Professional rising damp treatment for London homes and properties. Damp & Mould Solutions provides specialist rising damp diagnosis, chemical damp proof course (DPC) injection, and full remediation across London. CSRT-certified surveyors. 20-year guarantee. Same-week visits available.
📞 020 4542 6114 | Book a damp survey → | Get a quote →
✅ 15+ Years’ Experience · ✅ CSRT-Certified Surveyors · ✅ 20-Year Guarantee · ✅ 4.9★ Google Rating
What Is Rising Damp?
Rising damp is the upward movement of ground moisture through the walls of a building via capillary action. Groundwater is drawn up through tiny pores in brick, stone, and mortar — carrying dissolved salts with it — because there is no effective barrier (damp proof course) to stop it. If you see the following then contact us:
- Tide marks – visible staining or discolouration on walls.
- Peeling wallpaper and paint – moisture breaks down adhesives.
- Crumbling plaster – a sign of prolonged damp exposure.
- White salt deposits – powdery residue on walls from evaporated groundwater.
- Rotting skirting boards and floorboards – wood decay caused by excess moisture.
- A damp, musty smell – a common indicator of persistent moisture problems.
Read our step by step guide → how to treat rising damp
👉 Book a professional → damp survey
Our Rising Damp Treatment Process
Rising damp treatment is a specialist job that must be done in the correct sequence to be effective and to last. Here is exactly what our process involves:
Step 1: Professional Damp Survey and Diagnosis
Every job begins with a thorough survey. Our CSRT-certified surveyors use calibrated moisture meters, hygrometers, and visual inspection to assess the extent of rising damp, confirm the diagnosis, and rule out other moisture sources. We produce a detailed survey report with findings and a recommended treatment plan.
This step is essential — skipping straight to treatment without proper diagnosis is why so many rising damp jobs fail or need repeating.
Step 2: Removal of Contaminated Plaster and Skirting Boards
All plaster affected by rising damp is hacked off to a height typically 300mm above the highest tide mark. This must be done because existing plaster is saturated with hygroscopic salts that will continue to draw moisture and cause new plaster to fail if left in place. Affected skirting boards are also removed at this stage.
Step 3: Chemical Damp Proof Course (DPC) Injection
A new chemical DPC is injected into the base of the wall at mortar course level. Holes are drilled at regular intervals — typically every 120mm — and a water-repellent silicone-based cream is injected to saturate the masonry and form a continuous horizontal moisture barrier.
The chemical DPC works by lining the capillary pores within the masonry, preventing water from rising further through the wall. Once fully cured, it creates a permanent, effective barrier equivalent to a physical DPC.
Step 4: Drying Out
Once the DPC is in place, the wall must be allowed to dry. We use industrial dehumidifiers to accelerate this process and monitor moisture levels to confirm the wall is sufficiently dry before replastering begins. Rushing to replaster before the wall has dried is another common cause of treatment failure.
Step 5: Replastering with Salt-Resistant Render
New plaster is applied using a specialist sand-and-cement backing coat formulated to resist the residual salts in the wall. This is not the same as standard finishing plaster and must not be substituted with it. A final finish plaster is applied once the backing coat has fully cured.
This replastering stage is frequently the largest portion of the overall cost but cannot be omitted — standard plaster will fail rapidly if applied to a wall that has experienced rising damp.
👉 Read more about our replastering service →
Step 6: Final Inspection and 20-Year Guarantee
Once work is complete, we carry out a final inspection to confirm treatment is successful. All our rising damp treatment work is backed by a 20-year guarantee, which is transferable to a new owner if you sell the property. This is a condition-backed guarantee — not just a warranty — and provides genuine protection for both homeowners and buyers.
Rising Damp Treatment Costs in London
Rising damp treatment in London costs more than in other parts of the UK, primarily due to higher labour rates, older housing stock, and access constraints common in London properties. As a general guide:
| Scope | Estimated cost (London) |
|---|---|
| Single wall treatment + DPC injection (no replaster) | £1200 – £1500.00 plus vat |
| Single wall treatment + DPC + replastering (up to 5m) | £1800 – £2000.00 Plus vat |
| Full ground floor treatment, 2-bed terrace | £3500.00 – £5500.00 |
| Full ground floor treatment with replastering throughout | £6000 – £10000.00 |
These ranges reflect the significant variation in property types across London — a solid Victorian brick terrace requires a different approach to a 1960s cavity wall property or a basement flat.
We provide itemised, written quotes after every survey. There are no hidden charges and no obligation to proceed.
👉 Read our damp proofing cost guide for London →
Why Rising Damp Is Worse in London Properties
Many London properties — particularly Victorian and Edwardian homes — either lack a modern damp-proof course or have one that has failed over time. Combined with raised ground levels and dense terracing, this makes rising damp a common issue across the capital.
