@SafeguardEuropeLtd Rising Damp Capillary Action Time Lapse
   • Time Lapse - Rising Damp Through Bric...  

Salt Attack and Rising Damp Technical Guide
https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/env...

Rising Damp Removal From Historical Masonries
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science...

Rising damp signs, causes and treatment
https://www.safeguardeurope.com/risin...

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THE RISING DAMP MYTH

Rising damp is a condition that affects the walls of buildings when water from the ground rises up through the bricks and mortar, mainly due to capillary action.

Despite its well-documented presence and the potential damage it can cause to properties, a contingent of sceptics believe that rising dampness is a myth concocted to sell unnecessary damp-proofing services.

However, a wealth of scientific evidence and studies support the existence of rising damp and highlight the importance of addressing it to preserve the integrity of buildings.

The rising damp concept is grounded in physics and material science principles. Capillary action, where liquid spontaneously rises in a narrow space such as a thin tube or in porous materials, is central to rising damp.

This action is due to the adhesive force between the water and the material being stronger than the cohesive forces within the water itself. The pores in bricks and mortar act like many tiny capillaries, allowing groundwater to rise up through the walls of a building.

This process is exacerbated in older buildings, which may lack a damp proof course (DPC) or have a DPC that has failed over time.

Scientific studies have been conducted to measure and observe the effects of rising damp within buildings. For instance, researchers have utilized salt analysis, moisture readings, and thermographic inspections to trace the path of moisture through building materials.

These studies have consistently demonstrated that water from the ground can ascend through masonry to a height that can cause visible damage and create a conducive environment for mould growth and wood rot.

Moreover, the presence of hygroscopic salts, which can absorb moisture from the air, further supports the existence of rising damp. These salts are often found in the masonry of buildings affected by rising dampness, having been deposited as the water evaporates.

The ability of these salts to attract and retain moisture adds to the dampness of the walls, even in the absence of direct contact with groundwater.

This phenomenon has been thoroughly documented in laboratory settings, where the hygroscopic behaviour of these salts in masonry materials has been closely studied.

Critics of rising dampness often point to inadequate ventilation, condensation, and penetrating dampness as the real culprits of building moisture.

While these factors can contribute to a building's overall dampness, they do not negate the existence of rising dampness. Instead, they highlight the complexity of damp issues in buildings and the need for comprehensive diagnostics to identify the correct cause.

Installing or repairing a damp-proof course is crucial to address rising dampness effectively. This barrier prevents groundwater from rising up through the walls.

Modern building regulations mandate the inclusion of a DPC in new constructions, a testament to the recognition of rising dampness as a genuine concern by industry professionals and regulatory bodies alike.

In conclusion, the scepticism surrounding rising mainly stems from a misunderstanding of its causes and the science behind it. The evidence for increasing damp is empirical and rooted in fundamental physical principles.

Addressing rising dampness is crucial not just for the structural integrity of buildings but also for the health and comfort of their occupants, making it a topic of both scientific and practical importance.

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#risingdamp #damp #homeimprovement

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