Case Study: Penetrating Damp in a Worthing Home
A homeowner in Worthing contacted us after noticing persistent damp patches appearing on the external wall of their property. The problem had been getting progressively worse during wet weather, with tide marks and darker patches showing through the internal plaster. The owners were understandably concerned about long-term damage to the wall structure and the impact on the room’s decoration.
Assessment of the Problem
Gavin began by carrying out a thorough visual inspection inside and outside the property, looking at:
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The pattern and height of the damp staining on internal walls.
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Condition of external brickwork, pointing and render.
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The state of gutters, downpipes, windowsills, and any obvious water run-off points.
On closer inspection, Gavin discovered that the main problem was the way the wall had been finished in the past. The property is an older building, and large areas had been coated externally with hard cement render, and internally with non-breathable plaster. These materials are too rigid and impermeable for traditional solid walls, so any moisture that gets in cannot evaporate freely and instead becomes trapped within the wall and plaster.
Remediation Process
Once the cause was understood, Gavin’s priority was to help the wall dry out naturally rather than simply covering the problem. The first step was to carefully remove the existing non-breathable internal plaster back to a sound, stable substrate, exposing the original wall so that trapped moisture could begin to escape.
With the wall opened up, Gavin installed a suitable breathable membrane system designed to allow moisture within the wall to dissipate while still providing a clean surface for finishing. Over this membrane, plasterboards were fixed using an appropriate waterproof adhesive, creating a durable lining that is isolated from any residual damp within the masonry.
After the boarding was complete, the walls were plastered to achieve a smooth, high-quality finish ready for redecoration. This approach both improved the appearance of the room and ensured that the underlying wall could continue to dry out gradually, reducing the risk of future damp staining and damage.
Outcome for the Homeowner
The homeowner was left with a room that was both dry and significantly better protected against future damp problems. By removing the incorrect, non-breathable plaster and cement-based finishes, Gavin allowed the solid wall to begin drying naturally instead of keeping moisture locked in.
The new breathable membrane and plasterboard system created a stable, isolated lining that prevents any residual moisture within the masonry from spoiling internal finishes, while still letting the wall “breathe.” The freshly plastered surfaces gave the homeowners a smooth, ready-to-decorate finish and the confidence that damp staining was far less likely to reappear, without the need for unnecessary or overly invasive structural work.
At GJones Plastering & Damp Proofing, Gavin combines over 25 years of plastering experience with specialist PCA damp proofing qualifications to identify the real cause of issues like penetrating damp, not just the visible symptoms.
Whether the problem lies in failed pointing, cracked render, defective guttering and downpipes or a combination of issues, Gavin takes a methodical, evidence-based approach before recommending any work. If you are concerned about damp patches or staining on your walls, get in touch to arrange an inspection so we can help you protect your home and restore a clean, dry finish.