Structural dampness in buildings can be caused by penetrating damp, rising damp, or condensation. Penetrating damp is caused by water leaking through walls from issues like leaking gutters or pipes. Rising damp occurs when groundwater is absorbed up through bricks. Condensation damp is caused when warm, moist air meets a cold surface like walls and the moisture condenses. To address the causes, homeowners need to inspect for issues like blocked gutters, damaged render or bricks, lack of a damp-proof course, or excess moisture indoors that could lead to condensation.

1. DAMPNESS

2.  Structural dampness is the presence of unwanted moisture in the
structure of a building, either the result of intrusion from outside or
condensation from within the structure.
 A high proportion of damp problems in buildings are caused by
ambient climate dependent factors of condensation and rain
penetration.
 Types of dampness
I. Penetrating Damp
II. Rising Damp
III. Condensation

3. Penetrating Damp
Penetrating Damp - Penetrating damp is caused by water leaking through
the walls.
What are the causes of penetrating damp:
• Different types of building defects - including overflowing gutters, leaking
or blocked pipes, damaged pointing and flashing, dilapidated or poorly
installed windows and missing roof tiles.
• Porous walls – ageing bricks lose their ability to keep out rain penetration
while cracks in external render allow problematic water ingress.
• Spalled bricks and degraded mortar – damage to brickwork can allow
water to penetrate into your home.

4. To get rid of the damp you need to work out
what is causing it :
• Blocked or damaged Guttering - Very often the source of penetrating damp
problems. Simply repair or unblock the gutters and downpipes.
• Dilapidated or Damaged Windows - Check window sills to make sure the drip
grooves are not blocked as these can be susceptible to a build-up of dirt and
moss. If found to be blocked, make sure to clean them thoroughly.
• Roof Damage - If you have the expertise and competency then replace missing
or cracked tiles. If the Chimney flashing is loose then it will have to be refitted or
replaced.
• Cracked Render - If the render is damaged water will penetrate through, if
possible small cracks should be patched with new render or sealant.
• Porous bricks - if they have become porous and allow water ingress then they
need to be removed and replaced or you apply a solution that will help
waterproof the brick.

6. Rising Damp
 Rising damp is a relatively rare form of damp that affects the walls of
buildings.
 It occurs when moisture from the ground travels up through the walls by
capillary action.
 This means that ground water is effectively sucked up through tiny tubes
in the bricks, like a series of straws. This water contains salts that also travel
up through the wall.
 Around the affected wall, you get other porous building materials such as
plasterwork and the timber found in the floor boards.

7. To get rid of the damp you need to work
out what is causing it :
 Firstly, check that your house has a damp-proof course or
membrane. You will need an expert to tell you whether you do have
one.
 The most effective and economical way to treat rising damp is with
a damp proofing injection cream. You can choose between complete
kits or individual cartridges of cream
 The cream is injected or hand-pumped into specially-positioned
holes in the mortar course.

9. Condensation
Condensation damp is caused by moist air condensing on walls.
 Warm & moist air comes into contact with a cold surface such as the
walls, and the air can’t hold the moisture, causing drops of water to appear
and causing mold on your walls.

10. To get rid of the damp you need to work
out what is causing it :
Wipe down windows and sills every morning.
Deal with steam from cooking.
Get rid of bathroom moisture.
Keep your house warm.
Buy a dehumidifier.
Don't hang clothes to dry inside.