As the name suggests, rising damp is a problem where water rises up through a wall by capillary force. The moisture then soaks into other materials in the structure such as plaster and timber in skirtings, floorboards and joists and can lead to rot, decay and deterioration of these elements.

Does opening windows reduce damp?

The first signs of rising damp are usually to be found in the internal walls and most people will notice these by the stains which appear on them called ‘tide marks’. These are usually around two meters above the skirting board and indicate that the water has reached a certain point. Read More : mouldbuster.com.au

If you spot these stains then it is a good idea to call in a chartered building surveyor or specialist to carry out a damp survey and determine the cause of the issue. If a survey is carried out, they will be able to obtain a mortar sample using a hand-held moisture meter which can then be used to diagnose the degree of moisture penetration within the wall.

Depending on the severity of the damp issue, they may be able to recommend whether structural repairs are needed. Alternatively, they may recommend installing a new physical damp proof course along the masonry line. This is a much bigger and more complicated process that involves taking out each brick along the failed mortar course and replacing them with a new physical damp proof membrane which acts as a barrier to moisture movement.