Damp Proofing for UK Homes
Last updated November 2025
Damp is a common problem in UK homes and, if left untreated, can damage furnishings, timber, and even the air quality. Timberwise’s PCA-qualified surveyors can help identify whether it’s rising, penetrating or condensation-based damp, and provide long-term lasting solutions to stop it returning.
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Damp proofing is the set of methods used to prevent moisture moving through the fabric of a building into internal spaces. Because there are different types of damp, like rising damp (ground moisture moving up through masonry via capillary action when a DPC is missing, failed or bridged), penetrating damp (moisture entering the building through defects), and condensation (airborne moisture on cold surfaces), correct diagnosis by PCA-qualified specialists is essential before treatment.
Damp can make its way into a property through bridged or defective DPCs, high external ground levels, cracked pointing or gutters, blocked cavities, poor ventilation/intermittent heating, or inappropriate property alterations that trap moisture (like dense, non-breathable finishes on solid walls).
Many pre-1919 solid-wall homes relied on a breathable construction to tackle damp and condensation issues, with a lot of older housing stock in the UK not even featuring a damp proof course at all. This means that modern, non-breathable refurbishments can inadvertently hold moisture in older properties if not designed carefully.
A professional damp survey from the Timberwise team will see our surveyor assess your property for the signs of damp in your property before delivering a written report that will outline the steps that need to be taken to tackle the damp at its source, leaving you safe in the knowledge that your property is free of condensation and damp.
There are three different types of damp that can affect your property, each with different symptoms, signs, and treatments.
Rising Damp
Rising damp is moisture from the ground moving up via capillary action within masonry, normally when a damp proof course (DPC) is missing, failed or bridged.
You’ll often see tide marks and white salts up to about one metre above the ground, with the likes of wallpaper and plaster in the affected area becoming damaged over time.
Rising damp treatment typically involves removing bridging , repairing any damage to the properties walls, and installing a remedial DPC to prevent rising damp from returning.
Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp is any kind of moisture getting into the property via defects such as failed pointing, leaking gutters, blocked drains, exposed porous masonry.
It often presents itself as localised damp patches that get worse with the weather, becoming more noticeable when it’s wet or windy.
The remedy is to find and fix the source of the moisture. This might involve cleaning gutters, repointing, or even repairing broken sections of your property’s masonry. It can be difficult to determine the source of penetrating damp, but our surveyors have had extensive training in property care, and can provide you with a written report on exactly what is causing the damp in your property.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when warm, moisture-laden indoor air cools on colder surfaces (like windows, door frames, external walls, etc) and reaches its dew point, forming droplets and often black mould. It’s common after showers, cooking or drying clothes indoors, and on cold mornings.
Condensation is by far the most common cause of dampness in buildings, accounting for the majority of damp problems reported. Normally, condensation can be stopped by making simple changes to your daily activities.
Book Your Damp Survey
Contact our Customer Services team via the online form or call 0800 288 8660. Share any details about the damp problems in your property and, if you want, upload photos so we can understand the issuebefore we visit. We’ll arrange an appointment time that suits you.
A Full Damp Survey by a PCA-Qualified Surveyor
A PCA-qualified Timberwise surveyor will visit your home to confirm whether the issue is rising damp, penetrating damp or condensation, and identify the underlying cause.
They’ll profile moisture and salts, check the property for a DPC, assess the ground levels and features like pointing, gutters, and drains flashings for water ingress, then record relative humidity, review ventilation, and note any black mould growth.
We Deliver You Our Written Report
You’ll receive a written report explaining what’s causing any damp in your property, and the actions that need to be taken to put a full stop to the damp reappearing in the future.
Our team of technicians will be ready to make your home damp free if you want to act on the findings in our report. Just get in touch with our team, and we can book a time that suits you.
Damp is common in UK homes, but the right treatment depends on the cause. After one of our professional surveyors confirms the type of damp present in your property, we treat the source, not just the symptoms.
Below you can find a few of the ways in which we treat damp, but where appropriate, we will combine methods to give the best long term damp proofing results.
Damp Proof Course Installation
A damp proof course is a form of damp proofing treatment that is used to treat rising damp. There are different types of methods that can be used to repair a broken damp-proof course or the installation of a new one.
