Mould and damps are a result of excessive moisture and lack of ventilation. Following the rainy season, a common concern experienced by most homeowners is rising damps. In this post, find out all about rising damp, what type of weather supports the rising damp issue and what you can do about it. So let's get started.
What is Rising Damp?
Rising damp is a moisture-related issue that results when groundwater is drawn up through the capillary action. Because the surface of walls naturally evaporates water, rising damp is not common beyond 1.5 metres. However, you can still find it at greater heights due to certain construction and finishing flaws.
While rising damp can remain hidden for years before they show on the wall's surface, they can grow quickly and damage your home's interior. Temporary measures for improving your wall's appearance, such as cleaning the surface, or repainting can worsen the problem.
Unfortunately, rising damp is not plain water. Instead, it carries hygroscopic salts, including nitrates, sulphates, and sodium chloride. As water naturally evaporates from the wall's surface, leaving behind salts deposits in the plasterwork or wallpaper, which builds up into a concentration. The condition worsens due to humid air as moisture is absorbed by the salt-making matters on your wall worse.
What Causes Rising Damp?
Typically, rising damp is caused due to a lack of damp proof course during the construction; however, there are several other reasons. Factors such as debris in the wall cavity, garden beds draining under the house, or rise in the external groundwater level can aggravate the condition.
Which Weather Causes the Issue of Rising Damp?
Rising damp is an issue that can arise at any time regardless of the weather. However, it is a common concern following the wet weather. Over time, due to excessive rainfall, excess water can damage the property. When the groundwater level rises due to excessive rainfall, the excess water can be drawn up into the tiny pores of brick and other materials used for construction.
However, rising damp may not be obvious for several years before it appears in the form of damp patches. The speed of the process depends on several factors, including the ground's nature, type of wall or floor construction, and environmental conditions.
As mentioned earlier, humidity in the air promotes rising dampness, so humid weather can make your walls more prone to causing rising damp.
Solving the Issue
If rising damp is a concern for your residential property, you must seek the services of a professional and experienced surveyor. They are not only trained to identify the problem but also offer solutions depending upon the damage.
To find out more about how to deal with rising damp, give us a call at 08 6444 1738 or visit our website.