If you notice a damp patch on your wall getting significantly worse after heavy rain, you’re almost certainly dealing with penetrating damp. This is one of the most common problems we investigate across Wigan, especially in homes with older brickwork, cracked render or ageing pointing.
At Weather Wise Solutions Limited, we help Wigan homeowners understand why rain makes damp patches more visible — and how to fix the external defects feeding the wall.
🌧️ Why Damp Worsens After Rain
Penetrating damp happens when rainwater enters the masonry faster than it can evaporate.
When the brick or render becomes saturated, water tracks through to the internal wall, creating a damp patch.
Here are the most common reasons it worsens during wet weather:
1️⃣ Faulty or Missing Pointing
Pointing protects the joints between bricks.
When it cracks, erodes or falls out, it creates direct pathways for water to enter.
Signs include:
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darkened brickwork during rain
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damp patches that match the brick pattern
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worsening stains in windy weather
This is extremely common in older Wigan terraces.
2️⃣ Cracked or Hollow Render
Render often looks intact, but hairline cracks or hollow sections allow water to travel behind it.
Once moisture gets behind compromised render, it spreads across large areas of wall before appearing inside.
3️⃣ Porous or Weathered Brickwork
Brick faces can become porous over time due to:
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frost damage
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age-related erosion
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previous paint or coatings trapping moisture
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incorrect cement pointing
Porous bricks absorb water like a sponge, especially during wind-driven rain.
4️⃣ Defective Gutters or Downpipes
If gutters overflow or downpipes leak, the same section of wall becomes saturated repeatedly.
This leads to:
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localised damp
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blown plaster internally
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moss growth on external walls
Overflow from the roofline is one of the most common causes of penetrating damp in Wigan.
5️⃣ Failed Sills, Lintels or Window Details
Gaps around windows let rainwater track directly into the wall cavity or internal leaf.
Customers often notice damp patches beneath windows after storms.
🧰 How Weather Wise Diagnose Rain-Related Damp
Our CPD-qualified specialists conduct a full investigation:
✔ External Defect Survey
Checking pointing, render, brick condition, sills, gutters, downpipes and flashing.
✔ Moisture Mapping
Identifying depth and pattern of damp penetration.
✔ Thermal Imaging
Spotting cold, saturated areas behind render or brickwork.
✔ Cavity Inspection
Detecting debris or insulation that may be holding moisture.
✔ Humidity & Vapour Pressure Checks
To rule out condensation as a contributing factor.
🛠️ How Weather Wise Fix Penetrating Damp in Wigan
🔧 Repointing with Breathable Mortar
We remove defective mortar and repoint using appropriate materials that let the wall breathe.
🧱 Render Repairs or Replacement
Fixing cracks, hollow sections or full render failure.
🌧️ Gutter & Downpipe Repairs
Correcting leaks, overflows, poor falls or blocked sections.
🪟 Window & Sill Corrections
Ensuring water is shed away from the building properly.
🛡️ Breathable Masonry Treatments
Where appropriate, breathable water repellents reduce future absorption.
We use trusted materials from:
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PAM Ties – https://www.pamties.co.uk/
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Wycamol – https://wykamol.com/
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Builders Super Store
And we follow best practice as accredited members of:
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Federation of Damp – https://federationofdamp.co.uk/
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Damp Proofing Association – https://www.dampproofingassociation.co.uk/
Eligible works include insurance-backed guarantees.
🏡 Why Wigan Homeowners Trust Weather Wise
Weather Wise Solutions Limited is a family-run damp and ventilation specialist covering Wigan and Greater Manchester.
We pride ourselves on expert diagnosis, honest recommendations and long-lasting repairs.
We are trusted and verified on:
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TrustATrader –
https://www.trustatrader.com/traders/weather-wise-solutions-limited-damp-surveyor-newcastle-under-lyme -
Checkatrade –
https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/weatherwisesolutionslimited
📞 Book a Free Damp Assessment in Wigan
If your damp patch gets worse after heavy rain, external defects are likely feeding the wall.
We can identify the source and repair it permanently.
Book your free survey here:
https://weatherwiseuk.co.uk/pages/contact