The most frequently used is the damp proof injection, which is the process of holes being drilled into the wall and a damp proofing cream is then inserted into the holes. This DPC injection is effective at treating rising damp problems.
Rising damp is often misdiagnosed by people who are not fully qualified, so it is always best to contact an experienced damp proofing company that is a member of the Property Care Association which could potentially save you expensive unnecessary treatment.
Damp Proof Membrane Installation
A damp proof membrane is a form of damp treatment that can stop damp coming up from the ground but also is also applied on the internal wall to stop dampness from getting through the inner walls of the property.
Once the water ingress has been treated the membrane creates a cavity that will allow for the evaporation of moisture behind the walls. The use of membranes is often as part of the cavity drain system which prevents water from penetrating through the walls of the basement. Find out more about damp proof membranes by looking at our how does a damp proof membrane work? page.
If you notice that your basement is showing signs of damp, then you might well need to look into basement waterproofing rather than damp proofing techniques.
The reason it is known as basement waterproofing, rather than damp proofing, is that different systems are utilised for below-ground areas compared to those used for damp treatment above ground. There are 3 types of waterproofing systems used and these are known as tanking, structural integral protection and drained protection (or cavity drainage membranes).
All types of waterproofing help keep the basement or cellar dry and provide protection from water ingress penetrating the basement.
Living with damp and condensation is stressful, so choosing the right specialist matters. Timberwise has helped UK homeowners since 1968, providing clear diagnosis and practical, long-term solutions nationwide.
Certified Damp & Timber Experts
Every surveyor and technician at Timberwise are put through the courses set by the Property Care Association, so not only are they qualified, but sure to give you the latest and best advice possible regarding condensation control in your home.
As well as being members of the Property Care Association, Timberwise are also accredited by the likes of Which? Trusted Traders and Checkatrade.
Long Term Guarantees on all Completed Damp Proofing Work
Timberwise provide a guarantee of 20 years on all completed damp proofing work, giving you the peace of mind that your property will stay damp free for a long time.
Timberwise: Trusted by Homeowners Across the UK
For over fifty years, Timberwise have inspected, restored and protected thousands of homes from rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation. As Which? Trusted Traders, PCA members and long-standing specialists in property care, you can rely on us for reliable diagnosis, effective remediation, and long-term satisfaction.
You can find your local Timberwise in one of the quick links below, or see our full list of locations to find a Timberwise close to you.
- Damp Proofing London
- Damp Proofing Manchester
- Damp Proofing Birmingham
- Damp Proofing Edinburgh
- Damp Proofing Bristol
- Damp Proofing Leeds
Just read some of our reviews below for some stories of Timberwise’s success in delivering effective condensation remediation and damp control.
The cost of damp proofing can vary depending on a number of factors:
- The size of the property
- The level of damaged caused by damp problems
- The location of where the damp is affecting the property (e.g. the basement compared to the bedroom)
- The type of damp problem
All these factors will be taken into consideration when a damp specialist is conducting a survey at the property. Spotting the signs of damp early on can reduce the cost of any work carried out.
All damp proofing treatments come with a long term guarantee of 20 years so you can be rest assured that all damp proof courses will be installed effectively. If in the unlikely event that there is the recurrence of dampness on the walls, then our damp proofing surveyors will be on hand to get rid of the problem at no extra charge.
You might want to check with a specialist to see if you have damp proofing already in place, but you may get an indication by checking the external wall of the property.
If you look at approximately 6 inches from the ground level you should see a plastic sheet or black line running horizontally across the brickwork, this is the physical damp proof course.
You can also check the age of your property to see if it was built before 1960, which is when modern damp proofing methods became standard in newly constructed properties.
If the dampness is a result of condensation, then in the majority of cases there are simple measures you can carry out by yourself to reduce the levels of condensation occurring in the property, for example, opening windows when cooking or bathing.
However, damp treatments such as damp proof membrane or a damp proof course will need to be installed by a fully qualified technician to carry out the works.
Damp proofing depends on the type of damp present in the property, but when it comes to rising damp a damp proof membrane is incredibly effective, as is a damp proofing injection.
Our team are capable of utilising both techniques, and will be able to identify which is appropriate for your property.
Yes, a dehumidifier can help with damp, specifically condensation based damp – but it won’t stop the condensation altogether.
