Rising Damp occurs in the walls of buildings when moisture from the ground rises up through building materials due to a process known as Capillary Action.

Rising Damp is a very common issue in older buildings, either because no Damp Proof Membrane has been applied, or the existing Damp Proof Membrane has failed due to age or has been bridged. While rising damp can be a serious problem, it can be fixed.

All building materials are wettable and can absorb water just like a sponge. Appearing along the base of a wall, Rising Damp forms characteristic marks in affected areas. Salts and other nitrates from the ground, travel with the damp and then, by depositing as the moisture evaporates, create marks indicating the presence of damp walls.

Furthermore, wall coatings such as vinyl wallpapers, prevent the moisture from evaporating. This worsens the issue by forcing the damp further up the wall. If left untreated, damp walls caused by rising damp can result in plaster and other wall materials rapidly decaying. It can also lead to Wet or Dry Rot developing in untreated timbers which are in contact with the damp walls.

Rising Damp Effects in a House
A particularly bad case of Rising Damp, that has caused critical damage to the wall surface.
Wet External Wall
Rising damp on external brickwork that has caused the paint to lose adhesion and expose the building structure.

Current Building Regulations require the presence of an effective Damp Proof Membrane in all new construction projects. Older buildings that never had a Damp Proof Membrane applied, or where the original Damp Proof Membrane has failed, the Rising Damp must be treated in place.

It is vital that a Rising Damp treatment course is started as soon as the dampness is discovered. A proactive response minimises any further damage to the building structure. As well as reducing the likelihood of mould spore formation; which can lead to severe Respiratory Illnesses. This is of particular concern if the mould forms in bedrooms.

We have decades of experience in dealing with and providing Cost Effective Solutions for Rising Damp issues throughout Ireland. Our Rising Damp treatments will Fix your Damp problems.

What is the best way to treat Rising Damp?

There are two main types of effective treatment – Chemical Injection and Electro Osmosis.

Chemical Injection

Chemical Injection is a highly effective treatment method for Rising Damp in-situ. A solvent-free cream is injected into the base of the damp wall and it quickly spreads to create a moisture-repelling barrier. Due to its unique silicone formulation and emulsion base, this solution creates a damp-proof network permeable to water vapour. Meaning the damp walls are free to dry out naturally.

Cream injection is both ecologically safe and non-hazardous to humans.

Chemical injection rising damp treatment
Chemical injection treatment of rising damp.
Electro osmosis treatment of a damp wall
Electro osmosis treatment of a damp wall.

Electro Osmosis

A highly innovative and powerful treatment, Electro Osmosis works as a rising damp solution by introducing a very small and perfectly safe electrical charge into the damp wall. This solution involves the use of a series of titanium anodes which are inserted into the damp wall just above ground level. They repel the rising moisture molecules down the wall and harmlessly back into the ground. As long as this tiny positive charge is maintained, the wall remains dry and damp free.

Importantly, the use of grade 1 commercially pure titanium in this system gives it outstanding reliability. The power unit; complete with an automatic L.E.D. for circuit malfunction detection, enjoys extremely low power consumption. Following fitting, the treated area is re-plastered to ensure the entire system is invisible.

Is it ok to buy a house with Rising Damp?

Every property is different so it’s difficult to say yes or no. We strongly advise that prior to purchase, you have a house surveyed by qualified professionals. If damp exists, we can tell you what is causing the problem and how much the treatment will cost.

If you suspect that you have an issue with Rising Damp, or for more information on a cost effective Damp Proof Treatment, please Contact Us today!

Phone: +353 42 974 1495

Mobile: +353 87 243 2564

Email: info@mcguinness.ie