Rising Damp Treatment Inner West Sydney

  • Established 1993 by Scott Wellings
  • Master Builders Association Member 20+ years
  • Accredited MBA Consultant
  • NRMA Preferred Builder
  • Free onsite inspections
  • 30+ years in Inner West Sydney
Scott Wellings, proprietor of Buildwyse Constructions and Master Builder

Get a Quote

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

On the ground floor of your home, the render and paint at the base of the walls are flaking and bubbling, with a salt-like substance underneath, possibly a musty smell. You are likely looking at rising damp. Left untreated, it can cause all sorts of problems.

What is rising damp?

Rising damp is groundwater that travels up through brick or stone walls by capillary action. When it reaches the wall surface it dries, leaving the salts dissolved in it. How high the water will go depends on the pore structure of the bricks and mortar, as well as the rate of evaporation. The finer the pores, the higher the water will reach, in some instances even going over 1.5m. Rising damp is essentially a failure of the damp course, which is the moisture barrier built into the foundations of homes of brick or stone. Older homes have damp courses of slate, which can crack allowing water to rise. Rising damp can also happen in modern homes where the damp coursing has been insufficient or, commonly, where paving against the foundations is up against the damp course, allowing water to bypass it. Rising damp doesn’t just affect the wall material and surface, flaking paint and peeling and staining wallpaper. The moisture can spread into nearby woodwork, rotting and decaying timber floorboards, floor joists and skirting boards.

The importance of addressing rising damp promptly

Rising damp is not just an aesthetic issue; it can significantly impact the structural integrity and overall health of your home. Left untreated, the continuous movement of moisture through your walls can lead to:
  • Structural weakening: Persistent moisture can erode the mortar holding bricks together, compromising the stability of your walls and foundation.
  • Health hazards: Damp environments are ideal breeding grounds for mould and mildew, which can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions for occupants.
  • Energy efficiency loss: Damp walls have lower insulation properties, leading to increased energy costs as your heating system works harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
  • Devaluation of property: Visible signs of rising damp can decrease the market value of your property, making it less appealing to potential buyers.
That’s why it’s imperative you book a rising damp treatment in Inner West Sydney with Buildwyse Constructions and address the problem as soon as possible to avoid severe damage to your property.

Our approach to rising damp treatment

With years of experience in homes of all ages, we are able to diagnose different types of damp and offer the best solutions on the best treatment and prevention. Treating rising damp is a specialised process. We use a silicone-based chemical injection system which effectively makes a row of bricks in the foundations into a new damp course. A series of regularly-spaced holes are drilled along the bricks and injection lances are placed into them. The holes are sealed with rubber expansion washers which also hold the lances in the brickwork. The silicone-based chemical injection fluid is then pumped through the lances under high pressure, forcing it into the capillaries of the bricks. Even after the bricks are saturated with the fluid, it continues to penetrate through the masonry and mortar joints by capillary action for approximately a day after the injection. Depending on the construction of your house, severe rising damp may also require replacement of the render or other wall surface up to a height of 1.5 metres to allow the moisture to escape before rerendering, replastering and/or repainting.

Our comprehensive rising damp treatment solutions

At Buildwyse Constructions, we offer a range of solutions tailored to the specific needs of your home in Inner West Sydney. Our approach begins with a thorough assessment to identify the extent of the problem and the underlying causes. We then implement effective treatments, which may include:
  • Installation of a damp-proof course (DPC):We can retrofit a new DPC into your walls to create a barrier that prevents moisture from rising. This process involves injecting a damp-proofing cream or installing a physical membrane to block moisture pathways.
  • Replastering and repainting: After addressing the root cause, we repair and restore any damaged plaster and paintwork, ensuring your home looks as good as new.
  • Improving ventilation: Enhancing airflow within your home helps to reduce moisture levels, preventing the recurrence of rising damp.
  • Drainage solutions:We may recommend improving the external drainage around your property to divert water away from the foundation.

The longer you wait to treat rising damp, the greater the potential for damage to your home. Buildwyse director Scott Wellings will provide a realistic onsite quote with no surprises later.

Contact us for a quote now

FAQ

Rising damp is a condition in which moisture from the ground travels upwards through the walls of a building by capillary action. This moisture can cause structural damage, paint and plaster deterioration, and an environment conducive to mould growth.

Common signs of rising damp include:

  • Tide marks on walls up to a metre above the ground.
  • Peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper.
  • Damp or musty odours.
  • Presence of mould or mildew.
  • Crumbling or salt-stained plaster.
  • Skirting boards and timber flooring show signs of decay or rotting.

Rising damp occurs due to the absence or failure of a damp-proof course (DPC) or damp-proof membrane (DPM). These barriers are designed to prevent moisture from the ground from entering a building’s walls and floors. Over time, however, they can deteriorate or become damaged, allowing moisture to rise.

Rising damp can cause significant damage to a property if left untreated. It can weaken structural elements, damage interior finishes, and promote unhealthy living conditions by fostering mould and mildew growth. Addressing rising damp promptly is crucial to maintaining the integrity and safety of your home.

The primary treatments for rising damp include:

  • Chemical damp-proof course injection: Involves injecting a silicone-based cream or fluid into the walls to form a new damp-proof barrier.
  • Physical damp-proof course installation: Install a new physical barrier within the wall to prevent moisture from rising.
  • Membrane systems: Block moisture by applying a waterproof membrane to the affected walls.
  • Improving drainage: Enhancing the external drainage system to reduce the amount of moisture around the building’s foundation.

The duration of rising damp treatment varies depending on the severity of the issue and the chosen method. Generally, it can take from a few days to a few weeks. At Buildwyse Constructions, we assess each case individually and provide a tailored timeline.

While modern treatments are highly effective, rising damp can reoccur if the source of moisture is not adequately addressed or if the property is not maintained properly. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of the treatment.

The cost of rising damp treatment depends on factors such as the affected area’s size, the severity of the dampness, and the chosen treatment method. Buildwyse Constructions provides a detailed quote after a thorough inspection of your property.

While some disruption is inevitable, especially during more extensive treatments, Buildwyse Constructions strives to minimise inconvenience. Our team works efficiently to complete the treatment with little disruption to your daily routine.

Scroll to Top