Penetrating damp, otherwise known as lateral damp, is the end result of water successfully penetrating from the outside of a building and into your property. Unlike rising damp, penetrating damp can happen at any level within the property including roofs, ceilings and walls. It is a very common problem found within older properties that have solid walls. Penetrating damp is most commonly caused through leaky pipes and poorly maintained brickwork, which over time can become damaged or need re-pointing. Deterioration of mortar joints and water management systems are also a typical cause of penetrating damp.

Any excess moisture that gets into the property will usually lead to damp problems, but how can you tell if it is penetrating damp you are dealing with?

Some of tell tale signs that point to a penetrating damp problem are damaged plaster, damp patches on walls that do not dry out, black mould growth, musty damp smell, damaged timber and a leaky roof. On days where the rain is pouring down, you may notice watermarks or damp patches on your walls getting bigger.

Before The Damp Doctor undertakes any work, a surveyor will carry out a thorough inspection to establish the need for and the extent of the waterproofing system required and will design a waterproofing system to meet your needs. We advise on the most cost-effective solution to your damp problem and also check for decay caused by the dampness such as wet or dry rot.