Nordic Damp Proofing recently completed a comprehensive damp remediation project at a property in Bristol after our survey identified widespread rising damp, hygroscopic salt contamination and elevated internal humidity affecting the rear kitchen wall.
The rear elevation had been suffering from prolonged moisture exposure due to the property’s age, the absence of an original damp proof course and external defects that had prevented the wall from drying naturally. Rather than simply replastering isolated areas, we treated the entire wall from floor to ceiling to provide a long-lasting solution.
Assessment Findings
Our inspection identified elevated moisture readings throughout the property, particularly on the rear north-facing elevation where humidity levels were significantly higher than elsewhere in the home.
The kitchen wall showed clear signs of rising damp, with hygroscopic salts present throughout the existing plaster. These salts continually absorb moisture from the air, meaning decorative finishes would continue to fail unless all contaminated plaster was completely removed.
The investigation also identified several contributing factors:
- No effective original damp proof course within the property.
- Historic raised patio levels had previously bridged the wall, allowing prolonged moisture saturation.
- External render had been taken down to ground level, preventing natural evaporation.
- Cracked sections of render were allowing additional moisture ingress.
- High internal humidity combined with inadequate ventilation was slowing the drying process.
Because of the level of contamination, a full-height treatment was recommended.
Removing Salt-Contaminated Plaster
The first stage involved removing all existing plaster from the affected kitchen wall.
Every section of contaminated plaster was stripped back to expose the original masonry, ensuring hygroscopic salts trapped within the old finish were completely removed before any remedial system was installed.
This preparation stage is essential, as simply skimming over contaminated plaster will often result in damp symptoms returning.
Installing the Damp Proof Membrane System
With the masonry fully exposed, we installed a cavity drainage membrane across the entire wall.
The membrane was mechanically fixed to the masonry before all joints, fixings and penetrations were carefully sealed to create a continuous moisture barrier.
This system permanently isolates residual moisture within the wall while allowing the structure to continue drying naturally behind the membrane.
Replastering & Reinstatement
Once the membrane system had been completed, the wall was professionally replastered to create a smooth finish ready for final decoration.
The customer now has a completely isolated wall system that prevents moisture and hygroscopic salts from affecting future plaster or paint finishes.
Why Full Height Treatment Was Necessary
In many older properties, damp treatment only needs to extend to approximately 1 metre.
However, in this Bristol property, hygroscopic salts had migrated throughout the entire wall over many years. Restricting treatment to the lower section would have left contaminated plaster above, allowing moisture staining and decoration failure to continue.
By treating the wall from floor to ceiling, the entire contaminated surface has been isolated, providing a far more reliable long-term solution.
Improving the External Environment
Alongside the internal treatment, recommendations were provided to address the external defects contributing to the problem.
These included:
- Removing render bridging ground level.
- Repairing cracked external render.
- Improving ventilation throughout the property.
- Reducing internal humidity levels.
- Allowing the masonry to dry naturally following the removal of the previously raised patio.
Addressing both the source of moisture and the internal damage is essential for a successful long-term outcome.
The Finished Result
The completed project has transformed the affected kitchen wall, replacing deteriorating damp plaster with a modern damp-proofing system designed to protect the property for many years to come.
The homeowner now benefits from:
- Full-height damp treatment.
- Hygroscopic salt isolation.
- Professional cavity drainage membrane installation.
- Fresh replastered walls ready for decoration.
- Long-term protection against rising damp.
Damp Proofing Specialists in Bristol
Nordic Damp Proofing provides professional surveys and permanent damp treatment solutions across Bristol and the surrounding areas.
Whether you’re experiencing rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation or mould growth, our experienced team identifies the true cause before recommending the most appropriate long-term solution.
