RISING DAMP
Rising damp is often misunderstood and that can lead to an incorrect diagnosis, which in turn leads to wasted money on treatment that does not resolve the issue. Rising damp is moisture that rises up from the ground and attacks a structure; much like a sponge soaks up water, masonry, cement and timber soaks up damp with capillary action. The difference between rising and penetrating damp is simple; rising damp comes from the ground, whereas moisture entering a building from the roof, walls and window frames, is known as penetrating damp.
Tell-Tale Signs of Rising Damp
When we inspect a building looking for damp, mould and timber rot, the signs of rising damp include the following:
- Crumbling masonry and brickwork – Moisture can compromise brickwork, masonry and mortar, breaking it down, causing the material to crumble to the touch.
- Moss growth on external walls – Vegetation growing on external walls is a sure sign that moisture is present, so do keep an eye out for moss and other fauna.
- Peeling wallpaper – Moisture causes the adhesive on wallpaper to lose its properties and if you see the corners start to peel away from the wall, this is a sign that excessive moisture is present.
- Bubbling paint – Emulsion paint bubbles when it meets moisture or it might become flaky and this is a visible sign that something is wrong.
- Bubbles in plaster – If a wall is damp, it can impact the plaster, causing air bubbles to form and this is an ideal environment for mould to form.
- Blown plaster – When a wall becomes damp, the plaster can crack and split, which is a sign that damp is rising from the ground, damaging internal walls.
- Mould & mildew growth – A moist atmosphere is ideal for mould and mildew to form, which is a health hazard. Prolonged exposure to mould can lead to serious respiratory conditions that may require hospitalisation. Dark corners are prone to mould growth, especially in a still, damp environment.
- Musky odour in the house – Damp leads to mould and that is usually accompanied by a strange musky smell in the house, which is quite evident.
If you notice any of the above signs, do not hesitate to contact London Damp Specialists on 020 8242 9391 or complete the online form on this website and we will be in touch in good time.
What Causes Rising Damp?
London sits on the Thames Valley, which is a clay-based region that has serious drainage issues and this means the ground holds moisture. Every building should have a damp proof course, or DPC, which is installed between brickwork courses near the ground level; the DPC is typically a thick strip of bitumen that acts as a barrier to prevent moisture crossing, thus keeping the building dry.
Compromised DPC Membrane
Ground movement can tear the DPC membrane, rendering the barrier ineffective, while time can also lead to the degradation of the DPC strip and the damage might not be immediately evident. By the time you realise damp is present, considerable damage could already be caused, which is why you should have the property professionally surveyed, which would reveal any damp, mould or timber rot issues.
Flooding
In the event the water level is higher than the DPC, the building will be affected and that will cause serious damage in a very short time. Water is drawn up by capillary action, impacting masonry, mortar, render and timber; the longer the period that the water level is high, the more damage will be the result.
Adjoining Properties
There are many terraced houses in London and because they are connected, a compromised DPC can impact the entire row of houses. If we survey a property and we find that the damp is coming from another house, we recommend that the customer contact the owner of the compromised house to inform them of the rising damp issue. Even building a low retaining wall can lead to rising damp if the brickwork is above the DPC line. Another possible cause of rising damp is leaning paving slabs against a wall, as this bypasses the DPC, allowing moisture to traverse up the external walls. Moisture can travel through building materials, so you should check that there are no materials in contact with the external walls.
Best Treatment Solutions for Rising Damp
There are a number of recommended treatments for rising damp; the most important thing is to source the issue with the existing DPC membrane, then a potential solution can be recommended. Replacing DPC might be possible, however, in many cases, the best solution is an injectable foam to create a new barrier. Removing damaged plaster and applying a waterproof render is merely a temporary solution and without resolving the DPC issue, the damp is likely to return.
If you suspect that rising damp is present in your London home, call London Damp Specialists on 020 8242 9391 or fill out the online survey booking form at the bottom of this page.
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30-Year Warranty + 10-Year Insurance-Backed Guarantee
Your damp repair is protected for decades.
- 30-Year Warranty: All remediation work is covered by a 30-year workmanship warranty, protecting your property against recurrence of the treated issue.
- 10-Year Insurance-Backed Guarantee (IBG): Your guarantee is insurance-backed for 10 years through Quality Assured National Warranties (QANW), so your cover remains valid even if we’re unable to fulfil it ourselves.
- 24-Hour Report Delivery: Comprehensive digital survey reports are typically issued within 24 hours of the inspection’s completion.
