Although many damp proofing contractors would have people believe otherwise, it is a fact that failure of an existing

damp proof course is rare.

Only 10% of all damp problems are to do with so called "rising" dampness and these include ancient houses

never built with a damp proof course. 

This means 90% of unwanted dampness is nothing to do

with an alledged failure of the damp proof course and this

should be the last thing to be considered.

Dampness cannot be proven by electrical meters alone.

Such meters are a useful tool only in helping identify areas

requiring further investigation.

Anyone specifying damp repairs based only on the readings of an electrical damp meter should be shown the door!

Contractors who state otherwise are misleading their client.

To prove "rising"  dampness would require

laboratory analysis of wall samples.

Every year thousands and thousands of pounds are
wasted or either unnecessary or inappropriate repairs to properties in the UK with supposed rising damp.   

But please, don't take our word for it.....

THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS

"According to Douglas Kent, Technical
Secretary of SPAB, the inappropriate installation of damp-proof courses to combat rising damp accounts for much unnecessary work on old buildings.

True rising damp is rarer than commonly perceived
but is regularly misdiagnosed.  

In the SPAB's experience, mortgage lenders can
demand unnecessary damp-proofing work during house purchases.

Although chartered surveyors have a duty to follow a trail of suspicion, some simply pass all responsibility onto remedial treatment contractors with a vested commercial interest encouraging over-specification.

It is worth challenging any recommendation you believe is questionable and, if necessary, seeking a second
opinion in writing from an independent chartered surveyor or consultant (note, not contractor). "

ITV HOUSE OF HORRORS



"Damp is a fertile area for rip-off traders as
the very word can set alarm bells ringing and panic householders into paying anything to have the problem dealt with.

In reality, many older properties in Britain have some form of damp within the structure, but often this does not need serious remedial work to treat.

As you can’t see what is really going on with damp you do rely on the damp-proofing company to be honest."