hat is Rising Damp?
As the name suggests, it is obviously about some damp that is rising; but where is it coming from and where is it going? Put simply, it is moisture that has been absorbed from the ground into a wall. It’s a bit like a sponge soaking up some nearby water, or liquid rising up a wick.
If there is nothing to prevent it, the ground water keeps on rising until it reaches a point where the force of gravity it greater, and gravity pulls it down again. Because of this phenomenon the height of any rising damp is about 1-1.2 metres.
It is not only water that can be drawn up into the walls but minerals and salts in the ground rise too. These subsequently crystallise and form a white powder-like substance, often visible on the outside bricks.