About Rising Damp

Rising damp occurs when moisture from the ground is drawn upward through porous materials (e.g., brick, mortar, stone) via capillary action, similar to how plants absorb water through roots.

  • Typically affects walls up to 700–1000mm above ground level

Causes visible damage like:

  • Blistered paint and deteriorated plaster

  • Weakened structural integrity of masonry

  • Increased energy costs due to poor insulation

  • Health risks from excess moisture

Salt Damp is a more severe form of rising damp, especially common in regions with saline soil. As the moisture rises, it brings salts into the walls. These salts:

  • Absorb moisture from the air, leading to further damage

  • Crystallise and cause crumbling mortar and brickwork

  • Leave white salt stains on wall surfaces

Both conditions can be treated with Dryzone and Dryrod systems, providing a long-term solution to protect your property.

Examples of Rising Damp

  • Corner of a room with a hole in the wall with rising damp.
  • Bedroom corner with example of rising damp in households.
  • Corner of a room with a wooden floor and white wall showing water damage.

Rising Damp Treatments

  • Mechanical Treatment

    Removes 2/3 of the wall bricks, inserts new plastic sheeting, and replaces bricks.

    Pros:

    • Efficient.

    Cons:

    • Can compromise structural integrity

    • Labour-intensive

    • Expensive

  • Chemical Treatment Using Dryzone

    Chemical treatment with Dryzone involves introducing damp-proofing agents into the wall via pre-drilled holes using a special nozzle attached to a standard 600ml barrel gun.

    Pros:

    • Efficient

    • No mess or smell

    • Faster application

    • Safe for asthma sufferers,

    • pet-friendly

    Cons:

    • Risk of wastage from overfilling.

  • Chemical Treatment Using Dryrod

    Dryrod is the latest solution for rising damp, offering a faster, cleaner, and more efficient treatment.

    Pros:

    • No mess or smell

    • No risk of spillage

    • Works on walls saturated up to 95% saturation

    • Pet and asthma-friendly

    • Fast and efficient

    • Permanent results

    Cons:

    • None apparent
View Products

Other Causes of Dampness

Falling Damp

Falling damp is caused by water entering from the top of the building, often during heavy rain.

Caused by:

  • Broken roof tiles

  • Blocked gutters or downpipes

  • Cracked render or aged masonry

Look for:

  • Watermarks near the ceiling or roofline

  • Damp patches that appear after rain

  • No salt deposits, unlike rising salt damp

Condensation

Condensation is a very common cause of damp, especially in colder climates. It happens when warm, moist air hits a cool surface, turning into liquid water.

  • Often appears higher than 1 metre on walls—unlike rising damp

Signs include:

  • Fogged-up windows
  • Damp high up on walls
  • Musty smells

Risks of Untreated Condensation:

  • Promotes mould growth on walls, clothes, and furniture
  • Increases risk of respiratory problems
  • Can affect roof spaces and subfloors, damaging timbers

May lead to dry rot, wet rot, and termite infestations.

Mould

Mould is not a sign of rising damp—it is usually caused by long-term condensation.

  • Mould spores are airborne and settle on constantly damp surfaces

Once established, it spreads rapidly and:

  • Looks unsightly
  • Releases spores into the air
  • Can trigger asthma and other health issues

Treatment & Prevention:

  • Use chemical mould removers (vary in effectiveness)
  • Best solution: Reduce condensation and moisture levels in the room