Frequently Asked Questions

Damp proofing is the treatment and prevention of unwanted moisture in buildings. It covers a range of techniques including chemical damp-proof course injection, waterproofing membranes, render repairs, ventilation improvements, and timber treatment. The specific approach depends on the type of damp — rising, penetrating, or condensation — which is why an accurate diagnosis is always the essential first step.

Common signs include damp patches or staining on walls, peeling wallpaper or flaking paint, black mould growth, a persistent musty smell, white salt deposits on brickwork, and soft or crumbling plaster. If you notice any of these, it is worth having a professional survey. Many damp symptoms look similar but have very different causes, and treating the wrong type of damp wastes money and can make things worse.

Rising damp is caused by groundwater being drawn up through walls by capillary action, typically affecting the lower metre of ground-floor walls. Penetrating damp is caused by rainwater entering through defects in the building envelope such as cracked render, failed pointing, or leaking gutters. Condensation occurs when warm, moist indoor air meets cold surfaces, causing water droplets to form — it is the most common type of damp in UK homes. Each requires a different treatment approach.

We cover Brighton, Hove, and the whole of Sussex including Lewes, Worthing, Shoreham, Eastbourne, Haywards Heath, Crawley, Horsham, Chichester, Burgess Hill, Seaford, and Newhaven. If you are unsure whether we cover your location, please give us a call and we will be happy to confirm.

Absolutely — a pre-purchase damp survey is one of the most common services we provide. Standard homebuyer surveys often miss damp issues or misdiagnose them, which can lead to unexpected repair costs after completion. Our specialist survey uses calibrated moisture meters, salt analysis, and thermal imaging to give you a detailed, accurate picture of any damp problems before you commit to the purchase. Many of our Brighton and Sussex clients use the report to renegotiate the sale price or request repairs from the vendor.

Dry rot and wet rot are both forms of fungal timber decay, but they differ significantly in severity. Wet rot requires sustained high moisture levels and only affects timber that is actually damp — once you fix the moisture source, the rot stops. Dry rot is far more serious because the fungus can spread through masonry and affect timber that is not directly wet, making it capable of causing widespread structural damage. Dry rot requires specialist treatment including removing all affected timber, sterilising surrounding masonry, and addressing the original moisture source. If you suspect either type of rot, early professional assessment is essential to prevent escalation.

Yes, we carry out damp surveys and remedial treatments on commercial properties including offices, shops, restaurants, warehouses, and listed buildings across Brighton and Sussex. We understand that commercial work often needs to be scheduled around trading hours to minimise disruption to your business. We can arrange out-of-hours and weekend work where required, and we provide detailed reports suitable for landlords, insurers, and building control.

Some minor condensation issues can be improved with better ventilation habits, using extractor fans, and reducing indoor moisture sources. However, rising damp, penetrating damp, and timber decay require professional diagnosis and treatment. Misidentifying the type of damp is extremely common and leads to wasted money on ineffective DIY treatments — for example, applying waterproof paint over rising damp will trap moisture and make the problem worse. We always recommend getting a professional survey first so you know exactly what you are dealing with before spending any money.

A reputable damp proofing company should hold membership of the Property Care Association (PCA), which is the recognised trade body for the damp proofing and timber treatment industry in the UK. PCA members must employ CSRT-qualified surveyors (Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatments) and adhere to strict codes of practice. You should also check for public liability insurance and insurance-backed guarantees. Brighton Damp Proofers holds full PCA membership and all our surveyors are CSRT-qualified, ensuring you receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Ignoring damp almost always leads to more expensive repairs down the line. Rising damp will continue to draw moisture up through walls, causing plaster to fail and salt contamination to spread. Penetrating damp can lead to timber decay, including dry rot, which is costly to remediate. Prolonged dampness also encourages mould growth, which poses a real health risk — particularly for children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory conditions. Early treatment is nearly always simpler and significantly cheaper than dealing with the consequences of delay.

The cost depends on the type and severity of the damp, the size of the affected area, and the treatment required. A chemical damp-proof course for a typical terraced house might range from around £1,500 to £4,000 including replastering. Penetrating damp repairs and condensation solutions vary widely. We provide a detailed written quotation after the survey so you know the full cost before any work begins — there are no hidden charges.

