Property Care Association rising damp advice

The Property Care Association advises investigations into dampness should be undertaken by a trained surveyor with a CSRT qualification.

The Property Care Association (PCA) is a member of Trustmark; the Government backed scheme to find trusted tradespeople.

It has been in existence for almost 80 years, formerly as the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association (BWPDA) and during this time much academic research and practical application has been carried out into the subject of rising damp.

Rising Damp is water from the ground entering a structure by capillary action.

Water that enters or affects a building through any other route can move about in various ways but is not rising damp.

The PCA believes rising damp is often misdiagnosed, and recommends that the surveyor who undertakes investigations has been awarded the Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatment (CSRT) qualification.

Common signs of rising damp are...

- Decayed skirting boards.

- Crumbling or salt stained plaster.

- Discolouration and staining.

- Decayed timber floors.

- Peeling paint and wallpaper.

These are not always evident but when they are a specialist inspection is recommended.

Most types of masonry used in the walls of buildings will allow some water movement by capillary action; however, this is usually controlled by a physical barrier or damp proof course.

If this physical barrier is absent, has broken down or is damaged then it is often possible to install a remedial DPC to control water rising from the ground.

Water rising from the ground often introduces contaminating salts into the walls and plaster coats.

This contamination will often result in a need for the plaster to be removed and replaced using specially formulated salt resistant plasters.

The PCA has recently introduced a new CPD 'The Treatment of Rising Damp and Preservation of Timber' outlining the strengths and limitations of damp diagnostic procedures, introduces the latest materials used for the treatment of rising dampness in buildings, and also gives details of modern methods used for damp cellar and basement conversion.

A brief history of timber preservation and the latest treatment formulations, together with the control of dry rot/fungal decay in accordance with BRE Digests are also covered.

The trade body - which represents the UK's structural waterproofing, wood preservation, damp-proofing, flood remediation and structural repair sectors - is noted for its training and technical expertise.

PCA training is a key role of the trade body and underpins its reputation as a major educational provider.

The Association already has a well-established training programme that has operated for decades.

Members of the PCA have the skills and experience needed to diagnose, report on and repair buildings affected by rising damp.

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