A dehumidifier works by drawing moisture out of the air, so it can be useful in treating the symptoms of condensation, but it won’t stop the cause of the condensation altogether.Learn More about Condensation Control
If you would like to benefit from the experience and knowledge of our damp proofing experts, and make the most of your property, you can get in touch with our team by calling us on 0800 288 8660, or by filling in our online contact form to arrange a free basement waterproofing survey.
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Damp Proofing for UK Homes
Last updated September 2025
Damp is a common problem in UK homes and, if left untreated, can damage furnishings, timber, and even the air quality. Timberwise’s PCA-qualified surveyors can help identify whether it’s rising, penetrating or condensation based damp, and provide long-term lasting solutions to stop it returning.
What Is Damp Proofing?
Damp proofing is the set of methods used to prevent moisture moving through the fabric of a building into internal spaces. Because there are different types of damp, like rising damp (ground moisture moving up through masonry via capillary action when a DPC is missing, failed or bridged), penetrating damp (moisture entering the building through defects), and condensation (airborne moisture on cold surfaces)—correct diagnosis by PCA-qualified specialists is essential before treatment.
Damp can make its way into a property through bridged or defective DPCs, high external ground levels, cracked pointing or gutters, blocked cavities, poor ventilation/intermittent heating, or inappropriate property alterations that trap moisture (like dense, non-breathable finishes on solid walls).
Many pre-1919 solid-wall homes relied on a breathable construction to tackle damp and condensation issues, with a lot of older housing stock in the UK not even featuring a damp proof course at all. This means that modern, non-breathable refurbishments can inadvertently hold moisture in older properties if not designed carefully.
There are three different types of damp that can affect your property, each with different symptoms, signs, and treatments.
Rising Damp
Rising damp is moisture from the ground moving up via capillary action within masonry, normally when a damp proof course (DPC) is missing, failed or bridged.
You’ll often see tide marks and white salts up to about one metre above the ground, with the likes of wallpaper and plaster in the affected area becoming damaged over time.
Rising damp treatment typically involves removing bridging , repairing any damage to the properties walls, and installing a remedial DPC to prevent rising damp from returning.
Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp is any kind of moisture getting into the property via defects such as failed pointing, leaking gutters, blocked drains, exposed porous masonry.
It often presents itself as localised damp patches that get worse with the weather, becoming more noticeable when it’s wet or windy.
The remedy is to find and fix the source of the moisture. This might involve cleaning gutters, repointing, or even repairing broken sections of your property’s masonry. It can be difficult to determine the source of penetrating damp, but our surveyors have had extensive training in property care, and can provide you with a written report on exactly what is causing the damp in your property.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when warm, moisture-laden indoor air cools on colder surfaces (like windows, door frames, external walls, etc) and reaches its dew point, forming droplets and often black mould. It’s common after showers, cooking or drying clothes indoors, and on cold mornings.
Condensation is by far the most common cause of dampness in buildings, accounting for the majority of damp problems reported. Normally, condensation can be stopped by making simple changes to your daily activities.
If you notice any of the signs below, you likely have a damp problem that needs professional diagnosis:
Damp marks and patches, or white salts appearing up to 1 metre above the ground.
Peeling, blistering or flaking paint or plaster.
Persistent musty odours, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Black mould on cold corners, skirtings or around windows
Walls or floors that feel cold and damp to the touch
Because symptoms of rising, penetrating or condensation based damp can overlap and look very similar, its highly reccomended you book a survey with a PCA-qualified specialist to confirm the cause and specify the right treatment.
How Do The Timberwise Team Carry Out Damp Surveys?
How Do We Treat Damp?
Damp is common in UK homes, but the right treatment depends on the cause. After one of our professional surveyors confirms the type of damp present in your property, we treat the source, not just the symptoms.
Below you can find a few of the ways in which we treat damp, but where appropriate, we will combine methods to give the best long term damp proofing results.
Damp Proof Course Installation
A damp proof course is a form of damp proofing treatment that is used to treat rising damp. There are different types of methods that can be used to repair a broken damp-proof course or the installation of a new one.
The most frequently used is the damp proof injection, which is the process of holes being drilled into the wall and a damp proofing cream is then inserted into the holes. This DPC injection is effective at treating rising damp problems.