Areas We Cover
We carry out rising damp treatment across London, with particular expertise in the Victorian and Edwardian terraced housing common across North and West London.
North London: Barnet · Finchley · Hendon · Golders Green · Highgate · Haringey · Wood Green · Tottenham · Hackney · Enfield
West London: Ealing · Chiswick · Acton · Greenford · Kensington
Central / Inner London: Camden · Hampstead · Kentish Town · St John’s Wood · Kilburn
North West London: Brent · Willesden · Harlesden · Queens Park
Hertfordshire: Hertfordshire · Bishop’s Stortford
Get a Rising Damp Treatment Quote
If you’ve spotted signs of rising damp — tide marks, salt deposits, peeling wallpaper, or rotting skirting boards — the most important next step is getting a professional diagnosis.
Our CSRT-certified surveyors cover all of London and can typically arrange a visit within the week. We’ll assess the problem thoroughly, confirm the cause, and give you a clear, itemised quote with no obligation.
📞 Call: 020 4542 6114 📧 Email: info@dampandmouldsolutions.co.uk
FAQ
What is the most effective treatment for rising damp?
The most effective and widely used treatment for rising damp is chemical damp proof course (DPC) injection. A silicone-based cream is injected into the masonry at mortar course level, saturating the wall to create a continuous water-repellent barrier that prevents moisture rising further. This is followed by removal of all salt-contaminated plaster and replastering with a specialist salt-resistant sand-and-cement render. Without both steps — the DPC and the replastering — treatment is incomplete and will fail.
How much does rising damp treatment cost in London?
Rising damp treatment in London typically costs between £1,200 and £1,500 for a single wall including DPC injection and replastering. A full ground floor treatment for a typical two-bedroom Victorian terrace ranges from £2,500 to £4,500. Costs are higher in London than the UK average due to labour rates and the complexity of older property types. All costs are confirmed in a written, itemised quote after a survey. See our full cost guide →
How long does rising damp treatment take?
A single-wall rising damp treatment with DPC injection and replastering typically takes one to two days on site. A full ground floor treatment can take three to five days. After replastering, walls require a drying and curing period of four to eight weeks before they can be decorated. Rushing decoration before walls are fully dry is a common cause of early paint and plaster failure.
Does rising damp treatment come with a guarantee?
Yes. All our rising damp treatment work is backed by a 20-year guarantee. This is a condition-backed guarantee that can be transferred to a new owner if you sell the property — which is important for mortgage valuations and conveyancing. Solicitors and surveyors routinely request guarantee documentation during property sales.
Will rising damp come back after treatment?
With a correctly installed chemical DPC and proper replastering using salt-resistant render, rising damp will not return through the treated wall. However, if the external conditions that contributed to the problem — such as ground levels bridging the DPC, blocked drainage, or defective guttering — are not addressed, moisture may continue to affect the property through other routes. Our survey report always includes recommendations for any external remedial work needed.
Is rising damp covered by home insurance?
Generally, no. Most home insurance policies treat rising damp as a maintenance or gradual deterioration issue rather than sudden accidental damage, and will not cover treatment costs. However, if rising damp has been caused or worsened by a specific covered event — such as a burst pipe or a drainage failure — part of the damage may be claimable. Check your policy wording carefully. Our survey reports are accepted by insurers and solicitors as professional documentation.
How do I know if I have rising damp?
Rising damp appears in the lower section of walls (usually below 1.2m), produces tide marks, salt deposits, and crumbling plaster, and is worst near external walls at floor level. It does not improve with increased ventilation.
Can I treat rising damp myself?
DIY rising damp treatment is not advisable for anything beyond the most minor cases. Correctly spaced and pressurised DPC injection requires specialist equipment to ensure the silicone cream penetrates fully and creates a complete barrier. Gaps in the injection pattern leave the DPC incomplete, and the rising damp will continue through those sections. DIY treatments also rarely include proper removal of salt-contaminated plaster, which means new plaster applied over old contaminated material will fail. Additionally, most mortgage lenders and buyers’ solicitors require a professional guarantee — which DIY treatment cannot provide.
What happens if rising damp is left untreated?
Left untreated, rising damp causes progressive damage that accelerates over time. In the early stages, it damages plaster, paint, and wall coverings. As it progresses, it attacks timber skirting boards and floor joists, encourages mould growth, reduces wall insulation efficiency (increasing heating costs), and eventually weakens structural masonry. The longer rising damp is left untreated, the more extensive and expensive the remediation becomes. A problem that costs £1,500 to treat today could cost £5,000 or more if allowed to develop over several years.
Do you work with landlords dealing with rising damp in rented properties?
Yes. We work regularly with private landlords, letting agents, and property management companies across London. Rising damp in a rented property is the landlord’s legal responsibility to fix under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. We can work around tenants, provide a formal survey report for housing authority or legal purposes, and complete treatment to a guaranteed standard. Read about our landlord services →