Damp problems

The British weather provides the perfect conditions for damp problems to occur in the home. Here at Maple Home Improvements, we can help you find the correct causes and solutions for your property’s damp problems. We are one of the few damp specialists in the UK to offer a free damp, thermal and air survey (terms and conditions apply) to help you find the cause of your damp issues, whether it be rising damp, penetrating damp or condensation.

Rising Damp Problem

Rising damp is a big problem in the Uk. Rising damp is the common term for the slow upward movement of water in the lower sections of walls and other ground-supported structures by capillary action. Although rising damp of up to 5 metres in height has been observed the height of rise is typically much lower and is rarely above 1.5m.

Rising Damp – Causes

Rising damp occurs when ground water travels upwards through porous building materials such as brick, sandstone, or mortar, much in the same way that oil travels upwards through the wick of a lamp or the way water is soaked up by a sponge.
The damp will travel through the pores of the masonry seeking a means of evaporation.

Rising Damp – Signs

Rising damp can be identified by a characteristic ‘tide marks’ or ‘salt bands’ on the lower section of affected walls. You will normally notice them anywhere up to a 1 metre above the skirting board. Tide marks are usually caused by evaporated soluble salts (particularly nitrates and chlorides) from the groundwater. These evaporated salts accumulate at the “peak” of the rising damp.

Another common tell-tale sign is the appearance of yellowish or brownish damp patches or staining. Changes in plaster, wall paper or skirting boards can also be indicative of rising damp. Deposited salts- washed out of the bricks- can cause a white, ‘fluffy’ blistering patch within the plaster. Paint can also become flaky. Wallpaper may become turned or curved up or may become loose from the skirting board upwards. The skirting board itself may become cracked or crumbled due to rot and decay caused by damp.

Rising damp is often misdiagnosed so it is recommended to have a full damp survey completed in order to diagnose the problem correctly.