Qualification list
PCA-Certificated Surveying
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CSDB (Certificated Surveyor of Dampness in Buildings): This certification ensures your damp diagnosis is carried out to a recognised industry standard.
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CSTDB (Certificated Surveyor of Timber and Dampness in Buildings): This means we can assess timber decay, wet rot, dry rot and wood-boring insect activity in the same visit, giving you a complete picture of your property’s condition.
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CSSW (Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing): Where basement or below-ground waterproofing is involved, this certification ensures that any tanking or structural waterproofing solution we recommend is specified the first time correctly.
CSCS
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CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme): Our experts carry a CSCS card, which confirms they’re authorised and trained to work safely on-site, giving you confidence that the team in your home meets recognised industry safety standards.
Asbestos awareness
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Asbestos awareness: Older properties may contain asbestos, particularly in areas where damp and timber work are common. Our team holds UKATA-accredited Asbestos Awareness training as standard and where a job risks disturbing such materials, our experts are more than qualified to manage the work safely and in full compliance with UK regulations.
Professional Damp Diagnostic Equipment
Electronic Moisture Meter
Purpose:
Takes comparative moisture readings from accessible walls, floors, ceilings and other surfaces to identify abnormal moisture patterns.
Common Uses / Notes:
Helps the surveyor map affected areas and identify patterns associated with rising damp, penetrating moisture, condensation and potential leaks. Readings support the survey but are not a diagnosis on their own.
Deep-Reading Moisture Meter
Purpose:
Investigates below the immediate surface of building materials without requiring extensive removal of finishes.
Common Uses / Notes:
Helps locate moisture within walls, beneath accessible floors, inside subfloor areas and deeper within the building fabric where hidden moisture is suspected.
Non-Destructive Moisture Scanner
Purpose:
Checks for changes in moisture beneath walls, ceilings and flooring non-invasively without puncturing or damaging the finished surface.
Common Uses / Notes:
Ideal for decorated walls, ceilings and flooring where pin testing would be undesirable. Useful for tracing water migration paths and comparing dry areas against suspected damp sections.
High-Definition Borescope Camera
Purpose:
Provides a close visual inspection of concealed or difficult-to-access spaces without opening up large sections of the building.
Common Uses / Notes:
Used beneath floors, inside wall cavities, behind linings and around hidden pipework to uncover leaks, hidden moisture, timber decay, or construction defects with minimal disturbance.
4K Aerial Drone
Purpose:
Captures high-resolution images of roofs, chimney stacks and other inaccessible high-level external areas.
Common Uses / Notes:
Inspects roof coverings, chimney stacks, flashing, guttering, parapet walls, valleys, high-level brickwork and difficult elevations to reveal defects linked to penetrating damp and water ingress. Subject to weather, safety rules and flight regulations.
Indoor Humidity Monitor
Purpose:
Measures the amount of moisture held within the indoor air (relative humidity and temperature).
Common Uses / Notes:
Helps determine whether high ambient humidity, insufficient ventilation, or surface condensation could be contributing to black mould growth and damp conditions.
Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera
Purpose:
Displays surface temperature variations across walls, floors and ceilings.
Common Uses / Notes:
Assists in identifying cold bridging, condensation risk, insulation irregularities, thermal patterns and hidden water leaks. Interpreted alongside physical moisture readings rather than treated as proof of damp on its own.
Ventilation and Airflow Tester
Purpose:
Tests the extraction performance and airflow velocity of mechanical extractor fans and ventilation outlets.
Common Uses / Notes:
Assesses extractor fans in kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms to determine whether moisture-producing areas have sufficient extraction rate (L/s or m3/h) to control humidity, condensation and mould risk.
Multi-Gas Detection Equipment
Purpose:
Screens indoor air to identify certain gases present within the property.
Common Uses / Notes:
Supports investigations involving drain smells, suspected sewer gases (H2S, NH3, CH4), combustion concerns (CO, O2) and flammable gases (CH4, C3H8). Does not replace testing or certification by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
VOC and Chemical Vapour Monitor
Purpose:
Screens the air for Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC/VOC) and chemical substances such as formaldehyde (HCHO).
Common Uses / Notes:
Useful when investigating unusual chemical smells, building material emissions/off-gassing, conditions following water damage, or general indoor air quality concerns.
Fine Particle Monitor
Purpose:
Measures airborne material and particle concentrations across precise size ranges, including PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10.
Common Uses / Notes:
Supports investigations involving fine dust, smoke, poor indoor air conditions and environments affected by post-leak damage or extensive mould contamination.
Socket and RCD Testing Device
Purpose:
Provides limited, basic electrical safety and protective circuit screening during the inspection.
