What is penetrating damp?
Penetrating damp occurs when water enters a property through external walls, roofs, cracks, or faulty drainage, moving horizontally rather than rising from the ground. Unlike rising damp, which travels upward from the soil, penetrating damp is usually caused by defects in the building fabric — such as damaged render, porous brickwork, leaking gutters, or poor pointing.
This problem is particularly common in Brighton’s older coastal properties, where weather exposure and salt air accelerate deterioration. However, even modern homes can suffer from penetrating damp due to construction faults or failed cavity wall insulation.
At Brighton Damp Proofers, we specialise in identifying and repairing the root causes of penetrating damp, using advanced damp proofing systems to stop water ingress and protect your property long-term.
If you’re also experiencing moisture or mould indoors, explore our condensation control services for a complete moisture management solution.
Common Causes of Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp occurs when external moisture finds its way into a property through defects or weak points in the building structure. Common causes include:
Cracked or damaged brickwork and render allowing rainwater to penetrate walls
Broken or missing roof tiles and faulty flashing letting water enter from above
Leaking or blocked gutters and downpipes causing overflow onto external walls
Improperly installed or saturated cavity wall insulation trapping moisture within walls
High ground levels or bridging that compromise the existing damp proof course
At Brighton Damp Proofers, we locate the exact source of water ingress and apply long-lasting damp proofing and repair solutions to keep your property dry and protected.
How We Treat Penetrating Damp
At Brighton Damp Proofers, we provide a comprehensive, property-specific approach to treating penetrating damp and preventing it from returning.
Our process begins with a detailed damp survey to identify the exact cause of water ingress. We inspect all potential problem areas — including cracked render, damaged brickwork, missing roof tiles, and faulty guttering — to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Once the source is confirmed, we carry out the required repairs and damp proofing works. This may involve repointing, replacing defective materials, fixing drainage issues, and applying weatherproof coatings or breathable sealants to protect exterior walls.
Internally, any damaged plaster or finishes are carefully removed and replaced with moisture-resistant materials, restoring your walls to their original condition. If timber has been affected, our team provides targeted wet rot and dry rot treatments, replacing and protecting any compromised wood.
For homes experiencing both penetrating and rising damp, we can integrate our rising damp treatments for complete, long-term protection.
At every stage, our goal is to stop water ingress at its source, restore your property’s integrity, and ensure lasting defence against damp.
