Expert damp proofing services for homes and properties across London. Damp & Mould Solutions provides CSRT-certified damp surveys, rising damp treatment, penetrating damp remediation, condensation control, basement waterproofing, and full replastering — all under one roof, with guaranteed results.
📞 Call Us: 020 4542 6114 | ✉️ Email: info@dampandmouldsolutions.co.uk | Book a survey → | Get a quote → We Start Work
✅ 15+ Years’ Experience · ✅ CSRT-Certified Surveyors · ✅ Work Guaranteed · ✅ 4.9★ Google Rating (37+ reviews)
What Is Damp Proofing?
Damp proofing is the collective term for treatments and systems that prevent moisture entering or rising through the walls, floors, and structure of a building. It covers a range of different approaches depending on the type and cause of the damp: chemical injection for rising damp, waterproof coatings for penetrating damp, ventilation systems for condensation, and tanking or cavity drain membranes for below-ground waterproofing.
The right solution depends entirely on accurate diagnosis. Damp proofing applied to the wrong cause will fail — which is why every job we carry out begins with a professional survey.
Damp Proofing Services We Provide in London
This page gives an overview of our full damp proofing service range. Each treatment type has a dedicated page with full detail on the process, costs, and what to expect.
Expert Surveys: Many London properties have more than one type of damp occurring simultaneously. A Victorian terrace may have rising damp at ground floor level, condensation in bedrooms, and penetrating damp around a chimney breast — each requiring a different treatment. A comprehensive survey identifies all moisture sources in one visit.
Rising Damp Treatment
Rising damp occurs when ground moisture travels upward through masonry via capillary action. It typically affects the lower 300mm–1.2m of walls and produces characteristic tide marks, salt deposits, crumbling plaster, and peeling wallpaper at low level.
Treatment involves chemical damp proof course (DPC) injection into the masonry at mortar course level, followed by removal of contaminated plaster and replastering with salt-resistant sand-and-cement render. All rising damp treatment work is backed by a 20-year guarantee.
Rising damp is particularly common in London’s pre-1919 housing stock, where original DPCs were absent, have failed, or have been bridged by raised external ground levels.
👉 Full details: Rising damp treatment London →
Penetrating Damp Treatment
Penetrating damp enters through defects in the external envelope — cracked render, failed pointing, defective window sills, blocked or overflowing gutters, or damaged flashings. It can appear at any height on a wall and is typically worse after periods of heavy rain.
Treatment involves identifying and repairing the external source (repointing, render repair, or waterproof external coating), followed by internal treatment of any affected plaster and walls. Without fixing the external defect first, any internal treatment is temporary.
👉 Full details: Penetrating damp treatment →
Condensation Control
Condensation is the most common cause of damp and mould in London homes. It occurs when warm, moisture-laden air contacts cold surfaces. The result is water droplets on windows, mould in corners and around window frames, and a persistent damp smell — typically worst in winter and in poorly ventilated rooms.
Condensation is a structural ventilation issue, not simply a lifestyle problem. We install positive input ventilation (PIV) systems, extractor fans, and condensation control units that address the root cause rather than masking symptoms.
👉 Condensation control services → 👉 Positive input ventilation systems →
Basement Waterproofing and Tanking
Below-ground spaces — basements, cellars, and lower-ground-floor flats — require specialist waterproofing solutions. We install cavity drain membrane systems, apply tanking slurry waterproof coatings, and specify the correct waterproofing strategy for each property and water table condition.
Basement waterproofing in London is increasingly in demand as lower-ground-floor conversions and basement extensions become more common, particularly across West and North London.
Damp Proof Membrane Installation
For walls being replastered after damp proofing treatment, a damp proof membrane may be used as part of the installation — particularly in situations where walls cannot be fully dried before finishing. We specify and install membranes as part of comprehensive damp remediation projects.
Damp Surveys
Every treatment starts with a proper diagnosis. Our CSRT-certified surveyors carry out comprehensive damp surveys using calibrated moisture meters, hygrometers, and systematic visual inspection. We produce detailed written reports distinguishing between rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation — the three are often confused and require completely different treatments.
We offer standalone damp surveys, pre-purchase surveys for buyers and solicitors, and landlord surveys for rented properties.
👉 Book a damp survey → 👉 Pre-purchase damp and timber survey →
Replastering After Damp Treatment
All damp proofing treatments involving walls require replastering with specialist sand-and-cement render. Standard finishing plaster cannot be applied directly over a newly treated wall — the residual salts will cause it to fail within months. We provide full replastering as part of every comprehensive remediation project.
Damp Wall and Ceiling Treatment
We provide standalone damp wall treatment and ceiling damp treatment services for properties where a specific area is affected. This includes assessment, treatment, and protection against recurrence.
