Rising dampness is the capillary rise of water within a wall's masonry pores. The degree of dampness depends upon the size of pores, wall thickness and level of the water table. The insertion of a chemical damp proof course will help control rising dampness, however it is the hygroscopic salts carried to the wall surface by evaporating water which cause internal problems. These nitrate, chloride and sulphate salts absorb atmospheric moisture resulting in the breakdown of decorative finishes and plasters.

Rising damp stain to wallpaper.

• Ensure there is no other source of dampness.
• Correct installation of a concentrated silane-siloxane cream damp-proof course inserted into the mortar courses.
• Replastering the walls using a specially blended and batched pre-bagged plastering system proven to prevent salts from migrating to the surface.
• In listed buildings the installation of a cavity drain membrane.

Case studies

Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge and see further pictures and read case histories.

Read another case study on the Safeguard website about work at Upton Hospital, Slough.

©Stonehouse Property Care 2006