Penetrating Damp Treatment in Essex
Expert diagnosis and repair of penetrating damp. We identify the source of water ingress and provide lasting repairs to protect your property.
What is Penetrating Damp?
Penetrating damp occurs when water enters your property horizontally through the external walls, roof, or around windows and doors. Unlike rising damp which travels upward from the ground, penetrating damp can appear at any height and is usually linked to defects in the building fabric.
The key characteristic of penetrating damp is that it typically worsens during or after rainfall, and the location of internal damp often corresponds to visible defects on the exterior of the building.
Common Causes
- Damaged or deteriorated pointing between bricks
- Cracked or blown render
- Blocked or damaged gutters and downpipes
- Missing or damaged roof tiles
- Defective flashing around chimneys or roof junctions
- Failed window or door seals
- Porous brickwork (especially in exposed locations)
Penetrating damp enters horizontally through building defects
Our Treatment Process
Survey
Thorough inspection to identify the source of water ingress
Diagnose
Detailed report explaining the cause and recommended repairs
Repair
Professional repairs to eliminate the water entry point
Restore
Internal repairs and redecoration as needed
Treatment Options
Repointing
Removing damaged mortar and replacing with new, weather-resistant pointing to seal gaps between bricks.
From £40-£60 per m²
Render Repairs
Patching or replacing damaged render to restore the protective layer on external walls.
From £50-£80 per m²
Waterproofing
Applying specialist waterproofing treatments to porous masonry to prevent water penetration.
From £20-£35 per m²
Penetrating Damp FAQs
What causes penetrating damp?
Penetrating damp is caused by water entering through the external fabric of the building. Common causes include: damaged or missing pointing, cracked render, faulty gutters and downpipes, damaged roof tiles or flashing, porous brickwork, and defective window seals.
How do I know if I have penetrating damp?
Penetrating damp typically appears as damp patches that get worse during or after rain. Unlike rising damp, it can appear at any height on walls and doesn't have a tide mark. The damp patches often correspond to defects on the exterior of the building.
How much does penetrating damp treatment cost?
Costs depend on the cause and extent of the problem. Minor repairs like repointing might cost £300-£800, while more extensive work involving render repairs or waterproofing typically costs £800-£2,500. We provide detailed quotes after survey.
Can penetrating damp cause structural damage?
Yes, if left untreated, penetrating damp can cause timber decay, damage to plaster and decorations, and in severe cases can affect the structural integrity of walls. Early treatment prevents costly repairs later.
Water Coming Through Your Walls?
Don't let penetrating damp damage your property. Book a free survey and we'll identify the source and fix it.
Available 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm | 24/7 Emergency Service