Survey costs depend on the type of survey required and the size of the property. We offer competitively priced surveys for estate agents, single homeowners, and house sale purposes. The survey fee is often credited against the cost of any remedial works we carry out, so you are not paying twice. We will confirm the exact cost when you book so there are no surprises. Every survey includes a thorough inspection using professional-grade equipment, a detailed written report, and clear recommendations.

Standard home insurance policies do not usually cover damp proofing or rising damp treatment, as these are considered maintenance issues. However, if the damp has been caused by a specific insured event — such as storm damage to a roof or a burst pipe — the resulting repairs may be covered. We can provide reports and documentation to support insurance claims where applicable.

For larger projects such as basement waterproofing or extensive rising damp treatment, we offer staged payment terms. Typically a deposit is taken at the start with the balance due on completion. We are happy to discuss payment arrangements that work for your budget — just ask when we provide your quotation.

A standard chemical damp-proof course injection for an average terraced house typically takes one to two days for the injection and another two to three days for replastering, depending on the extent of the area. Condensation solutions like PIV unit installation can often be completed in a single day. Basement waterproofing is a larger project and usually takes one to three weeks. We provide a clear timeline in our quotation.

In most cases, no. Damp-proof course injection, ventilation installations, and replastering can all be carried out while you remain in the property. For larger projects like basement waterproofing or extensive timber treatment involving floor removal, you may prefer to be elsewhere during the most disruptive phases, but it is not usually essential. We always discuss access and disruption before work begins so you can plan ahead.

Our qualified surveyor inspects both the exterior and interior of your property, using calibrated electronic moisture meters, salt analysis, and thermal imaging where appropriate. We check ground levels, drainage, gutters, pointing, render, ventilation, and all areas showing signs of damp. You then receive a detailed written report with moisture readings, photographs, diagnosis, and recommended treatments with costs.

We aim to carry out survey appointments within 24 to 48 hours of your enquiry, subject to availability. For urgent issues such as active leaks or severe mould affecting health, we prioritise same-day or next-day visits wherever possible. Call us on 01273 536 985 to check current availability.

Before our team arrives, we ask that you move furniture and belongings at least one metre away from the affected walls. Remove any pictures, shelves, or wall-mounted items in the treatment area. If we are working on ground-floor walls, rolling back carpets or lifting rugs in advance helps speed things up. We will lay dust sheets to protect your flooring and belongings during the work. If access to specific areas is restricted, please let us know beforehand so we can plan the work accordingly.

Yes, we provide detailed damp survey reports and treatment certificates that are accepted by mortgage lenders, solicitors, and conveyancers across the UK. Our reports are produced by CSRT-qualified surveyors and include full moisture readings, photographs, diagnosis, and recommended treatments. When remedial work is completed, we issue a guarantee certificate with a unique reference number that can be transferred to new owners. Many Brighton and Sussex solicitors already know and accept our documentation.

Yes, we offer priority call-outs for urgent damp situations such as active water ingress, burst pipes causing damp damage, or severe mould growth that is affecting the health of occupants. We aim to attend urgent cases within 24 hours across Brighton, Hove, and the wider Sussex area. Call us on 01273 536 985 and let us know the situation is urgent so we can prioritise your appointment accordingly.

All damp-proof course installations and timber treatments carry a 20-year written guarantee. This is backed by our membership of the Property Care Association (PCA), which means your guarantee is protected even in the unlikely event that our company ceases to trade. Basement waterproofing systems carry insurance-backed guarantees. Rendering and general repairs are guaranteed for workmanship and materials.

Our 20-year guarantee covers the failure of the installed damp-proof course or timber treatment to perform as specified. This includes the cost of re-treatment and making good any associated plaster or finishes. The guarantee does not cover damage caused by new, unrelated issues — for example, a new plumbing leak or structural movement. Full terms are provided with every guarantee certificate.

If you notice damp symptoms returning in an area we have treated, contact us and we will arrange a follow-up inspection at no charge. If the original treatment has failed, we will carry out remedial work under the terms of your guarantee at no additional cost. In most cases, recurring damp after treatment is caused by a separate issue — such as a new plumbing leak or raised external ground levels — which we will identify and advise on.

Yes, our guarantees are fully transferable to new owners if you sell your property. The guarantee remains valid for the original term regardless of ownership changes. We provide a named guarantee certificate that can be passed to the buyer as part of the sale documentation. This is particularly valued by solicitors and conveyancers in Brighton and Sussex, as it provides the new owner with the same protection and peace of mind for the remaining guarantee period.