Rising damp is often misdiagnosed by people who are not fully qualified, so it is always best to contact an experienced damp proofing company that is a member of the Property Care Association which could potentially save you expensive unnecessary treatment.
Damp Proof Membrane Installation
A damp proof membrane is a form of damp treatment that can stop damp coming up from the ground but also is also applied on the internal wall to stop dampness from getting through the inner walls of the property.
Once the water ingress has been treated the membrane creates a cavity that will allow for the evaporation of moisture behind the walls. The use of membranes is often as part of the cavity drain system which prevents water from penetrating through the walls of the basement. Find out more about damp proof membranes by looking at our how does a damp proof membrane work? page.
If you notice that your basement is showing signs of damp, then you might well need to look into basement waterproofing rather than damp proofing techniques.
The reason it is known as basement waterproofing, rather than damp proofing, is that different systems are utilised for below-ground areas compared to those used for damp treatment above ground. There are 3 types of waterproofing systems used and these are known as tanking, structural integral protection and drained protection (or cavity drainage membranes).
All types of waterproofing help keep the basement or cellar dry and provide protection from water ingress penetrating the basement.
Why Choose Timberwise for Damp Proofing?
Living with damp and condensation is stressful, so choosing the right specialist matters. Timberwise has helped UK homeowners since 1968, providing clear diagnosis and practical, long-term solutions nationwide.
Certified Damp Proofing & Condensation Experts
Every surveyor and technician at Timberwise are put through the courses set by the Property Care Association, so not only are they qualified, but sure to give you the latest and best advice possible regarding condensation control in your home.
As well as being members of the Property Care Association, Timberwise are also accredited by the likes of Which? Trusted Traders and Checkatrade.
Long Term Guarantees on all Completed Damp Proofing Work
Timberwise provide a guarantee of 20 years on all completed damp proofing work, giving you the peace of mind that your property will stay damp free for a long time.
Timberwise: Trusted by Homeowners Across the UK
For over fifty years, Timberwise have inspected, restored and protected thousands of homes from rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation. As Which? Trusted Traders, PCA members and long-standing specialists in property care, you can rely on us for reliable diagnosis, effective remediation, and long-term satisfaction.
You can find your local Timberwise in one of the quick links below, or see our full list of locations to find a Timberwise close to you.
Just read some of our reviews below for some stories of Timberwise’s success in delivering effective condensation remediation and damp control.
The cost of damp proofing can vary depending on a number of factors:
- The size of the property
- The level of damaged caused by damp problems
- The location of where the damp is affecting the property (e.g. the basement compared to the bedroom)
- The type of damp problem
All these factors will be taken into consideration when a damp specialist is conducting a survey at the property. Spotting the signs of damp early on can reduce the cost of any work carried out.
All damp proofing treatments come with a long term guarantee of 20 years so you can be rest assured that all damp proof courses will be installed effectively. If in the unlikely event that there is the recurrence of dampness on the walls, then our damp proofing surveyors will be on hand to get rid of the problem at no extra charge.
You might want to check with a specialist to see if you have damp proofing already in place, but you may get an indication by checking the external wall of the property.
If you look at approximately 6 inches from the ground level you should see a plastic sheet or black line running horizontally across the brickwork, this is the physical damp proof course.
You can also check the age of your property to see if it was built before 1960, which is when modern damp proofing methods became standard in newly constructed properties.
If the dampness is a result of condensation, then in the majority of cases there are simple measures you can carry out by yourself to reduce the levels of condensation occurring in the property, for example, opening windows when cooking or bathing.
However, damp treatments such as damp proof membrane or a damp proof course will need to be installed by a fully qualified technician to carry out the works.
Damp proofing depends on the type of damp present in the property, but when it comes to rising damp a damp proof membrane is incredibly effective, as is a damp proofing injection.
Our team are capable of utilising both techniques, and will be able to identify which is appropriate for your property.
Yes, a dehumidifier can help with damp, specifically condensation based damp – but it won’t stop the condensation altogether.
A dehumidifier works by drawing moisture out of the air, so it can be useful in treating the symptoms of condensation, but it won’t stop the cause of the condensation altogether.Learn More about Condensation Control
