When you spot rising damp, acting quickly can make all the difference. From reducing damage to your property to preventing health issues, it pays to be proactive! If you’ve never dealt with rising damp before, though, you might be a little uncertain about what you need to do, which is where we come in.
Offering mould removal in London, we’re well acquainted with rising damp and have plenty of tricks up our sleeves to help you get rid of the problem once and for all.
What is rising damp?
Rising damp occurs when water enters the building from the ground and moves up. Our homes are frequently made from porous materials, like brick and concrete, that soak up moisture and allow it to pass through – sort of like a sponge, though (luckily) not so absorbent. This water can move upwards, spreading through your internal and external walls, until you have a pretty serious damp problem on your hands.
What are the causes of rising damp?
We’re experts in mould removal in London, so we see our fair share of rising damp cases.
Usually, this issue is caused by:
- A missing or faulty damp-proof course (DPC), which is meant to prevent rising damp but is frequently not included in older buildings.
- The external ground has been raised over many years, going above the DPC and making it entirely ineffective.
- The DPC no longer works (this can happen if it’s very old).
- The DPC has been incorrectly installed.
How to fix rising damp
When you spot rising damp in your property, there are a number of things you can do, including:
Installing a new damp-proof course
With a properly fitted DPC, you can stop rising damp in its tracks. Check that your property has a DPC and, if it does, that it’s working as it should. In the likely case that it’s missing or faulty, you can replace it with a new membrane, either in the form of a physical layer or as a chemical treatment. Unless you’re experienced, you’ll need a professional to help you with this.
Improve the drainage system
Worried that drainage isn’t helping your rising damp problem? Inspect your gutters, drains, and downspouts to ensure there aren’t any blockages and water is flowing away from your building’s foundations. A specialist team can help inspect and clear your drainage system, giving you the peace of mind that your rising damp is being effectively dealt with.
Dry out the walls
When carrying out mould removal in London, we use dehumidifiers to dry out damp walls after the initial cause has been sorted. This removes excess moisture from the air, helping your rising damp disappear quickly and effectively. It’s also a must if you want to prevent mould after a damp problem.
Replastering and sealing patches
When your walls are wet, plaster and paint are likely to peel off. Once you’ve fixed the rising damp issue, you might need to replaster or repaint and apply a waterproofing sealant to the wall to protect it for years to come.
Get a Quote for Mould Removal in London
You’ve fixed your rising damp, but now you’re left with mould – not ideal! Fortunately, our team is here to help. With solutions that effectively treat commercial and residential properties, contact our specialists to ask for a quote for mould removal in London.