Penetrating Damp Treatment Cost

Damp is a problem that affects many homes and causes untold amounts of anxiety for homeowners who believe that resolving the issue will be complex, messy, and expensive.

Fortunately, many cases of dampness can be remedied with simple and low-cost fixes if your tradesperson knows what they're looking for.

How Much Does Penetrating Damp Treatment Cost?

If you need more extensive work done, such as addressing rising damp, you will want to know the costs involved. Our guide will show you how much a penetrating damp specialist should cost so you can get started on your project.

Several factors determine the cost of damp proofing. These include the affected area and the solution. For example, the cost treating penetrating damp on interior walls may be low, but resolving the route cause may be costly.

Penetrating Damp Internal Wall Treatment

The cost of replastering a decoration after finishing the procedure accounts for a large portion of the total cost. Costs vary significantly between areas and suppliers, but a rough average is around £70 per metre of the treated wall or around £280 per wall.

The costs could easily reach several thousand pounds if you need to treat every wall. After the treatment is completed, it may be less expensive to have the plastering or decorating done individually.

External Wall Damp Proofing Costs

If the ground level is higher than the DPC level in the wall, the DPC becomes ineffective, or water can leach directly into the walls, causing dampness. To make sure that this issue does not reoccur, have the ground outside lowered by digging out the soil and then covering it over, for example, with concrete slabs or gravel.

Excavating the soil around a small house and laying gravel on top may only cost £400 to £500. However, a concrete path can cost up to £2,000 for a smaller home and twice that for a larger home.

Other Damp Proofing Expenses to Think About

As previously stated, it is critical to diagnose the problem accurately when dealing with dampness. When it comes to a severe damp problem, it is always worth speaking to multiple tradespeople, getting quotes, and seeking multiple opinions before beginning an expensive treatment for rising damp.

You can also consult with an independent surveyor to try to diagnose the problem before approaching tradespeople for quotes via a penetrating damp survey. The damp-proofing industry has a bad reputation for companies trying to sell unnecessary invasive and expensive treatments, so make sure any work is essential.

Penetrating Damp Treatment Prices

The table below shows the average penetrating damp treatment prices:

Supply Only Costs

Minor cases of penetrating dampness are often simple to identify and prevent yourself by using some simple DIY techniques.

Identifying the problem area is often as simple as mentioning where you are experiencing penetrating damp symptoms internally and then looking outside to see if there are any visible responsible for water ingress.

The severity of the building defect determines whether you can repair the problem yourself. In this section, we will go over the costs of supplies only, excluding labour.

Once the supplier of the damp has been identified, allow the area to dry completely, using a dehumidifier if necessary. Then, using the instructions on the packaging, treat the surface with a mould-removing treatment, which should cost between £6 and £11.

Once the surface is mould-free and dry, it can be painted with a damp seal (£13 - £35) or stain blocker paint (£10 - £13) to make sure that the staining does not bleed through the emulsion once finished. Touch up the same paint used somewhere else on the wall or ceiling once it has dried.

Dampproofing injection cream will cost approximately £5 - £7 per 100ml, and Anti-mould/moisture/damp protecting paint will cost approximately £25 per tub.

If you decide to hire a professional to do your work, they will always use specialised materials. These materials are typically included in the overall cost of the job.

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Additional Costs

Sometimes extra costs can appear and add to your overall cost. Therefore, we will go through the additional costs, so you know what to expect.

Plastering

The cost of plastering will be determined by the amount and difficulty of the work. A patch repair, for example, may cost between £70 and £130, whereas an over skim may cost between £150 and £200.

The overall plastering cost will also vary depending on room size, with a small room costing £400 to £700, a medium-sized room costing £800 to £1100, and a large room costing £1200 to £1500.

The cost may also vary depending on the plaster you select, as some homeowners may prefer a low-cost plaster while others prefer a long-lasting premium plaster.

If you would like further information, please refer to our guide on the costs of plastering an indoor wall.

Rendering a House

Rendering your home can cost between £2,000 and £8,000, depending on the size, difficulty, and methods used. A tiny bungalow, for example, will cost significantly less than a large, detached property.

