Damp Proofing Services and Surveys in the East Midlands and Leicester

If you're looking for expert damp proofing services in Leicester, JTC Structural Repair have got you covered. Our services cover rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation damp. Get in touch today or submit an enquiry to see how we can help.

Why do properties get damp?

Houses can get damp for multiple different reasons, ranging from design defects (such as lack of damp proofing membrane installation), materials failure (failed flashings and defective seals on windows) and poor maintenance (such as not enough ventilation provided in high humidity areas)

What kinds of damp affect your property?

Rising damp appearing over skirting boards

Rising damp

Rising damp is a common moisture problem in buildings, where groundwater travels upward through porous materials like brick, stone, or mortar via capillary action. This usually (but is not limited to) occurs when a property lacks or has a faulty damp-proof course (DPC): a horizontal barrier designed to prevent moisture from rising through walls.

Key Signs of Rising Damp

Tide marks (yellowish-brown stains) on walls, usually up to 1 metre high.
Damp or musty smells, especially in basements or ground-floor rooms.
Peeling wallpaper or paint, crumbling plaster, or salt deposits on surfaces.
Rotting skirting boards or timber flooring due to prolonged moisture exposure

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp occurs when water enters a building from the outside, seeping through walls, roofs, or windows due to defects in the structure. Unlike rising damp, which moves upward from the ground, penetrating damp can appear at any level—often after heavy rain, storms, or prolonged exposure to moisture.

Common Signs of Penetrating Damp

Localised damp patches on walls or ceilings, which may darken after rain.
Mould growth in affected areas, often with a musty smell.
Water stains or tidemarks on internal surfaces.
Deteriorating plaster, paint, or wallpaper in specific spots.
Rotting timber (e.g., window frames, roof beams) due to prolonged water exposure.

Condensation damp

Condensation damp is the most common type of damp in homes, caused by excess moisture in the air settling on cold surfaces like walls, windows, and ceilings. It occurs when warm, humid air meets a cooler surface, leading to water droplets forming, similar to how a cold drink glass "sweats" on a hot day.

This issue is often worse in winter, as heating increases indoor humidity while external temperatures drop, making surfaces colder.

How to Recognise Condensation Damp

Water droplets on windows or walls, especially in the morning.
Mold growth, typically black or green, on walls, ceilings, or window frames.
Peeling wallpaper or blistering paint due to trapped moisture.
Musty smells in rooms, particularly in poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or bedrooms.
Damp patches on walls or ceilings, often in corners or near windows.

Condensation damp is usually seasonal and worsens in colder months. If left untreated, it can damage plaster, paint, and even cause health issues like allergies or respiratory problems.

Get in touch with JTC Structural Repairs

Have any of the above issues, or something we haven't quite covered? get in touch- we can help. Submit an enquiry below with photos or send via our Whatsapp line and we'll get in touch. We will likely need to inspect the property and carry out a survey- after which we will be able to advise you on expected costs for remediation and a full scope of works.