Rising Damp Treatment in East Lancashire
Tide marks along the bottom of your walls, crumbling plaster or wallpaper peeling at skirting level? It could be rising damp, but it could just as easily be something else. At DampCav we find the real cause first, then fix it properly. We're a family-run team based in Rishton, covering Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Great Harwood and the surrounding towns.
Signs of rising damp
- A tide mark or stain up to about a metre above the floor
- Damp, soft or crumbling plaster low down on the wall
- White, powdery salts coming through the paint or plaster
- Wallpaper lifting or paint bubbling near the skirting boards
- Rotting skirting boards or floor timbers
- A musty smell in the room
If you're seeing any of these, don't just paint over it. The problem will come back, usually worse.
What causes rising damp?
Walls naturally draw moisture up from the ground, a bit like a sponge. Most homes have a damp-proof course (DPC) near the bottom of the wall to stop it. Rising damp happens when that DPC has failed, was never fitted (common in older Lancashire terraces), or is being bridged by raised ground levels, paths, render or rubble in a cavity.
Plenty of "rising damp" turns out to be a leaking pipe, a faulty shower, penetrating damp or condensation. That's why we always investigate before we quote.
How we treat rising damp
- Survey. We inspect the property, take readings and find the true cause of the damp.
- Clear quote. You get a written quote for only the work that's needed, with no pressure and no upselling.
- Remove damaged plaster. We strip out the salt-contaminated plaster, usually to around a metre high.
- Install a new damp-proof course. We inject a chemical DPC into the mortar course using reliable, UK-manufactured products.
- Replaster and make good. We replaster with a salt-resistant system, then refit skirting boards and tidy up.
- Aftercare. We explain what we did, how long the wall needs to dry, and when you can decorate.
Our damp proofing work comes with a manufacturer's insurance-backed guarantee.
Why choose DampCav?
- Over 25 years' experience in construction and property maintenance
- Family-run, fully insured, and all work done by our own in-house team
- Honest diagnosis: if it isn't rising damp, we'll tell you
- 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 treat rising damp across East Lancashire, including Rishton, Accrington and Great Harwood, Blackburn and Darwen.
Rising damp FAQs
How do I know if it's rising damp or condensation?
Rising damp usually shows as a tide mark low on the wall with salts in the plaster. Condensation tends to appear as black mould high in corners, around windows and behind furniture. A survey with proper readings is the only reliable way to tell.
How long does rising damp treatment take?
Most single rooms take two to three days, including removing plaster, injecting the new DPC and replastering. Whole-house jobs take longer, and we'll give you a timescale with your quote.
Do I need to move out while you work?
No. We work room by room and clean up at the end of each day.
When can I decorate afterwards?
The wall needs time to dry out. We'll advise based on your wall, but expect to wait a few weeks before using a breathable paint, and longer before wallpaper.
How much does rising damp treatment cost?
It depends on the length of wall and how much plaster needs replacing. Our damp investigation is £90 inc VAT, and you'll get a clear written quote with no hidden costs.
Book your rising 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.
