What Is Rising Damp?

Rising damp occurs when groundwater travels upward through porous building materials such as brick, stone, or mortar. This process — known as capillary action — draws moisture from the ground into your walls, often carrying salts and minerals that can damage plaster, paint, and masonry.

Common signs of rising damp include tide marks on walls, flaking plaster, peeling paint, and a musty odour. It typically affects ground-floor walls, both internally and externally, and is most common in older Brighton properties where the damp proof course (DPC) is missing, damaged, or bridged.

At Brighton Damp Proofers, we specialise in rising damp treatment and prevention, restoring affected areas and installing effective damp proofing systems to stop moisture rising from the ground.

If your property is also affected by condensation or humidity, explore our condensation control services for a complete moisture management solution.

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    Peeling & Bubbling Paint or Wallpaper

    Peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper caused by trapped moisture

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    Patching Damp

    Damp, stained, or discoloured wall patches near floor level.

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    White, powdery salt deposits

    (efflorescence) left behind as moisture evaporates along with a persistent musty or earthy smell in affected rooms

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    Skirting Boards

    Rotting or decaying skirting boards and timber due to prolonged dampness

How We Treat Rising Damp

At Brighton Damp Proofers, we use proven damp proofing systems to effectively treat and prevent rising damp. Our process targets the root cause of moisture ingress, ensuring long-lasting protection for your property.

One of the most reliable treatments is the injection of a damp-proof cream into the affected walls. This creates a water-repellent barrier within the masonry, preventing moisture from rising through capillary action.

For more severe cases where the existing damp proof course (DPC) has failed, we can install a physical damp-proof membrane. This involves removing affected mortar and inserting a durable, water-resistant layer to block rising moisture permanently.

We also repair and restore all secondary damage, including removal of contaminated plaster, re-plastering with moisture-resistant materials, and redecorating to return walls to their original condition.

If your property also suffers from penetrating damp or external water ingress for a complete damp proofing solution.

A room with large bay windows overlooking a city street with parked cars, trees, and brick buildings, and an interior floor under renovation with visible paint on walls and construction tools.