👉 Damp wall treatment → 👉 Ceiling damp treatment →
How to Identify Which Type of Damp You Have
Correctly identifying the type of damp is essential before treatment can begin. Here is a quick diagnostic guide.
Rising damp — Tide marks and staining on the lower section of walls (typically below 1.2m). White powdery salt deposits on the wall face. Crumbling or soft plaster at low level. Rotting skirting boards. Musty smell concentrated at floor level near external walls. Does not improve with ventilation.
Penetrating damp — Damp patches that appear or worsen after heavy rain. Patches at any height on an external wall, often tracking from a visible defect above (a window sill, gutter, or roof detail). May appear as a spreading wet patch rather than a tide mark.
Condensation — Mould growth in corners of rooms, around window frames, and behind furniture on external walls. Water droplets on windows and cold surfaces in winter. Musty smell that improves with ventilation. Worse in bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens with limited airflow.
If you are not sure which type you have — or suspect more than one — a professional damp survey will establish the cause definitively.
👉 How to spot rising damp vs penetrating damp →
Our Damp Proofing Process
Our approach follows a consistent sequence regardless of property type or damp type. Skipping steps — particularly the survey and the replastering — is the most common reason damp treatments fail and need repeating.
- Professional damp survey — CSRT-certified inspection with moisture meters, hygrometer readings, and written report identifying all sources of moisture and their likely cause.
- Itemised written quote — We provide a full breakdown of the proposed treatment, materials, and labour with no hidden charges. No pressure to proceed.
- Preparation — Affected plaster, skirting boards, and wall coverings are removed where required. Surfaces are prepared for treatment.
- Primary treatment — The appropriate treatment is applied: chemical DPC injection, external render repairs, waterproof coatings, ventilation installation, or a combination of these.
- Drying period — Walls are allowed to dry to the correct moisture level before replastering begins. Industrial dehumidifiers are used to accelerate this where required.
- Replastering with salt-resistant render — Specialist sand-and-cement backing coat is applied, followed by finish plaster once cured. Standard plaster is never used on newly treated walls.
- Final inspection and guarantee — Work is inspected and signed off. A written guarantee is issued, transferable to new owners on sale of the property.
Why Choose Damp & Mould Solutions for Damp Proofing in London?
CSRT-certified surveyors — Our surveyors hold the Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatment (CSRT) qualification, the recognised professional standard for damp and timber surveyors in the UK. This matters for guarantee validity and for buyers’ solicitors who require professional documentation.
Correct diagnosis first — We do not apply treatment before carrying out a thorough survey. Misdiagnosis — particularly treating condensation as rising damp — is the industry’s most common and costly error. Our survey report clearly distinguishes between causes.
20-year guarantee on rising damp treatment — Backed by a condition-based guarantee that can be transferred to a new owner, supporting property valuations and conveyancing.
Transparent, itemised quotes — Every quote is in writing and breaks down materials and labour separately. No obligation to proceed.
Same-week visits across London — We cover all London boroughs and can typically arrange a survey within the week.
4.9 stars across 37+ Google reviews — A consistent track record across homeowners, landlords, and letting agents throughout London.
Damp Proofing Costs in London
Damp proofing costs in London vary significantly depending on the type of treatment required, the size of the affected area, the property type, and whether replastering is needed. As a general guide:
| Treatment | Typical London cost range |
|---|---|
| Damp survey only | £150 |
| Rising damp, single wall + DPC + replaster | £1,200 – £2,000 |
| Full ground floor rising damp treatment | £2,500 – £4,500 |
| Penetrating damp repair (external + internal) | £800 – £3,500 |
| Condensation control (PIV installation) | £400 – £900 |
| Basement tanking (single room) | £3,000 – £8,000 |
| Cavity drain membrane system (full basement) | £8,000 – £20,000+ |
These are indicative ranges only. All costs are confirmed in a written, itemised quote after a professional survey. There are no hidden charges.
👉 Read our full London damp proofing cost guide →
Damp Proofing Across London: Areas We Cover
We provide damp proofing services across all London boroughs, with particular depth of experience in North and West London’s Victorian and Edwardian terraced housing stock.
North London: Barnet · Finchley · Hendon · Golders Green · Mill Hill · Edgware · Colindale · High Barnet
North East London: Haringey · Wood Green · Tottenham · Hackney · Enfield · Barking & Dagenham
West London: Ealing · Chiswick · Acton · Greenford · Kensington Hammersmith Fulham Chelsea
North West London: Brent / Wembley · Willesden · Harlesden · Kilburn · Queens Park
Central / Inner London: Camden · Hampstead · Belsize Park · Kentish Town · St John’s Wood
Hertfordshire: Hertfordshire · Bishop’s Stortford Hemel hempstead, St. Albans
Book a Damp Survey or Get a Quote
If you have spotted signs of damp — tide marks, salt patches, peeling wallpaper, condensation mould, or a persistent damp smell — the right next step is a professional survey. We will identify the exact cause, give you a written report, and provide a clear itemised quote with no obligation to proceed.
