Most modern properties are built with a damp proof course (DPC) and have protection against rising damp, however, property owners living in Victorian and Georgian houses, for example, that did have a physical DPC installed may find that it has potentially failed by now. Newer properties can also have problems with damp proof courses such as it not being installed correctly.
Whether the property is new or old it is important that you can identify signs that the damp proof course has become compromised or failed. This will help ensure that your property is not severely damaged by damp problems.
In this article, we explain why an existing damp proof course can fail, what signs to look out for to identify if your damp proof course has failed and what can be done to fix it.
Why Can an Existing Damp Proof Course Fail?
One of the leading causes of rising damp is the failure of the DPC. The reason for this is that if the damp proof course fails then the moisture that was being prevented from entering the property can now enter through the bricks and mortar. If your house has rising damp, it is most likely due to the fact that the DPC has failed or that there was not a DPC installed in the first place.
There are a couple of reasons why your damp proof course can fail. The first reason is that the DPC has simply become worn over a long period of time – damp proof courses tend to last for around 20 years before a new one will need installing.
The second reason is that the damp proof course may not have been installed correctly in the first place. This could mean that moisture has been allowed to enter your property for a prolonged period of time.
What Are the Signs That Your Damp Proof Course Has Failed?
There are tell-tale signs to look for when identifying a DPC failure. What is important to note is that there is often misdiagnosis between rising damp and penetrating damp. If there is a tide mark on either the external or internal walls of the property, then this is a sign of rising damp.
Penetrating damp on the other hand will tend to leave isolated damp patches on the walls. If there is a constant level of damp on the walls up to around 1.5m from the ground, then this again is a tell-tale sign of rising damp.
The reason why damp only rises to that height is that gravity stops the water from rising any further. If the damp patches on the wall are above 1.5m then it is more than likely that your property is suffering from penetrating damp instead. Other common signs to look out for are:
Salt Deposits
Salt deposits (also referred to as efflorescence) on the walls are a common symptom of rising damp. Efflorescence is commonly found on the exterior walls of the house. If the DPC has become compromised at your house, then you will see salt deposits on the interior and exterior walls of the property. The salts that appear on the walls of the house are minerals found in the soil.
Black Mould
When there are black spots on the walls this is a common sign of damp. What you need to be aware of is that if the mould spots appear on the windows, windowsills or even on the ceiling then this will not be rising damp but condensation instead.
Wallpaper Peeling Off the Walls
If there is moisture on the walls, then it is clear to say that the wall is wet and when this happens, the wallpaper will start to peel off the walls. If you see any signs of wallpaper peeling or if there are bubbles appearing underneath the wallpaper, then it is highly likely your house has a damp problem.
How to Fix a Damp Proof Course That Is a Broken
If your DPC is not working correctly then there are a few ways of getting it fixed. The first option is to have a physical damp proof course installed but this will involve having to remove sections of the bricks and mortar, this can be a costly procedure to carry out.
Damp Proof Course Injection
Having a damp proof course injection is one of the most common fixes for a damaged DPC. A damp proof injection cream is injected into the building’s fabric where the old damp proof course was originally placed. This cream provides a water repellant layer so that the water can be stopped from rising.
This procedure can be carried out by yourself, but we would recommend using a professional to make sure that the new DPC is installed correctly, or you might end with the same problem again. Having the DPC professionally installed also gives you the peace of mind that it is covered by a long term guarantee should the problem re-occur.
Electro Osmotic Damp Proof Course
If it is not possible to use an injection damp proof course, then an electro osmotic damp proof course is potentially a good option to use instead. The electro osmotic damp proof course comprises of wiring that introduces a small electric charge into the walls which stops the water from rising.
Instead of the brickwork ‘sucking’ up the moisture the electro-osmotic system will push it down. The installation of an electro osmotic system should be carried out by an experienced professional.
Contact Us for More Information
We hope this article has provided you with some useful information about the signs to look out for to spot a failed damp proof course and the various options available to fix the problem. We have experienced damp proofing professionals across England and Wales who can help deal with your DPC problem. You can simply book a survey by contacting us online or calling us on 0800 288 8660.
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