🧱 Not All Damp Walls Need a New Damp Proof Course
If you've spotted damp patches or flaky plaster on your walls in Nantwich, you might assume the whole house needs a new damp proof course (DPC). But that’s not always the case.
In many homes, especially older terraces and cottages in Acton, Stapeley, or Willaston, the real issue isn’t water rising from the ground — it’s moisture trapped behind non-breathable plaster or residual salt contamination.
In these cases, a salt-inhibiting plaster system could be the correct and more affordable solution.
🔬 Understanding the Difference: Salt vs Rising Damp
It’s easy to confuse salt-contaminated walls with true rising damp. Here’s how to tell the difference:
| Feature | Rising Damp | Salt-Contaminated Plaster |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Source | Capillary action from ground | Moisture from past damp trapped in wall |
| Common Signs | Tide marks, low-level staining | White fluffy salts, dry wall that still discolours |
| Wall Readings | High moisture content deep in wall | Surface readings often high only on plaster |
| Requires DPC? | Yes, if capillary action is present | No, unless active rising damp confirmed |
🧪 When Is Salt-Inhibiting Plaster the Right Fix?
✅ The DPC is already in place and working
✅ Plaster has bridged the DPC (e.g., runs to floor level)
✅ Wall is no longer actively wet, but salts are present
✅ You’ve previously had damp but resolved the root cause
✅ The wall needs re-plastering due to salt blow-out
We use breathable render systems treated with PAM Ties salt-inhibitor additive, finished with high-permeability finishing plasters. This allows residual moisture to dry out while neutralising the salts that attract dampness from the air.
🚫 When a New DPC Is Needed
There are still cases where a chemical or physical damp proof course is essential:
❌ If there's no existing DPC or it’s failed
❌ If moisture is actively rising from the ground
❌ If bridging is present due to raised ground levels
❌ If the wall is still wet at depth even after repairs
In these cases, we recommend installing a new silicone-based damp proof course, followed by salt-resistant plastering — not one or the other.
🏠 Common Nantwich Properties Affected
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Victorian terraces with bridged DPCs
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Renovated barns with modern gypsum plaster over lime
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Cottages with old injected DPC but no re-plastering
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Homes with external render trapping moisture inside
👷 Why Choose Weather Wise?
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✅ We test before we treat – No assumptions
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✅ Salt-inhibiting systems using trusted products from PAM Ties
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✅ Silicone-based DPCs installed where needed
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✅ Federation of Damp and Damp Proofing Association members
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✅ Transparent advice to avoid unnecessary work
📞 Book Your Free Damp Wall Assessment in Nantwich
https://weatherwiseuk.co.uk/pages/contact
FAQs
Will painting over the salts fix the issue?
No — salts will push through even specialist paints. You need to remove affected plaster and treat with a breathable, salt-inhibiting system.
Can I install a DPC without re-plastering?
Only if bridging and salts are fully ruled out — but in most cases, proper re-plastering is essential.
Is this covered by insurance?
Not usually, unless damp is caused by a specific leak or structural failure.