Penetrating Damp

Illustrates penetrating damp caused by high ground levels, leaking rainwater goods, porous stone and defects in masonry joints.

Independent guidance from Heritage House 2 min read

Penetrating damp

We’ve put a few photos here of different types of penetrating damp. Dont forget it can come from all sorts of places – but common causes include:

Ground levels outside are too high – above the top of the floors internally

Penetrating Damp examples…

Have a look at these – all common causes of penetrating damp which are nearly always interpreted as rising damp so some fraudulent chemical salesman can flog you injection damp proofing or tanking.. All you need to do is fix the relevant problem!

Click the Photo to see a gallery of examples..

Defective rainwater downpipe causing penetrating damp
Penetrating damp caused by leaky gutters and damaged leadwork in valley
Penetrating damp caused by failed leadwork in a valley - this looked fine at first glance..
Typical cause of penetrating damp from a defective rainwater pipe
Vegetation causing penetrating damp
Cracking in lead lining to a valley causing penetrating damp

Rainwater goods discharging against the wall

Water being drawn through soft and porous stone that appears internally

Cracks or holes in mortar joints

Penetrating damp in Edinburgh

This is a classic example of how penetrating damp can be caused. A stone arched gateway butted up to the house wall, and was not properly flashed to keep water off the join. It ran down the wall, and was trapped in the structure of the gateway – with nowhere else to go, it emerged inside the house, soaking the hallway wall.

Penetrating damp caused by gateway
Penetrating damp caused by gateway
Detail of penetrating damp
Penetrating damp internally

Always research the subject thoroughly.

Check out local companies that claim to be experts in damp issues. Check their ‘qualifications’. Find out where they live, where they operate from. Would YOU trust these people? Ask them to explain the various sources of dampness in an old house – ask them how they can tell the difference between rising damp and other sources of water. Can they actually tell you how ‘rising damp’ is supposed to work – I can’t !