Rising Damp Treatment

Rising Damp

Rising damp is water from the ground that enters a structure by capillary action. Water that enters or affects a building through any other route can move about in various ways but is not rising damp. Only rising damp can be cured by the installation of a chemical or osmotic damp proof course.

Rising damp has been a relatively commonly encountered problem in some types of building; however, it is often misdiagnosed. It is important that the investigations into dampness are undertaken by a trained and competent surveyor who can recognise and understand the problem. We would always recommend that the surveyor who undertakes investigations has been awarded the CSRT qualification.

Decayed skirting boards, crumbling or salt stained plaster, discoloration and staining, decayed timber floors and peeling paint and wallpaper are all common when walls are affected by rising damp. These defects are not always evident but when they are, a specialist inspection is always recommended.

Most types of masonry used in the walls of buildings will allow some water movement by capillary action; however, this is usually controlled by a physical barrier or damp proof course. If this physical barrier is absent, has broken down or is damaged then it is often possible to install a remedial damp proof course (DPC) to control water rising from the ground.

Water rising from the ground often introduces contaminating salts into the walls and plaster coats. This contamination will often result in a need for the plaster to be removed and replaced using specially formulated salt resistant plasters (see Wykamol BBA Replastering Specification) 

Overcoming Rising Damp

Rising damp usually affects the bottom of a wall at ground floor level. The most common defects that led to rising damp are a lack of an effective physical damp proof course in the wall or floor. This may be because the building was built without one, or the existing damp proof course has broken down, been damaged or has been covered over by wall finishes solid floors, soil or pathways. When a perfectly good physical damp proof course has been 'bridged' by earth from the garden or raised pathways, this can often be remedied by simply digging away all the soil or reducing the level allowing the physical damp course to work. 

It is important that the investigations into dampness are undertaken by a trained and competent surveyor who can recognise and understand the problem.

What Is A Damp Proof Course?

Modern homes, built over the last 50 years, normally have cavity walls - two layers of bricks with a space between - and this can help prevent damp. And at the base of the walls, a damp proof course (DPC) is usually installed, which comprises of a waterproof covering, such as plastic, slate or a bituminous material. 

Wykamol Group have a full range of products to treat rising damp. The majority of our DPC products are BBA Approved offering you peace of mind as to the quality and effectiveness of our products.

Wykamol Approved Contractor Scheme

 The Wykamol Approved Contractor Scheme has been introduced to give homeowners complete peace of mind and to ensure that the highest standards of workmanship are achieved.

Unfortunately, many homeowners have experienced poor workmanship and unethical types of construction by rogue builders. Homeowners will also see web shops claiming to be able to sell structural repair products which are ‘simple’ to use but as a structural engineering solution provider, we advise that in most cases the scheme design needs to be carried out by an experienced and qualified engineer to ensure money is not wasted and the repair is successful.  At Wykamol Group, we understand the concerns of homeowners when it comes looking after their property and this is the reason why Wykamol Approved Contractor Scheme was introduced - specifically to meet these concerns.

Choose a Wykamol Approved Contractor for complete peace of mind

Wykamol Approved Contractors are quality conscious, service orientated companies who have applied for Wykamol Approved Contractor status. Wykamol's Technical Managers physically inspect the sites , offices and workmanship of applicants (and members) on an ongoing basis, to check and approve them against strict criteria. Once a member, Wykamol Approved Contractors must also attend regular training sessions to ensure they keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry.

All Wykamol Approved Contractors offer an independent Insurance Backed Guarantee, which provides complete peace of mind to homeowners. (see our information on insurance backed guarantees)

Our friendly and professional Wykamol Approved Contractors can advise you on every aspect of your damp and timber needs, fully backed by our team of Technical Managers to provide the right solutions to what are often complex problems.

By choosing a Wykamol Approved Contractor to complete your damp and timber treatment, you can have peace of mind that the treatment will be carried out by a reputable and accredited installation company, using the market leading Wykamol Group products ensuring that your property will give you many more years of pleasure to enjoy with your family.

To request a local Wykamol Approved Contractor to review your damp or timber problem and to quote for the work please complete this form. Wykamol Group will forward this to two local Wykamol Approved Contractors who will contact you to discuss your needs