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Rising damp in Leeds: signs, causes and treatment
Rising damp is water drawn up from the ground through a wall. It is often blamed for damp in Leeds homes, but it is less common than condensation or leaks. Here is how to recognise it, what causes it and the treatment options.
Signs of rising damp
- A tide mark on internal walls up to about a metre above the floor
- White salts or crumbling plaster low on the wall
- Peeling paint or lifting wallpaper at skirting level
- Damp or rotting skirting boards and floor timbers
Common causes in Leeds homes
- Ground or path levels outside raised above the damp proof course
- Render or pointing that bridges the damp proof course
- Old houses built with no damp proof course at all
- Blocked air bricks under suspended timber floors
- Cement plaster that traps moisture in solid stone walls
Treatment options
The first step is often the cheapest: lower the ground level outside, clear air bricks and remove anything bridging the damp course. Where a new damp proof course is needed, specialists usually inject a cream into the mortar. The wall then needs to dry, and salt damaged plaster is often replaced. Ask the surveyor to explain why the chosen treatment fits your wall.
Get a survey first
Because rising damp is often misdiagnosed, start with a damp survey in Leeds and get the cause in writing. For local specialists, see damp proofing in Leeds.
Rising damp, penetrating damp or condensation?
Many damp problems in Leeds are diagnosed as rising damp when the real cause is penetrating damp from a leaking gutter or failed pointing, or condensation and mould from poor ventilation. A specialist damp survey should rule each one in or out. Musty smells, mould on cold walls and damp patches high on the wall usually point away from rising damp.
Timber decay, woodworm and dry rot
Damp walls can lead to timber decay in skirting boards, joists and floor timbers. Wet rot, dry rot and woodworm are all more likely where timber stays damp. A damp and timber survey checks for these too, and a damp proofing specialist in Leeds will usually offer woodworm treatment and dry rot treatment alongside damp proofing.
Questions to ask a damp proofer
- How have you diagnosed rising damp rather than another type of damp?
- Is the existing damp proof course (DPC) failed, bridged or missing?
- What will you do about salt damaged plaster?
- Is the guarantee insurance backed?
- How long before I can decorate?
Damp proofing in Leeds we list
- Leodis Damp Control, Holbeck, Leeds LS11Call 07898 753702
- DAMPX, Lawnswood, Leeds LS16Call 0800 098 2582
- Allerton Damp Proofing, Sherburn in Elmet LS25 · covers LeedsCall 0113 347 3370
See the full damp proofing list and our checks
Questions people ask
Is rising damp common?
It is less common than condensation or penetrating damp. Many damp problems blamed on rising damp are caused by leaks, bridging or poor ventilation.
Can I fix rising damp myself?
You can often reduce it by lowering ground levels outside and clearing air bricks. A new chemical damp proof course is usually a specialist job.
How long does a wall take to dry after damp proofing?
Solid walls can take months to dry fully. Your specialist should explain when it is safe to replaster and decorate.
How much does rising damp treatment cost?
It depends on the length of wall, the treatment and the replastering needed. Get a written quote after a survey, and compare at least two damp proofing firms.