Rising Damp

The term ‘rising’ damp has historically been used as a blanket name for any form of damp related issue anywhere near the base of walls. This is due to a number of factors and mainly from some contractors through the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s using it as a way to gain work. It was then, and still is, (although clearly not in all cases) massively misdiagnosed.

These days actual true rising damp would be very rare to find. As the eradication of it was a pre-requisite of a mortgage for very many years, there can’t be many domestic buildings that haven’t changed hands in the last 30-40 years.

That said it is generally recognised that chemical treatments are specified in around 5000 domestic properties a year in the UK at a cost to householders of around £200 million. There is even an ever-growing school of thought that it doesn’t even exist. Personally, I am somewhere in the middle, in that condensation not rising damp is probably the most common cause of dampness within residential buildings. But understanding humidity, temperature, water vapour and building fabrics is complex. The complexity of this subject is beyond the remit of most contractors working in the specialist industry.

If you’re concerned dampness is a problem at your property, view our on-site services to see how we can help you.