Rising damp is caused by the lack of an effective damp proof course (DPC). Ground water is then able to move up through the brickwork of your home. Because this is ground water, specific salts are found within it such as sulphates and nitrates. These salts are what’s known as hygroscopic, meaning they attract and hold on to more moisture – allowing the problem to spread and worsen over time.
At Solvex Damp Proofing, we specialise in diagnosing and treating rising damp across Liverpool and the Wirral, using proven solutions to protect your property and restore a dry, healthy living environment.
A damp proof course is a barrier built into the structure of your property to stop moisture from the ground rising through the walls. Every building should have one, but over time DPCs can become damaged, bridged, or simply fail due to age.
This is the most common modern method of treating rising damp. A chemical damp proof course is created by injecting a specialised cream or liquid into the masonry at the base of the wall. Once cured, it forms a waterproof barrier that stops ground moisture from rising.
Older properties may have a physical DPC — such as a layer of slate, bitumen, or plastic sheeting – built into the wall. Over decades, these barriers can deteriorate or become bridged by debris, rendering them ineffective. In some severe cases, replacing a physical DPC may be the only long-term solution.
Not all damp is caused by rising damp. Penetrating damp, condensation, and leaks can all show similar signs – like tide marks, blistered paint, or crumbling plaster. That’s why correct diagnosis is vital before any treatment begins. Our CSDB-qualified surveyors are trained to identify the exact cause of your damp issue and recommend the most effective solution.
All of our rising damp treatments come with a long-term guarantee as standard, giving you complete peace of mind that your property is protected for years to come.
Read more about rising damp in our guides and advice section here Rising Damp Explained
When our surveyor arrives at your property, they begin by introducing themselves and gathering some background information about the issues you’ve been experiencing. Understanding how long the problem has been present, when it first appeared, and any changes to the property helps us form an initial picture before we start the technical assessment.
The survey then starts with an external inspection. The outside of a property often provides the first clues to the cause of internal damp, so our surveyor checks brickwork, guttering, downpipes, ground levels, and any visible defects that may be contributing to moisture ingress. Once the external checks are complete, we move inside to examine the affected areas of the property.
During the internal inspection, our surveyor uses specialist testing equipment to assess the full extent of the issue. This can include moisture meters to read moisture profiles, hygrometers to measure humidity levels, and salt analysis to help identify the type and source of damp. Where appropriate, additional tools such as thermal imaging cameras, borescopes, or data loggers may be used although these are typically reserved for more complex cases. Photographs are taken throughout the assessment to support the final report.
The survey continues for as long as needed to identify the root cause of the damp problem. A straightforward investigation may take around 45 minutes, while a full property inspection such as a pre-purchase damp and timber survey can take over two hours. Our CSDB-qualified surveyors will never rush the process; the goal is always to uncover the real reason behind the issue, not just treat the symptoms.
Before leaving, the surveyor will talk you through their findings in a clear and honest way, explaining what is causing the problem and what the next steps are. Within 48 hours you’ll receive a detailed written report. This includes diagnostic findings, photographs, recommended remedial works, and long-term prevention advice.
Our surveys are designed to be thorough, transparent, and educational, giving homeowners complete confidence in the diagnosis and a clear plan for putting things right.
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