Rising damp guide
Rising Damp Questions Answered
Rising damp attracts more argument than most building defects. These answers focus on the practical questions homeowners usually need resolved.
How high can rising damp go?
There is no single fixed height. Evaporation, wall material and moisture supply all influence the pattern. A neat one-metre cut-off should not be used as a diagnostic rule.
Does black mould prove rising damp?
No. Black mould more commonly develops because of surface condensation, although a damp wall can also be cold enough to encourage condensation.
Can a DPC fail?
Yes, but apparent failure can also be caused by bridging above an intact DPC. Ground levels and finishes need checking.
Will injection solve it?
Only if rising moisture through the masonry is genuinely the problem and the treatment suits the wall. It will not repair a leaking pipe, bad drainage or rain penetration.
Want somebody local to look at it?
If you would rather have the damp investigated in person, you can use our help page to describe the problem and decide what sort of specialist you need.