Rising damp is a common problem in older properties as a result of defective damp proof courses. It can be caused by their failure, by external ground levels being raised so that damp can enter above them or because the structure predates their use.

For many years it was extremely difficult to install a damp proof course into existing walls. However, there are now a variety of methods to provide a barrier to stop damp rising by capillary action through porous building materials. The most effective and economical way is by injection of a chemical damp proof course using a silicon resin solution to provide a water-repellant barrier.

Kilrot use the tried and tested Wykamol pressure injection system where the silicon resin fluid is inserted into the brick or stonework. A mortar injection system can also be offered, both systems being installed to British Standard 6576.

Kilrot use Quality Management Systems - QMS for external audit - (www.qmsuk.com) for all our systems, and place particular emphasis on health and safety in all aspects of our work. This involves extensive training of staff and the use of the safest available treatments.

Kilrot's qualified surveyors will provide a full detailed report and plan, identifying the extent of the rising damp and any other causes of dampness such as leaking pipes or gutters, defective flashings or poor ventilation. A detailed replastering specification will be given as rising damp carries hygroscopic salts up in to the walls to ruin decorations and break down the plaster. Wherever possible, the chemical damp proof course will be injected below the timber floor level or, with a solid floor, the first course above floor level. If this is not possible, clients are informed and given an assessment of the state of the timberwork. It is often possible to avoid full replacement of the floor joists by the removal of the affected ends and then re-supporting them using steel shoes to the ends which abut into walls.

Before treatment, skirtings are removed and plaster is cut away above the last visible sign of dampness in order to remove hygroscopic salts. The brickwork is then drilled and injected. It is possible to treat very thick walls by a staged process of drilling and injection. Replastering is carried out to the detailed specification in the report, which will have also included explanatory notes on the drying out period (usually one month per inch thickness of wall).

The work is carried out to the highest professional standard and a long-term guaranteed is issued on completion.

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(top) Typical symptoms of rising damp

(above) Injecting damp proofing fluid into vulnerable walls
(inset) Damp penetrating an unprotected wall