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Author Topic: Have I got Rising Damp?  (Read 13669 times)

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Sadie20

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Have I got Rising Damp?
« on: October 31, 2011, 08:43:07 am »
I live in a 6 month old house and I have just noticed some mould behind my sofa and the wall feels cold and damp.

I am wondering if this may be rising damp. 
How can you tell and what is your advice please?


Philofacts

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Re: Have I got Rising Damp?
« Reply #1 on: October 31, 2011, 10:37:31 am »
It is unlikely that you will have rising damp in a brand new home. All new homes have a damp proof course (DPC) bedded in the cavity walls, which will stop damp rising from the ground through porous brickwork. However, this can be bridged if the external ground level is above the DPC or the cavity is filled above DPC level with mortar or debris, or if the DPC is covered by render. The DPC should be at least 150mm above finished ground level.

It is more likely that your problem is caused by CONDENSATION, which can be improved by better ventilation/air circulation and heating the room. 
Treat the mould with a diluted bleach solution, and open windows on fine days.  It can take up to 9 months for a brand new home to fully dry out.

It may be caused by moisture penetrating the outside wall, due to leaking downpipe or guttering combined with the cavity being bridged with debris.  Contact your house builder if the problem persists.
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The Brickkicker

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Re: Have I got Rising Damp?
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2013, 02:12:32 pm »
I agree.
Rrising damp is almost unheard of these days due to cavity wall construction  although penetrating damp can be a problem, as can tanking problems and water penetration.

All problems these days are usually down to poor detailing and poor workmanship.
Internally black spot mould caused by condensation is a little understood issue to new home owners.

I have produced a fact sheet on preventing and controlling mould in the home.

Please contact me if you want copy.
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Philofacts

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Re: Have I got Rising Damp?
« Reply #3 on: October 24, 2013, 02:42:29 pm »
I have a De Longhi DEM10 de humidifier. 
We run it between 5pm to 9pm and we have a nice dry house and use less heating.
The de humidifier only uses 190 watts so you can run it for five hours for one unit about 16p.
Also helps clothes to dry and air too.
Best £130 you will spend, especially if you live in a timber frame home.
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