29/04/2026
Rising damp in South Africa.
Rising damp is when moisture from the ground rises up through the walls, causing damage to the plaster, paint, and structure of the building
Rising damp and salt damage to walls. Rising damp is a common issue in buildings, particularly in regions with high humidity or heavy rainfall, and especially older buildings, in South Africa.
It refers to the upward movement of moisture through a wall structure, typically through capillary action in the pores of bricks, mortar, or other building materials. Rising damp is when moisture from the ground rises up through the walls, causing damage to the plaster, paint, and structure of the building.
This phenomenon can cause significant damage to the structure of a building, including decay of timber, salt attack, and loss of structural integrity. It can also lead to unhealthy living conditions due to increased humidity and potential mould growth. The high rainfall in certain regions, coupled with often porous building materials, makes many South African buildings susceptible to rising damp.
Causes of Rising Damp.
The main cause of rising damp is the lack of or failure of a damp-proof course (DPC), which is a layer of material that prevents moisture from rising up the walls. A DPC can be made of bituminous felt, slate, metal, or plastic, and is usually made of a water-resistant material, which is built into the wall structure at about 150mm above ground level to prevent moisture from rising up the wall, usually installed at the base of the walls during construction. However, over time, the DPC damp-proof course can deteriorate, crack, or be bridged by debris, soil, or vegetation, allowing moisture to seep through.
Some of the signs of rising damp are:
A band of dampness or staining on the lower part of the wall, usually up to one meter high.
Peeling, bubbling, or flaking of paint or wallpaper.
Crumbling or blistering of plaster due to salt crystallization,
A musty or damp smell,
Rotting of wooden floorboards or skirting boards,
Mould or fungal growth on walls or floor.
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