Penetrating Damp Repairs in East Lancashire

Damp patches that appear or spread after heavy rain are a classic sign of penetrating damp. Water is getting through the wall from outside, and Lancashire weather finds every weak spot. At DampCav we track down where the water is getting in, fix the cause outside, then put the inside right. We're a family-run team based in Rishton, covering Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Great Harwood and the surrounding towns.

Signs of penetrating damp

• Damp patches that get bigger or darker after rain
• Patches at any height, often around windows, chimney breasts or ceilings
• Wet or stained plaster on outside-facing walls
• Blown or crumbling plaster and peeling paint
• Mould growing on one wall rather than throughout the room
• Cracked render, missing pointing or damaged brickwork outside

What causes penetrating damp?

Penetrating damp is water getting in sideways or downwards through the building, not rising from the ground. Common causes we find across East Lancashire include:

• Cracked or failed render that traps water against the wall
• Worn or missing mortar pointing in older stone and brick terraces
• Leaking or blocked gutters and downpipes
• Chimney problems, such as failed flashing, cracked pots or open flues
• Poorly sealed window and door frames
• Porous brickwork on exposed walls facing the weather

How we fix penetrating damp

1. Survey. We inspect inside and out, take readings and find exactly where the water is getting in.
2. Clear quote. You get a written quote for only the work that's needed, with no pressure and no upselling.
3. Fix the cause. We repair the outside defect, whether that's pointing, render, guttering, chimney work or sealing around frames.
4. Repair the inside. Once the source is stopped, we remove damaged plaster and replaster, using a waterproofing or tanking system where needed.
5. Make good. We tidy up and leave the room ready to decorate once it has dried out.
6. Aftercare. We explain what we found and how to keep it from coming back.

Why choose DampCav?

• Over 25 years' experience in construction and property maintenance
• Multi-skilled, in-house team, so the outside repair and inside finish are done by the same people
• Family-run and fully insured, with no subcontractors
• Damp investigation and quote for £90 inc VAT
• Already have a damp survey? We'll quote from it for free
• Rated 10/10 on Checkatrade, with 5-star reviews on Google

Areas we cover

We repair penetrating damp across East Lancashire, including Rishton, Accrington and Great Harwood, Blackburn and Darwen.

Penetrating damp FAQs

What's the difference between penetrating damp and rising damp?

Rising damp comes up from the ground and stays low on the wall, usually under about a metre. Penetrating damp comes in from outside and can appear at any height, and it often gets worse after rain.

Can I just treat the inside wall?

Not on its own. If water is still getting in, the damp will come back. We always fix the outside cause first, then repair the inside.

Is penetrating damp covered by home insurance?

It's often treated as wear and tear, so it usually isn't. Check your own policy. Fixing it early stops it turning into a bigger repair.

How long does the work take?

Small repairs like pointing a section of wall or sealing a frame can take a day. Render, chimney work and replastering take longer. We'll give you a timescale with your quote.

Book your penetrating damp survey

Call us on 07538 953709, email info@dampcav.co.uk or send us a message. We're open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.