Another important factor to consider is the type of rendering processes and equipment used, as these can significantly reduce or raise the total cost of the job.

The final process's quality is also essential, whether you save money by doing it yourself or hire a qualified tradesperson and pay a little more for a more skilled position. But, again, these are critical considerations that only you, as the homeowner, can make corrections.

If you would like further information, please refer to our guide on the costs of rendering a house.

Skirting Boards

You will almost certainly need to remove your current skirting board for any effective treatment. Some of it may be salvageable, but if damp has penetrated it, it may be rotten.

If this is the case, the skirting board must be replaced. The skirting board costs about £2 per metre. So it will cost around £250 to replace all the skirting boards in an average-sized room, including labour and supplies.

Decorating

When you have finished repairing the source of the damp, you will most likely be left with a freshly plastered room. This implies that you will have to redecorate.

If you hire a decorator, expect to pay around £300 for painting and £400 for wallpapering a room. You can save a lot of money by doing your own decorating.

If you would like further information, please refer to our guide on the costs of removing and hanging wallpaper.

Labour Costs and Timescales

A professional damp proofer will typically charge between £100 - £200 per day. The time it takes to complete the work will be determined by several factors, including the size of your home and the scope of the job. Depending on these factors, Damp proofing can take between 1 to 5 days.

Those living in London can also expect to pay higher labour costs than those in other parts of the UK. If you live in London, you can expect to pay around £30 - £70 more per day for labour.

The time it takes to complete the job will vary depending on the type of damp proofing and the size of your home. The damp-proof course itself is usually completed in a single day. After that, however, the contractor will need to replaster the house, which can take several days.

If a tanking slurry is required to repair the damp, it can take at least two days to complete because each coat must dry for at least 24 hours. If damp-proof paint is applied to your home's rooms, this can take 6 - 12 hours per room.

Sometimes, your home may need to be rendered to avoid dampness. Depending on the size of your home, this can take anywhere from 4 to 14 days to complete.

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Cost Factors of Penetrating Damp Treatment

Numerous factors influence the cost of treating dampness. Therefore, prices can vary so greatly. A lot depends on your specific situation.

Damp Severity

The longer the damp is left untreated, the more damage it will cause. If previous occupants ignored or captured signs of dampness, you may discover a significant amount of damage hidden beneath the surface. When you begin your investigation, you may discover a slew of issues.

If rising damp has been present in multiple locations for an extended period, the damage can be extensive and begin to affect the integrity of the building. However, if the damp is localised and discovered quickly, the effects can be overturned by simply drying out the affected area.

Treatment Type

The cause of your rising dampness will determine the type of treatment you eventually choose. Some problems are simple to resolve; they may only require moving some earth or removing some plaster or render.

Other treatments may necessitate the removal of a large amount of internal plaster and injecting a new DPC. The more labour-intensive and time-consuming treatments are significantly more expensive.

Size of the Treatment Area

The rising damp may be limited to a small area, depending on what caused it. For example, if an increased soil level is a culprit, it may only be against one section of a wall.

This indicates that the damage is minor and will be inexpensive to repair. On the other hand, in the case of a missing or damaged DPC, you're looking at problems along each external wall, which will multiply the total cost of the job.

Replacing Rotten Wood

If the damp has penetrated your home's timbers, you will be required to pay for the materials required to replace the rotten wood and carpentry skills. These costs can quickly escalate. The higher the damp proofing price, the more wood that has been affected.

What's Involved in Penetrating Damp Treatment?

The process of moisture building up straight down through the external walls of a building into the property is known as penetrating damp.

Penetrating damp, frequently misdiagnosed as rising damp, can lead to more severe problems such as wood rot, rising temperatures loss, frost damage to masonry, and unsightly water damage on both the exterior and inside of a property.

Penetrating damp can affect any property; however, old properties with little or no property maintenance are more vulnerable to water penetration.

Modern properties could also suffer from penetrating moisture if the design and quality of the property are flawed, resulting in dampness in walls. This section will review what is involved in penetrating damp treatment.

The best way to resolve the penetrating damp problem is to identify the source.