Common Uses / Notes:
Helps identify certain socket wiring problems, confirms the operation of Residual Current Device (RCD) protection and detects AC voltage in damp areas. Does not constitute a full electrical inspection or an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
Equipment & Inspection Levels
Standard Damp Inspection
Standard price: £299 + VAT
Special offer: £199 + VAT (Limited Time Offer)
Repair Deduction: Full survey cost deducted if remedial work is instructed.
The Level 1 service is a straightforward inspection of accessible internal areas. It is intended for isolated or relatively simple concerns that do not initially require advanced diagnostic technology.
Survey Equipment
- Digital damp meter
Inspection Coverage
- Accessible wall surfaces
- Accessible flooring
- Ceilings
- Visible drainage and plumbing leak checks
- Damp prevention and property-care information
Who Should Choose Level 1?
localised rising damp or wants an introductory check of the main accessible areas.
A standard damp meter is used to identify and compare areas of elevated moisture. The service does not include deeper material scanning, timber-decay inspection, thermal imaging or roof-level drone photography.
Customers requiring an inspection for a property purchase or a possible concealed problem should consider Level 2 or Level 3.
If we complete the recommended repairs, the survey cost will be deducted from the work.
Detailed Damp & Timber Inspection
Standard price: £399 + VAT
Special offer: £299 + VAT (Limited Time Offer)
Repair Deduction: Full survey cost credited against remedial work carried out by us.
The Level 2 service contains all Level 1 checks and adds specialist testing for deeper moisture and timber-related problems.
Survey Equipment
- Digital damp meter
- Deep-penetration moisture meter
- Non-destructive moisture scanner
Inspection Coverage
- Walls, flooring and ceilings
- Visible plumbing and drainage leak checks
- Deep moisture measurements
- Scanning of suitable finished surfaces
- Accessible subfloor moisture investigation
- Wet rot assessment
- Dry rot assessment
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp prevention and maintenance information
Who Should Choose Level 2?
Level 2 is suitable when moisture may be concealed beneath the surface or when the condition of structural and finishing timbers is a concern.
The additional equipment can help examine moisture within building materials and below accessible floors without automatically removing finishes. Timber is checked for evidence associated with rot, decay and wood-boring insect activity.
This service is particularly suitable for buyers and vendors wanting a more comprehensive damp and timber assessment before a sale proceeds.
The amount paid for the survey will be credited against remedial work carried out by us.
Advanced Building Moisture Survey
Standard price: £499 + VAT
Special offer: £399 + VAT (Limited Time Offer)
Repair Deduction: Survey price deducted when we are appointed to undertake recommended remedial work.
Level 3 is our most extensive damp survey. It includes everything provided with Levels 1 and 2 and introduces advanced imaging, environmental measurement, ventilation testing and high-level external inspection.
Survey Equipment
- Digital damp meter
- Deep-penetration moisture meter
- Non-invasive moisture scanner
- Infrared thermal imaging camera
- Relative humidity monitor
- High-definition borescope
- Ventilation and airflow tester
- 4K survey drone
- Socket and RCD testing device
Inspection Coverage
- Accessible walls, floors and ceilings
- Plumbing and drainage leak checks
- Deep and non-invasive moisture detection
- Wet rot, dry rot and woodworm inspection
- Accessible underfloor and subfloor checks
- Thermal imaging survey
- Indoor humidity assessment
- Borescope investigation where appropriate
- Extractor-fan airflow testing
- Visible damp-proof course assessment
- Brickwork and pointing inspection
- Roof-covering inspection
- Chimney stack and flashing inspection
- Guttering and rainwater-system inspection
- High-level external photography
- General visible structural observations
- Basic electrical socket and RCD screening
Who Should Choose Level 3?
This is the preferred option for customers seeking the widest possible investigation of dampness and related building defects. It is particularly useful for property purchases, older buildings, basement homes and situations where several possible moisture sources must be considered.
The inspection assesses more than internal damp patches. It considers how the roof, chimney, external masonry, ventilation, indoor humidity, drainage, plumbing and building construction may be contributing to the condition.
Drone photography is especially valuable for buyers because roof defects can be difficult to observe during a normal property viewing. Damaged flashing, displaced tiles, deteriorated chimney pointing and overflowing guttering can allow water to penetrate the building and cause hidden deterioration.
Roof and chimney repairs can be expensive. Identifying a defect before exchange may help the purchaser plan repairs, reconsider the transaction or negotiate with better information.
Level 3 is therefore suitable for buyers, sellers and existing owners who want a thorough, evidence-based understanding of the property before making significant financial decisions.
