“After months of peeling plaster and damp odours, Peter Cox’s team resolved our issue swiftly. Their rising damp treatment restored our walls to perfect condition, and the friendly surveyor explained every step clearly. We couldn’t be happier with the results or the professional approach of our local rising damp specialist.”
— Sarah Johnson, Homeowner, Leeds
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Rising Damp Specialists
If you’ve noticed dampness rising up your walls, your property may require rising damp treatment. At Peter Cox, our expert team understands the distress and damage that rising damp can cause to your home. With over 70 years’ experience, we’re the go‑to specialists for reliable diagnosis and lasting repair. Find out how our proven methods can protect your property and restore your peace of mind.
What is rising damp?
Rising damp occurs when moisture from the ground rises through porous materials such as brick, stone or plaster by capillary action. A missing, bridged or damaged damp proof course (DPC) allows groundwater to seep upwards, leading to visible signs like tidemarks, peeling plaster and salt deposits. While often mistaken for other issues, this type of damp is always found on ground floor walls or external surfaces.
If left unaddressed, rising damp can decay timber, accelerate heat loss and compromise structural integrity, making rising damp prevention essential. At Peter Cox, our specialists draw on over 70 years of expertise to deliver comprehensive rising damp solutions tailored to your property’s needs. We begin with a detailed survey to identify the source and severity, then recommend the most effective treatment, typically through chemical injections.
Trust our team to diagnose accurately and implement proven rising damp solutions for a dry, healthy home.
Our rising damp treatment service
Our rising damp treatment service at Peter Cox combines expert diagnosis with tailored proofing solutions to safeguard your home. Our qualified technicians apply industry‑leading techniques for effective moisture control.
The rising damp treatment process
When treating rising damp, our process ensures a thorough and lasting solution:
- Survey and assessment: A qualified property care surveyor will conduct a detailed damp survey to determine moisture levels, salt content and the DPC condition.
- A detailed report: You will receive a report detailing the findings. If a rising damp problem is found, the surveyor will provide you with evidence from the survey. The report will contain recommendations for remedial work, where necessary, and details of how to book in the work at a time suitable for you.
- Preparation works: The removal of skirting boards, radiators and any salt‑contaminated plaster will be required to expose affected areas.
- Drilling injection holes: Drilled at 120 mm intervals into mortar joints approximately 150 mm above ground level.
- Chemical injection: Application of a silane‑based damp proofing cream that penetrates mortar and brickwork to form an impermeable barrier.
- Drying and monitoring: While it's ideal to leave walls exposed to dry out fully, in practice, this is not always possible, and they are often replastered sooner. We use breathable plaster that allows residual moisture to escape, supporting the ongoing drying process.
- Replastering and finishing: Breathable, salt-resistant plaster is applied to protect the treated wall and support the drying process. Final decorative finishes can then be added to restore the wall’s appearance.
Our certified technicians adhere to BS6576:2005+A1:2012 standards, providing peace of mind and a robust defence against moisture ingress.
Causes of rising damp
Rising damp is caused by groundwater moving upward through masonry via capillary action. Contributing factors include:
- Wet ground conditions: High water tables or poor drainage.
- Bridged DPCs: Raised flowerbeds, driveways or external renders can bypass existing barriers.
Even properties with a sound damp proof course can suffer if it becomes compromised. Understanding these causes is key to effective rising damp prevention.
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Signs of rising damp
Signs of rising damp are typically confined to ground floor walls and can be subtle initially. Common indicators include tidemarks, salt deposits and timber decay. Below are key symptoms to look out for:
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Tidemark damp stains: Dark bands above skirting boards.
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White salt deposits: Residual salts left on plaster surfaces.
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Decaying skirting boards and floorboards: Timber may feel spongy or crumbly.
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Damp wallpaper, paint and plaster: Peeling or bubbling finishes.
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Localised patches of black mould: Especially near affected areas.
Early detection by spotting these signs allows us to recommend tailored rising damp solutions and prevent further damage. A professional survey is the next step if you notice any of these issues.
Tide mark damp stains
The most common sign of rising damp on the inside wall is a “tide-mark” or damp staining along the bottom of the wall above the skirting boards. As the water evaporates from the brickwork, the staining appears and typically feels damp to touch. It is often accompanied with hygroscopic salts that have been absorbed into the plaster.
White marks left by residual salts
Water that rises from the ground by capillary action often contains hygroscopic salts and other contaminants that make their way from the brickwork and into internal plaster. As the water evaporates the salt fragments are left behind, leaving a residue and creating white salt deposits.
Decaying skirting boards and floorboards
Decaying skirting, floorboards and other ground floor timber can be a sign that rising damp has been left untreated for a while. This is because prolonged exposure to excess moisture in the wall can cause the germination of fungal conditions like wet rot or dry rot in timber. Any timber that is spongy, easily crumbles when touched or has visible fungus growing on it requires immediate attention.
Damp wallpaper, paint and plaster
Damp and peeling wallpaper can also be a sign of rising damp. If there is excess moisture in the walls this will transfer to the wallpaper and it will start to peel away from the wall. Excess moisture in the wall due to rising damp will also cause flaky paint or bubbling plaster. You will often find deposits of plaster and paint on the floor where it has crumbled.
Black mould on walls
Black mould can be an indication of a few forms of dampness in your property and it is most commonly a sign of condensation. However, if it is located along the ground floor skirting board and does not affect any other areas of the property, it could be a sign of rising damp.
What does rising damp look like outside?
Outside, rising damp appears as tidemark staining and salt efflorescence on external walls, sometimes rising up the wall, where it is sheltered or there is excess ground water. You may also notice green or brown algae growth near the base where moisture lingers.
Why book a professional rising damp survey?
