Damp refers to unwanted moisture in the structure of a building, often felt as cold, clammy walls or visible as discolouration or mould.
The main types are rising damp (moisture from the ground), penetrating damp (water ingress through walls), and condensation (moisture within the air settling on cold surfaces).
Damp can occur because of failed DPCs, defective gutters or roofs, bridging of damp proof courses, high humidity with poor ventilation, rising groundwater, or water leaks.
Damp can be found in walls, floors, ceilings, basements, cellars, behind plaster, in timber joists, around windows, and rooms with poor ventilation.
A DPC is a barrier installed horizontally in walls, typically above ground level, to prevent rising moisture from travelling upward through masonry.
Damp-proof membranes are sheet materials (often polyethylene) laid beneath floor slabs or applied to walls to prevent moisture transmission from ground or adjacent structures.
Chemical injection involves drilling holes and injecting a water-repellent cream into mortar joints to form a barrier that stops capillary action.
Damp-proof paint can help manage minor moisture issues, but alone, it does not solve underlying structural or moisture ingress problems. A professional diagnosis is needed.
Costs vary greatly depending on property type, construction, severity and treatment required. A survey is needed for an accurate quotation.
Damp-proof paints are relatively low cost but may only be suitable for minor or decorative issues. Deeper damp problems often require more extensive treatment.
At Nordic Damp Proofing Ltd, our surveys typically take about one hour, after which we aim to provide your detailed report within the same week.
Some disruption is inevitable (plaster removal, drilling etc.), but we aim to minimise mess by working carefully, completing room by room, and protecting your home.
Rising damp is moisture drawn up from the ground by capillary action into walls where there is no working damp proof course or the DPC is bridged or failed.
If you notice tide-marks, salt deposits, peeling paint or plaster failing up to around one metre above floor level, your property may have rising damp.
Penetrating damp is mainly caused by cracks, damaged render, leaking gutters/downpipes, high ground levels, or faulty construction details allowing external water to enter.
Condensation damp occurs when moist air hits cold surfaces (walls, windows) causing moisture to settle, often leading to mould growth and damp patches.
Wet rot is decay in timber caused by sustained moisture, often in areas with poor ventilation or water ingress, leading to weakened structural timbers.
Dry rot is a more aggressive fungus that can spread rapidly through damp masonry or timber and can cause considerable structural damage if untreated.
Wet rot requires a sustained moisture source and affects timber slowly; dry rot can spread through masonry, travels through walls, creates fungal cords, and is more destructive.
Look out for small holes in timber, frass (wood dust) around floorboards, sagging joists or discoloured finishes — a survey will confirm the presence and extent.
Good ventilation reduces indoor humidity levels, prevents moisture build-up and avoids conditions favourable for mould, rot and condensation.
It’s wise to carry out a full survey every few years or immediately after noticing symptoms like mould, damp patches, sagging floors or musty odours.
Yes — older homes often have higher ground levels, bridging of DPCs, inadequate insulation or poor ventilation, making them more susceptible to rising, penetrating or condensation damp.
At Nordic Damp Proofing Ltd, our surveyors use moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, cavity endoscope cameras, and humidity testers to diagnose damp and timber issues accurately.
No — after treatment and installation of a DPC or membrane, walls must dry out fully before re-plastering or decorating, usually one month per 25mm of wall thickness.
Usually from inside, but access and property construction may require external drilling in certain cases — the survey will determine the best approach.
Nordic Damp Proofing Ltd offers long-term guarantees (up to 25 years) on damp proofing treatments when installed correctly and maintained.
Not always — many standard home insurance policies do not cover damp into material or remedial damp proofing. Checking your policy is advised.
DIY-kits exist, but without a correct diagnosis, the treatment may fail. Professional surveys ensure the root cause is treated.
Because applying the wrong treatment (e.g., a DPC when it’s condensation) can waste money and cause further issues. A professional survey identifies the root cause.
A traditional method for installing a physical barrier (slate layer) at the base of walls to prevent rising damp — common in older properties.
Damp proofing typically controls moisture ingress through capillary action or condensation; waterproofing handles high water pressure (basements, submerged walls).
At Nordic we typically arrange a survey within 24 hours of booking and aim to provide the report within the same week.
You’ll receive a detailed report with photo evidence, readings, recommended treatments and a fixed quotation if required — then you decide whether to proceed.
If correctly installed and matched to the cause, treatments such as chemical DPCs, membranes or ventilation systems can last 20-30 years or more with proper maintenance.
Not always immediately, but left untreated damp, rot or moisture can lead to structural problems like timber decay, wall tie failure, masonry movement or condensation damage.
Yes — persistent condensation creates damp conditions around floors and joists, which can encourage wet rot or woodworm if left unaddressed.
Coastal homes may face higher humidity, salt spray, strong winds and older construction, making them more susceptible to moisture ingress or condensation issues.
Yes — if external ground levels are too high and bridge the DPC, rising damp can occur. Good drainage and correct reveal are important.
In severe timber decay cases (dry rot, wet rot) replacement or reinforcement may be necessary alongside moisture control treatment.
Treatment time depends on extent; many domestic jobs are done in days, but full structural remediation may take longer — you’ll receive a timeframe in your quotation.
Yes — Nordic Damp Proofing Ltd has experience working in older homes and historic properties in Dorset & Hampshire, adapting methods to preserve original features.
Yes — we provide survey, treatment and after-care services for landlords, letting agents and commercial properties across Dorset & Hampshire.
Look out for peeling wallpaper, blistering paint, black mould, musty smell, tide-marks, damp patches or cold areas on walls.
Signs include damaged or missing DPC, high ground level, cracked or bulging walls, deteriorated render or mortar, leaking gutters and blocked drainage.
Thermal imaging shows temperature anomalies in wall surfaces, which may indicate moisture paths or cold spots – helping diagnose hidden damp.
Hygroscopic salts are salts left behind by rising moisture that attract further moisture even after the source has been treated — they must often be removed or sealed.
Yes — treatments like injections, membranes or ventilation systems can often be installed with minimal disruption; full advice will be given in your quotation.
Nordic Damp Proofing Ltd offers follow-up checks (for example 6-month review) and long-term guarantees on work to ensure you remain protected.
With over 45 years combined experience, 100s of five-star reviews across Google & Checkatrade, and full coverage across the South, we provide reliable, guaranteed damp, mould and timber solutions.
At Nordic Damp Proofing, we’re pleased to offer damp, mould, and timber surveys to homeowners and landlords. In some cases, fees may apply for more detailed reports — but don’t worry, our team will always let you know beforehand.
Submitting this form doesn’t commit you to a survey. One of our friendly team members will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your enquiry and confirm whether a survey is needed. Once booked, we can usually arrange a visit within 24 hours of confirmation.
