UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS:
The 3 Most Common Types of Damp
Understanding the risks
Damp isn’t just an eyesore — it can damage your property’s structure, lower its value, and even put your health at risk. From musty smells and peeling plaster to hidden mould and timber decay, damp problems often get worse if left untreated.
The first step to protecting your home is understanding the three most common types of damp — rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation — and knowing the signs to look out for.
What it is:
Moisture from the ground travels up through walls by capillary action.
Risks:
Causes crumbling plaster, salt deposits, and structural weakening at lower wall levels. Long-term, it can reduce property value and increase repair costs.
Signs to watch for:
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Tide marks on walls
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Peeling paint or wallpaper near skirting boards
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Crumbling plaster or salt deposits
Why a survey matters:
Rising damp is often misdiagnosed. An independent survey confirms the cause and gives you clear, unbiased recommendations — so you only pay for the work you really need.
1. Rising Damp
2. Penetrating Damp
What it is:
Water enters your property through external faults such as damaged roofs, leaking gutters, or porous brickwork.
Risks:
Leads to rot in timber, damp patches on ceilings and walls, and potential long-term structural damage.
Signs to watch for:
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Localised damp patches on walls or ceilings
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Damp after heavy rain
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Moss or algae growth on external walls
Why a survey matters:
Because penetrating damp can come from multiple sources, a survey helps pinpoint the exact cause — ensuring repairs fix the problem the first time.
What it is:
Excess moisture in the air collects on cold surfaces like windows, walls, and ceilings.
Risks:
Encourages mould growth, damages décor, and can trigger respiratory problems such as asthma.
Signs to watch for:
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Water droplets on windows
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Black mould on walls or ceilings
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Musty smells in affected rooms
Why a survey matters:
Condensation is often mistaken for rising or penetrating damp. A survey identifies the real cause and provides practical advice to improve ventilation, heating, and insulation.
3. Condensation
👉 A damp survey gives you peace of mind by identifying the exact problem, explaining the risks, and showing you the best way forward — without the pressure of unnecessary repair sales.
Why Choose
THE DAMPOLOGISTS?
Unlike contractors, we don’t sell repairs. Our surveys are completely independent, honest, and unbiased. You get clear answers, expert recommendations, and peace of mind — with no hidden agenda.
We’re a Certified Federation of Damp Specialist, which means every survey we carry out meets strict professional standards and industry best practice — so you can trust our findings and recommendations
✔ Independent damp specialists — no repair sales, just honest surveys
✔ Certified Federation of Damp Specialist member
✔ Easy-to-read reports with photos and clear recommendations
✔ Serving homes across Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk & Norfolk
✔ Save money by knowing exactly what work is needed