Identifying rising damp early can save you time, money and stress. A professional rising damp survey uses moisture meters, thermal imaging and salt analysis to pinpoint the exact cause and extent of the issue. Amateur attempts to diagnose damp can lead to misdiagnosis.
Our accredited surveyors provide clear reports and tailored recommendations, ensuring you receive the most effective solution and long‑term protection for your home.
“Early detection and removal of rising damp is vital to prevent structural decay and to protect your property,” says Steven Jameson at Peter Cox “Our expert team ensures accurate diagnosis and lasting results.”
Why choose Peter Cox for rising damp treatment?
With over 2,000 “Excellent” Trustpilot reviews and accreditation, Peter Cox brings unrivalled expertise to rising damp treatment. Our nationwide network of qualified rising damp specialists follows BS6576:2005+A1:2012 standards, backed by the industry‑leading Rising Damp Guarantee and optional rising damp insurance.
For decades, we’ve set the benchmark in professional property care, delivering tailored rising damp solutions and peace of mind for homeowners across the UK.
Rising dampness FAQs
Have questions about rising dampness and its impact on your property? Our FAQs cover everything from myths and health concerns to rising dampness treatment, energy efficiency and costs. Read on to get expert answers and guidance tailored to your needs.
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Is rising damp a myth?
No, rising damp is a well‑documented phenomenon, observed since Roman times. Misdiagnosis can fuel scepticism, but moisture meters and accredited surveyors confirm its presence reliably. Trust our experts to distinguish genuine rising damp from other issues and recommend the correct solution for your home. Choosing a qualified rising damp specialist ensures an accurate survey and lasting repair.
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What’s the difference between rising damp and other types of damp?
Rising damp differs from other damp issues by its vertical movement of groundwater. In contrast:
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Penetrating damp: Horizontal moisture ingress through driving rain, damaged external walls or leaks.
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Condensation damp: Moisture from indoor air collects on cold surfaces, often in corners and poorly ventilated rooms.
Our professional surveys use moisture mapping to identify the specific cause, ensuring you receive the proper remedy for your property’s damp problem.
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Does rising damp smell?
Rising damp can create a musty, damp odour in affected areas, but it does not produce a unique scent distinct from other damp types. If you detect persistent, ground‑level mustiness combined with visual signs, it may indicate rising damp rather than simply condensation. A professional rising damp survey can confirm the cause and prevent misdiagnosis.
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Is rising damp a problem?
If left untreated, rising damp can damage walls, ruin decorative finishes and compromise structural integrity. You’ll see tidemarks and salt deposits, and timber elements like skirting boards may develop wet rot or dry rot. Moist walls also increase heat loss, raising energy costs and creating an unhealthy environment. Prompt treatment by specialists prevents further deterioration and restores your home to a safe, comfortable state.
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Can rising damp affect my health?
Prolonged exposure to rising damp can foster mould growth, releasing spores that exacerbate respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. Damp, cold walls can also contribute to poor indoor air quality, potentially triggering chest infections or asthma flare‑ups. By tackling rising damp early, you protect not only your property but the health and wellbeing of everyone in your household.
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When is rising damp treatment needed?
You should consider rising damp treatment as soon as you notice persistent moisture stains, salt deposits or timber decay on ground‑floor walls. Early intervention helps to prevent further damage to plaster, paint and structural timbers. Our experts recommend a professional rising damp survey at the first sign of damp to diagnose the cause accurately and advise on the most effective remedy for your home.
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Can rising damp affect my energy bill?
Damp walls lose heat more quickly, making your heating system work harder and increasing energy bills. By treating rising damp, you improve thermal efficiency and reduce heat loss through walls. A proper damp proof course protects your property and helps you save on energy costs over time.
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How much does rising damp treatment cost?
Estimating rising damp treatment costs without a professional rising damp survey is difficult, as prices vary according to factors like the extent of moisture damage, wall construction and access requirements. After your survey, we’ll provide a detailed, no‑obligation quote tailored to your property, outlining each recommended treatment stage and the associated costs so you will know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
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How long does rising damp treatment take?
The duration of rising damp treatment varies with the severity and whether remedial work is required. Chemical injections typically require one day for drilling and injection, followed by a 6–12 week drying period. Physical barrier installations may take 2–3 days, including preparation and finishing. Our surveyor will provide a clear timeline so you know exactly what to expect and when your home will be fully restored.
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Can I deal with rising damp myself?
While minor damp issues can sometimes be managed with improved ventilation and basic sealants, rising damp often requires specialist equipment and expertise. DIY injections risk incorrect application, leading to ineffective barriers or further damage. Our technicians are trained in BS6576:2005+A1:2012 standards and use precise moisture mapping to ensure complete treatment. For guaranteed results and long‑term protection, it’s best to rely on qualified professionals rather than tackling rising damp alone.
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Is rising damp covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, the majority of buildings and contents insurance policies consider rising damp to be the result of gradual deterioration and therefore will not cover you for damage caused by rising damp.
However, Peter Cox does offer rising damp insurance if this extra peace of mind is something you would be interested in for your home or commercial property. -
Is rising damp treatment guaranteed?
For a typical treatment for rising damp, you can be assured that it will carry the benefits of our twenty year guarantee. This provides the security and peace of mind that comes from knowing that should something go wrong with our damp proofing treatment, then we will be there to put it right.
On top of our guarantees and optional rising damp insurance, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers feel secure knowing that we are a rising damp treatment company that you can absolutely trust. We are a Which? Trusted Trader and rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 2,000 reviews. As leaders in the damp protection and property care industry, we set the standards for excellence for professionalism and expertise in the industry.
Next Steps
Our damp services
*Survey enquiries for your local branch will be directed to our dedicated central survey control teams across the UK. Calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are free unless you are calling from a business phone, in which case the rate will be set by your provider.