Because penetrating damp can be affected by a variety of defects, we've listed some of the most likely causes and suggested solutions below:

• Obstructed or damaged guttering and downpipes are frequently the source of penetrating damp issues. Simply repair or clear out the gutters and downspouts.
• Windows that are dilapidated or damaged - check the windowsills to ensure that the drip grooves are not clogged, as these can become clogged with dirt and moss. If they are found to be clogged, thoroughly clean them. If your windows are noticeably worn or damaged or you notice penetrating damp around windows, they must be replaced.
• Roof Damage - Replace missing or cracked tiles if you have expert knowledge and competency. If the chimney flashing is loose, it must be refitted or replaced
• Cracked Render - If the render is damaged, water will penetrate; small cracks should be patched with new render or sealant if possible.
• Porous bricks - Bricks will eventually become damaged, and if they have become porous and allow water ingress, they must be removed and replaced, or a solution to help waterproof the brickwork, such as our unique Drywall waterproofing brickwork treatment, must be applied.

Fix the internal issues to stop penetrating damp. Once the cause of the penetrating damp has been eliminated, you can proceed to the internal damage.

Internal damage may be limited to the plasterwork in minor cases. If that's the case, all you must do is replace the plaster with damp-resistant plaster.

It is common for more than just the plaster to be replaced. Keep an eye out for wet and dry rot issues that could be causing damage to the timbers, especially if you've been dealing with penetrating damp for a while.

Can I Do a Penetrating Damp Treatment Myself?

There are ways to solve the problem on your own, as well as some DIY tips to help prevent penetrating damp from causing damage to your property. The key to resolving the penetrating damp problem is locating the problem's source.

Property owners frequently make the mistake of attempting to self-diagnose and treat damp problems. Unfortunately, this frequently leads to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment, which costs a lot of money to fix the problem and causes further damage to the building.

In addition, the property may be affected by more than one damp issue, in which case the appropriate treatment will be required to eliminate all the damp issues.

A qualified damp surveyor will be able to diagnose and treat the problem from a range of solutions we offer to suit the needs of your specific property care problem.

It is critical to have a specialist conduct a damp survey on your property to rule out any penetrating damp issues. The Property Care Association has fully qualified Timber-wise surveyors.

In addition, our surveyors are CRST (Certified Surveyor in Remedial Treatment) qualified, which means they have received extensive training in providing solutions to all types of damp issues affecting your property.

The surveyor will provide a report on all damp problems discovered during the survey after the damp inspection is completed. This will explain the causes of the problem as well as the treatments required to resolve the penetrating damp issue.

Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Penetrating Damp Treatment

Many people want to check on their damp proofing, so you're probably getting a lot of inquiries and requests for damp surveys and quotations. Because this aspect of home construction and maintenance is essential to a home's durability, health, and safety, so strict regulations must be followed when dampproofing a home.

A few centimetres of Damp Proof Course (DPC) or Damp-ProofDamp-Proof Membrane (DPM) can make a big difference. This section will review the building regulations and planning permission for penetrating damp treatment.

When constructing new buildings, DPC barriers are required to prevent rising damp, or in some cases, it can also help avoid penetrating damp or water ingress. Different regulations apply to walls and floors due to the different risks and causes of damp - rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation must all be avoided.

Regulations for Damp Proofing Walls:

• If the DPC is in an external wall, it must be at least 150mm just above the level of the adjoining ground.
• It must also be continuous (no gaps!) with any damp-proof membrane on the floor.

If the wall is an external cavity wall:

• The cavity should extend below the dampproof course by at least 225mm.
• Alternatively, a cavity tray with weep holes every 900mm should be provided so that water running down the cavity does not reach the inner leaf.

Generally, damp proofing work is permitted development. However, planning permission may be required if it is part of a larger project. Projects that typically necessitate planning permission include:

• Constructing a new basement.
• Converting an existing basement into a new use.
• Changing a property's exterior appearance.

Furthermore, if your home is listed or on designated land, such as a conservation area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or national park, any damp proofing work will require planning permission.

If you're unsure whether you should apply for planning permission, the best thing to do is contact your local authority. They will be able to advise you on how to follow the rules in your area.

