Penetrating Damp Misdiagnosed as Rising Damp – Stanley Case Study
This case study outlines an independent damp survey carried out at a residential property in Stanley, County Durham, after the homeowner was advised that rising damp was present. The purpose of the inspection was to confirm whether rising damp was genuinely affecting the property or if the symptoms had been misdiagnosed.
Property Background
The property is a traditional solid masonry house located in Stanley. Internal damp symptoms were visible on ground floor walls, including moisture staining and deterioration to internal finishes. The homeowner had been advised that rising damp was the likely cause and that damp proofing work may be required.
Initial Diagnosis Provided
Prior to our inspection, the damp issues had been attributed to rising damp based solely on moisture meter readings taken at low level. No external inspection or assessment of potential moisture ingress points had been carried out as part of the initial advice.
Independent Damp Survey Findings
A full independent damp survey was carried out using calibrated moisture testing equipment, visual inspection, and external assessment of the building envelope. Moisture readings were found to be localised rather than uniform, which is inconsistent with true rising damp.
External inspection identified defects in pointing and masonry allowing moisture penetration. Internal readings were influenced by historic plaster contamination rather than active moisture rising from the ground.​
Independent Damp Survey Findings
An independent damp survey was undertaken, incorporating internal moisture testing, visual inspection, and a full external assessment of the building envelope. Moisture readings were found to be localised rather than uniform, which is inconsistent with true rising damp.
External inspection identified defects in masonry pointing and weathering details that allowed moisture to penetrate the structure. Internal moisture levels increased following rainfall, confirming penetrating damp as the primary cause.
Diagnosis Outcome
The damp issues present within the property were not caused by rising damp. The inspection confirmed that penetrating damp resulting from external defects was responsible for the internal symptoms.
Chemical damp proofing treatments were not required.
Recommended Action
Targeted external repairs were recommended to address the source of moisture ingress. This included masonry repairs and improvements to weather protection. By resolving the external defects, the internal damp symptoms could be eliminated without unnecessary internal damp proofing work.
Why Misdiagnosis Is Common
Rising damp is frequently diagnosed without sufficient investigation. Localised moisture readings and visible low-level damp symptoms can be misleading when external defects are present. Independent damp surveys ensure that all potential causes are assessed before remedial work is specified.
Related Damp Survey Services
This inspection was carried out as part of our independent damp survey service across County Durham. We regularly investigate damp problems that are misdiagnosed as rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation and mould issues.
Book an Independent Damp Survey in Stanley
If you have been advised that rising damp is present within a Stanley property and require confirmation before committing to remedial work, an independent damp survey provides clear diagnosis and unbiased recommendations.