📞 Call: 020 4542 6114 📧 Email: info@dampandmouldsolutions.co.uk 📅 Book a survey online →
We offer same-week appointments across London. All surveys carried out by CSRT-certified surveyors.
FAQ
What is damp proofing and what does it involve?
Damp proofing is the process of preventing moisture from entering a property through walls, floors, or structure. Treatment depends on the cause: rising damp uses DPC injection and replastering, penetrating damp requires external repairs, condensation needs improved ventilation, and basements are waterproofed with tanking or membranes. A professional survey ensures the correct solution is applied.
How do I know which type of damp I have?
Different damp types show distinct signs. Rising damp causes tide marks and salts below 1.2m, penetrating damp appears as rain-related patches on walls, and condensation leads to mould, especially around windows. In many London homes, multiple types can occur, so a professional damp survey is the most reliable way to diagnose the issue accurately.
How much does damp proofing cost in London?
Damp proofing costs vary based on the issue and scale of work. Surveys typically cost £150–£300, rising damp treatment for one wall ranges from £1,200–£2,000, and full ground floor treatments can reach £4,500. Condensation solutions like PIV units cost £400–£900 installed, with all pricing confirmed after a detailed survey.
How long does damp proofing take?
Most damp proofing jobs are completed within a few days, depending on the scale. A single wall takes 1–2 days, while a full ground floor may take 3–5 days. However, drying and curing after replastering can take 4–8 weeks, meaning the total timeline from survey to completion is typically 4–10 weeks.
Does damp proofing work? Will damp come back?
Yes, damp proofing is effective when the correct treatment is applied to the right problem. Rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation can all be permanently resolved if properly diagnosed and treated. Failures usually occur when the wrong solution is used, which is why a professional survey is essential.
Is damp proofing covered by home insurance?
In most cases, damp proofing is not covered by home insurance, as it is considered a maintenance issue. However, if damp results from a sudden insured event, such as a burst pipe, some policies may contribute. Always check your policy wording and use professional survey reports for claims support.
How do I choose a reliable damp proofing company in London?
Choose a company with qualified surveyors holding CSRT or CSSW credentials and membership with the Property Care Association. Check reviews, request a written survey report, and ensure a full inspection is carried out. Avoid companies that recommend treatment without diagnosing the root cause.
Do you need planning permission for damp proofing in London?
Damp proofing usually does not require planning permission as it is considered internal maintenance. However, if your property is listed or in a conservation area, you may need approval for external works such as repointing or rendering. Always confirm with your local authority if unsure.
Can damp proofing be done in an occupied property?
Yes, damp proofing can be carried out in occupied homes. Most work is completed with minimal disruption, and affected areas are contained and protected. Materials used are safe once dry, and any temporary ventilation or access requirements will be clearly explained beforehand.
What is a CSRT-certified surveyor and why does it matter?
A CSRT surveyor (Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatment) is a qualified professional trained in diagnosing damp and timber issues. This ensures accurate identification of the problem and appropriate treatment. Their reports and guarantees are also recognised by mortgage lenders and solicitors, which is important for property transactions.
Related Services and Pages
Treatment services:
Helpful guides:
🏡 Customer Testimonials
“We had serious rising damp and mould in our basement. These guys were brilliant – professional, tidy, and sorted it all within days.” – Client in Chiswick
“Our walls were damp and paint kept peeling. After their treatment, everything is dry and fresh. Highly recommend!” – Client in Barnet
Thankfully after a recommendation I contacted Damp and Mould Solutions, Mick came over to the property the next day and gave me straight forward easy to understand advice with a very reasonable quote and time frame.
From the beginning to end it was an absolute pleasure to work with this company. Great time keeping and came in on budget.
The work was completed within the quoted period and all the rubbish was cleared.
I highly recommend these experts to resolve any of your damp and mould issues.
These guys are honest which is hard to find when looking for damp solutions.
Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value and honesty
Arrived on time, very respectful and left the house very clean and tidy after work each day.
Transpired to be a slightly job than anticipated but the whole team was very accommodating and went above and beyond to get it done.
Would recommend!
📸 See the Difference – Real Customer Results
★★★★★ “Received quotes from several other companies — these guys offered much more realistic pricing with no hidden costs. Job completed quickly and efficiently.”— Jiten Patel, London
★★★★★ “I contracted them to remove mould from bedroom walls. They arrived promptly and solved the problem at a reasonable rate. Happy to recommend them.” Arthur Holcombe, London