1.Check for external sources

• leaking roof or gutters and downpipes: Any of these could allow penetrating damp through a wall.

• Brickwork and pointing: Check for loose or crumbling  mortar joints, damaged bricks or cracks as these could be the cause of penetrating damp.

• External ground levels: If external ground levels are higher than the internal finished floor level, then this is very likely to cause penetrating damp.

2.Check for symptoms internally

• Rising damp: Common signs can be damp patches, flaking loose plaster and  white salt deposits usually no more than 1m high up the wall.

• Penetrating damp: Usually seen as damp patches that get worse during wet weather, but also loose flaky plaster and white salt deposits.

Once the cause of dampness has been identified, we can offer a range of treatments:

• Stripping away the contaminated plaster and skirting board from the wall to expose the damp brickwork, which is then cleaned and treated with a sealing agent to prevent spores escaping. 

• Improving external drainage, ensuring outside ground levels are lower than internal floors. 

• Inject a chemical DPC if required and install a vapour control board or damp proof membrane to provide a physical barrier.

• We can recommend upgrading internal wall insulation and the installation of effective ventilation systems to reduce condensation and improve airflow throughout your property.

• Any areas of black spot mould can be safely removed from walls and ceilings, affected areas treated to prevent future growth.

Following damp treatments we can then re-plaster your walls using cement based render or moisture/vapour control board. this is then skimmed to match in with existing finishes ready to be decorated.