The survey price will be deducted when we are appointed to undertake the recommended remedial work.
Specialised Laboratory Testing Add-Ons
Laboratory Analysis of Plaster Samples
Price £299 + VAT
(The cost of this add-on is credited against remedial work completed by us).
Plaster samples are carefully taken from affected walls and sent to an independent laboratory for detailed chemical analysis. The laboratory measures the presence and concentration of hygroscopic ground salts, including chlorides and nitrates.
Why it matters: Ground moisture carries soluble salts through masonry, which remain trapped in plaster after water evaporates and continue drawing moisture from the air.
Diagnostic value: Differentiates true rising damp from condensation, rainwater penetration, or historic plumbing leaks.
This service can be beneficial when:
- Rising damp has been suggested but remains uncertain.
- The moisture pattern is irregular.
- Previous damp-proofing work has been completed.
- Meter readings conflict with the visual evidence.
- Condensation and rising damp must be differentiated.
- Independent scientific evidence is desirable.
Note: Salt results cannot be considered in isolation. The surveyor will also assess external ground levels, wall construction, ventilation, plumbing, rainfall exposure and any visible damp-proof course. As physical material must be collected, minor holes or damage to the plaster will be necessary. This is the only optional test involving invasive sampling. The cost of the survey will be credited against remedial work completed by us.
Mould Laboratory Testing & qPCR DNA Analysis
Price £299 + VAT
(The cost of this add-on is deducted from the final repair cost when we undertake the recommended work).
Swab or lift samples collected from affected surfaces are analysed by an accredited laboratory using advanced qPCR DNA testing methods.
Why it matters: Identifies exact mould species, calculates spore contamination levels and reveals concealed mould growth invisible to visual inspection.
Diagnostic value: Establishes whether mould contamination is minor or widespread, guiding environmental remediation and ventilation strategies.
This service can be beneficial when:
- A musty smell remains, but visible mould is limited.
- Mould returns shortly after cleaning.
- There has been a historical flood or leak.
- Hidden contamination is suspected.
- Mould has developed behind furniture.
- Cupboards or enclosed rooms smell damp.
- Independent confirmation is required.
- The scale of contamination must be established.
Note: Results can help determine whether the samples show relatively minor contamination or evidence of a more extensive mould condition. This information may assist with the planning of cleaning, removal and remediation measures. Mould testing does not remove the need for a moisture survey. The water source, humidity problem or ventilation defect supporting the growth must also be identified and corrected. When we undertake the recommended work, the survey amount will be deducted from the final cost.
Gas, Vapour & Airborne Contaminant Assessment
Price £299 + VAT
(The survey fee is deducted if we complete the resulting remedial work).
A broad indoor air quality, gas and particulate screening service tailored to specific client concerns or property conditions.
Testing Options:
- Indoor air-quality assessment- IAQ
- Volatile organic compounds- TVOC/VOC
- Formaldehyde- HCHO
- Fine airborne particles- PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10
- Dust and smoke particles- PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10
- Sewer gas screening- H2S, NH3 and CH4
- Flammable gas screening- CH4 and C3H8
- Carbon monoxide- CO
- Hydrogen sulphide- H2S
- Ammonia- NH3
- Oxygen levels- O2
- Stale-air and ventilation assessment- IAQ and TVOC
- Drain odour investigation- H2S, NH3 and CH4
- Chemical smell investigation- TVOC, VOC, HCHO and NH3
- Post-leak air and surface-condition checks- PM2.5 and TVOC
- Combustion gas screening- CO, O2 and CH4
- Building-product off-gassing assessment- TVOC and HCHO
- General pollutant screening- PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10 and TVOC
Diagnostic value: Damp buildings can sometimes develop air-quality problems that are not visible. Wet materials, microbial activity, slow-drying water damage and insufficient air exchange may contribute to unpleasant indoor conditions.
This service can be beneficial when:
- Persistent drain smells
- Sewage-type odours
- Stale or musty indoor air
- Chemical smells
- Suspected material off-gassing
- Fine particles after renovation
- Conditions following flooding
- Poorly ventilated rooms
- Odours linked to stagnant or trapped water
Note: Foul smells can result from several different sources, including damp building materials, contaminated water, drainage defects, sewer gases or chemical vapours. Targeted measurements can help narrow down the possibilities and guide any further specialist investigation. This service is intended as property-condition screening. It does not replace specialist assessments by environmental consultants, Gas Safe engineers, occupational hygienists or medical professionals when these are necessary.
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form: