Rising damp surveys in Northern Ireland
Rising damp surveys across Northern Ireland.
What rising damp surveys involves
Rising damp is moisture drawn up from the ground into the base of a wall, usually where a damp proof course is missing, failed or bridged. It is also one of the most misdiagnosed problems in housing, because condensation, leaks and high ground outside can leave very similar marks.
A rising damp survey sets out to confirm or rule it out. It suits owners of older terraces, stone cottages and farmhouses, anyone who has been told they need injection treatment and wants a second look, and buyers whose home report mentions rising damp.
Rising damp surveys at a glance
Rising damp surveys specialists covering Northern Ireland.
How rising damp surveys works with us
Low-level readings
Moisture readings are taken at several heights along affected walls to profile how the damp sits.
Outside levels
The specialist measures ground, path and patio heights against the damp course and looks for bridging render.
DPC check
The existing damp proof course, or the lack of one, is identified and its condition noted.
Options set out
You receive the diagnosis and a written list of remedies, starting with the least invasive.
Is this the right survey for you?
- A tide line on plaster up to about a metre above the floor
- A band of white salts at low level
- Skirting boards decaying or plaster crumbling near the floor
- Damp worst at the base of walls and fading higher up
- Outside paths, patios or soil sitting above the damp course
- Rows of old injection holes along a mortar line
Book your damp survey today
Pick the survey you need, send the address and a few details, and a specialist will get back to you to set a date.
- Damp, mould, drain and cavity wall surveys
- Visits across all six counties
- Price fixed before you book
What's included
- Moisture profiling at low level on affected walls
- Check of external ground levels and bridging
- Identification of any existing damp proof course
- Look at nearby skirting and floor timbers
- Written diagnosis with recommended remedies
A rising damp survey typically takes around one to two hours on site, and the written findings usually arrive within a few working days.
Reasons to book your survey across Northern Ireland
Price set before booking. The specialist firm's set price is in writing before the visit is confirmed.
Findings you can keep. The specialist firm sets out readings, causes and next steps in a written report.
Specialists who know the area. Specialists working across Northern Ireland see the same housing and weather week in, week out.
Your call on what follows. Any repair advice is yours to act on or leave; nobody chases you to proceed.
Getting the diagnosis right
Rising, or something else
The specialist compares readings at different heights and checks for leaking pipes, condensation and splashback, all of which are often mistaken for rising damp.
The damp proof course
The visit checks whether a damp proof course exists, where it sits, and whether render, ground levels or debris are letting moisture bypass it.
Older solid walls
Many older Northern Ireland homes were built without a damp course and with lime mortars. The specialist takes this into account rather than applying modern assumptions.
Rising damp surveys across Northern Ireland
Bookings for a rising damp surveys are taken from Antrim · Armagh · Ballyclare · Ballymena · Ballymoney · Ballynahinch · Banbridge · Bangor, along with many more areas throughout Northern Ireland, and the specialist covering each one arranges the visit.
Related damp survey services
Cavity wall surveys
Cavity wall surveys across Northern Ireland.
Condensation surveys
Condensation surveys across Northern Ireland.
Damp surveys
Damp surveys across Northern Ireland.
Drain surveys
Drain surveys across Northern Ireland.
Mould surveys
Mould surveys across Northern Ireland.
Penetrating damp surveys
Penetrating damp surveys across Northern Ireland.
Pre-purchase damp surveys
Pre-purchase damp surveys across Northern Ireland.
Answers first
Prefer to write? Email us
How do I know whether it is really rising damp?
Rising damp leaves a typical pattern: moisture highest at the base, a defined tide line and salts in the plaster. The specialist checks for that pattern and for the other causes that mimic it.
I have been told I need chemical injection. Will the survey confirm that?
The specialist looks at whether rising damp is actually present and whether simpler work, such as lowering ground levels or removing bridging, would solve it, then sets out the options in writing.
Does a damp and timber survey cover rising damp?
It does. Rising damp is one of the main things checked, and because it often affects skirting and floor timbers, the timber side of the inspection is a natural fit.