What Causes Damp If It’s Not Rising Damp?
Rising damp is often assumed to be the cause of damp problems, however many properties experience damp symptoms for entirely different reasons. An independent damp survey identifies the true source of moisture before any remedial work is specified, ensuring the correct issue is addressed.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common causes of damp within residential properties. It occurs when warm, moisture-laden air comes into contact with colder surfaces, resulting in surface moisture. Poor ventilation, high humidity levels, and lifestyle factors often contribute to condensation-related damp.
Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp is caused by moisture entering a property through defects in the building envelope. Common causes include defective pointing, damaged masonry, failed sealants, and weathered external surfaces. Penetrating damp typically presents as localised moisture that worsens during wet weather.
External Defects
External defects are frequently responsible for internal damp symptoms. Cracked masonry, deteriorated joints, and defective detailing can allow moisture ingress that manifests internally. Without a thorough external inspection, these issues are often overlooked.
Why Moisture Meters Can Be Misleading
Moisture meters measure electrical resistance rather than free moisture. Materials contaminated with salts or exposed to high humidity can produce elevated readings even when no active moisture movement is present. Relying solely on meter readings often leads to incorrect rising damp diagnoses.
Historic Materials and Plaster Contamination
Older properties may contain historic plaster contaminated with hygroscopic salts. These salts attract moisture from the air and produce elevated moisture readings even in the absence of active damp. This can lead to false assumptions about ongoing moisture problems.
Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters
Different damp causes require different solutions. Treating damp without identifying the correct source often results in ineffective work and unnecessary expense. Independent damp surveys focus on diagnosis first, ensuring that remedial action is appropriate and targeted.
Related Damp Survey Services
Our independent damp survey service investigates damp problems caused by condensation, penetrating damp, external defects, and historic materials. Rising damp is only diagnosed when alternative causes have been fully ruled out.
Book an Independent Damp Survey
If you are experiencing damp symptoms and require confirmation of the true cause before committing to remedial work, an independent damp survey provides clear diagnosis and unbiased recommendations.