Types of Penetrating Damp Treatment

Penetrating damp is a common damp problem encountered by property owners. If you are concerned that your property is damp and that a penetrating damp treatment solution is required, this page will provide the answers you seek.

You will better understand the causes of penetrating damp and the best treatments for it. External flaws in your home are likely to source penetrating dampness. Unfortunately, this can lead to internal issues within your home, including visible signs of dampness and fabric deterioration.

Rendering

A layer is applied to the outer walls when they are rendered. This solution can help you avoid or mitigate penetrating dampness. Less dirt is likely to become stuck on the wall, requiring less frequent cleaning of the facade. To render a house wall, it must be thoroughly cleaned.

This guarantees that the rendering agent adheres to the surface better. However, before you can begin rendering, you must first repair any cracks or fissures in the wall. Be cautious with this method; if your walls are damp, rendering them can trap water, causing a more significant problem later.

Pros

✔ Dirt is less likely to stick on the walls

Cons

✖ Must maintain it

Exterior Wall with Damp-ProofDamp-Proof Paint

There are now paints explicitly designed to protect the facade from dampness. Painting the outside walls can give your house a new look or a different colour.

This solution also requires that the wall be thoroughly cleaned ahead of time. The damp-resistant paint will then adhere better to the exterior wall. This solution is a preventative measure to keep dampness out of the walls, but it can trap dampness already in the walls.

Pros

✔ Good protection

Cons

✖ Can trap damp that is already in the walls

New Cladding for Your House

When the outer wall's condition has deteriorated significantly, and there is usually damp or damp penetrating through the house, you can always choose a new (and waterproof) wall cladding.

This is, of course, a more expensive solution, but it still has several advantages. First, your house will look brand new again, and you can immediately insulate the outside walls; however, you may encounter the previously existing issue of water in the walls- if the water is not removed, it can become a problem later.

Pros

✔ Your house will look brand new

Cons

✖ Expensive

SmartDry Bricks

If you want a long-term solution to penetrating dampness in your home, go with SmartDry and their patented DryBricks. These wall elements combine to form a long-lasting air circulation system that allows for natural ventilation in the home.

The DryBricks ensure that dampness is extracted from the house's walls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, thanks to natural air currents, and it does not rely on external energy sources.

In addition, this solution actively removes the water within the walls, so combining it with repairing the exterior wall or guttering will permanently resolve your damp issues.

Pros

✔ Long-term solution

Cons

✖ None

Freestanding

The most effective dampness solution may be to take measures to allow an old building to 'breathe.' This entails encouraging moisture to evaporate quickly and efficiently rather than attempting to keep it at bay.

It will almost always involve traditional methods and materials rather than their modern equivalents. Limewash is ideal for the job because it is more damp-tolerant and highly permeable. A soft distemper can be used in some cases, but it is not recommended for damp walls.

When redecorating typical solid walls, use vapour-permeable paints such as soft distemper. Impervious materials should ideally be removed, but this may not be possible without causing additional damage, so that a compromise may be required.

Pros

✔ Natural

Cons

✖ Expensive

Hiring Contractors for Penetrating Damp Treatment Checklist

Because the causes of dampness can be challenging to determine, you must be able to trust your contractor. Here are some things to think about when selecting a damp proofer.

• Look for a contractor with a lot of positive feedback or who is willing to put you in touch with previous customers. People who have been duped will not be afraid to speak up.
• Make sure you choose a contractor with whom you can easily communicate. Because many hidden issues can arise with this type of work, you should work with someone who will be honest with you about problems, solutions, and costs.
• Inquire about a guarantee. Any reputable damp proofer will be willing to provide a guarantee on their work.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.petercox.com/our-services/penetrating-damp/treatment/
https://www.diy.com/ideas-advice/dealing-with-damp/CC_npcart_400241.art
https://www.timberwise.co.uk/penetrating-damp/
https://www.woodensupplies.co.uk/blog/damp-proof-courses/
https://www.smartdry.co.uk/penetrating-damp/
https://www.spab.org.uk/sites/default/files/Control_of_Dampness_0.pdf