Damp Problems FAQs

Is re-plastering necessary?

In cases where rising damp is diagnosed, the remedial process has two steps—the first, to inject a damp proof course system and the second step is to re-plaster affected walls to the correct specification. A copy of this specification is supplied with all of our reports and is available either electronically or as a hard copy upon request. Rising damp results in ground derived salts (chlorides and nitrates) being deposited within the plaster. These salts are hygroscopic (attract moisture) and can provide a damp surface even when the damp proof course is effective.

The predominate reason that building materials biodegrade is because they are affected by water, known as water ingress. This can lead to serious damp related problems for a property which is why it’s fundamental to the preservation and maintenance of all buildings that they remain as watertight as possible.

Any defect permitting access of moisture into the fabric of a building must be remedied or treated to prevent further entry of water, and the area affected by water dried out. In order to identify defects that can lead to water ingress and to identify areas within the building that are at risk of fungal decay, a detailed inspection should be undertaken by a competent specialist who will carry out an external and internal investigation of the property.