Case Study:
Rising Damp in Horsham
A homeowner in Horsham recently contacted us after Gavin was recommended to him.
The customer had noticed high levels of damp on multiple ground floor walls, and after carrying out a thorough inspection, Gavin identified the issue as rising damp affecting much of the property.
Identifying the Cause
On further investigation, Gavin found that the original plastering and skirting work had been carried out incorrectly. The skirting was removed to reveal that plaster had been taken all the way down to the floor - something that should never be done, as it allows moisture to track directly into the plasterwork.
It was also clear that gypsum plaster had been used during previous works. While gypsum is commonplace in modern homes, it is not suitable for older properties below ground floor level, as it is highly absorbent and breaks down quickly when exposed to moisture.
The Remedial Work
To solve the problem, Gavin stripped back all the gypsum plaster to expose the original brickwork. This allowed him to address the rising damp at its source rather than just covering over the symptoms.
The property did have an original slate damp proof course (DPC), but slate can deteriorate over time, especially when a building undergoes natural movement. In this case, the slate DPC had failed, allowing water to rise up the walls. Gavin applied a chemical DPC to replace the function of the broken slate barrier, creating a new impermeable layer within the brickwork to stop further water ingress.
Once the damp course was installed, Gavin replastered the walls using specialist waterproof plastering techniques. This ensures that the repaired sections blend seamlessly into the existing walls while offering long-term protection. The walls were left with a smooth, durable finish that will be ready for decoration once the drying period is complete.
Outcome
The Horsham homeowner now has peace of mind knowing that the rising damp has been treated at its source. The walls are protected with a modern damp proof course and finished to a high standard, ensuring the property remains dry and healthy for years to come.
At G Jones Plastering & Damp Proofing, we regularly deal with issues like this where older materials or poor past repairs fail to protect a property properly. With Gavin’s 25 years of experience and his PCA qualification, he knows how to diagnose and treat damp effectively, using the right methods for each property.
If you are experiencing signs of rising damp, please get in touch and we will be happy to inspect your home and recommend the best solution.