚠️ What Is Bridging Plaster?
Bridging occurs when plaster extends below the DPC line or comes into contact with damp masonry. It bypasses the protective barrier, allowing moisture to rise into the wall finish. This is why we always recommend removing plaster to a minimum of 1 metre high, or at least 300mm above the last visible signs of damp.
✅ Trusted Advice and Guaranteed Work
We’re proud members of the Damp Proofing Association, and our plastering systems are covered by insurance-backed guarantees when completed alongside our damp proofing works. As a family-run damp company, we provide honest guidance and long-term solutions tailored to your Chorley home.
📞 Book a Free Survey for your Home here with Weather Wise Solutions – your local damp proofing and plastering specialists in Chorley.