Damp problems
Rising damp diagnosis and treatment
Survey-led rising damp diagnosis, DPC treatment and salt-contaminated plaster reinstatement across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.
Why diagnosis matters
Treat the cause, then repair the damage
Low-level staining, peeling finishes and salt deposits can be associated with rising damp, but similar symptoms may have other causes. We inspect the building before recommending a damp-proof course or removing plaster.
Complimentary survey
Book Your Complimentary Survey
Over 35 years of independent expertise. Written findings included. No sales pressure. No obligation.
Book your complimentary surveyTechnical review
Dan, Director / Surveyor
Last reviewed: July 2026. Advice is general until the property, access and visible evidence have been assessed.
Guarantee & aftercare
Written guarantee terms are matched to qualifying work, with inclusions, exclusions and aftercare explained before acceptance.
What we consider
Possible causes and lookalikes
A missing or defective damp-proof course
Raised ground levels or bridged cavities
Plaster or screed bridging an existing DPC
Leaks, condensation and penetrating damp that mimic rising damp
Inspection method
A clear work sequence
Step 1
Inspect internal and external context
Step 2
Take moisture readings in context
Step 3
Identify bridging and alternative causes
Step 4
Specify DPC work and reinstatement only where suitable
Scope boundaries
Honest about what the work does—and does not—cover
Chemical injection is not a universal cure. Plumbing, roofing, drainage or structural defects may require a competent partner. Decoration is excluded until the wall has dried sufficiently.
Complimentary specialist survey
Your Complimentary Specialist Survey
Backed by over 35 years of independent damp and timber expertise.
We believe in diagnosis before treatment. That's why we offer every homeowner and property manager in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire a complimentary specialist survey — carried out by an experienced specialist, not a salesperson.
Over 400 combined reviews across Google and Checkatrade. Over 35 years protecting Dorset homes.
Common questions
About rising damp diagnosis and treatment
Is every low-level damp patch rising damp?+
No. Condensation, plumbing leaks, bridged cavities and penetrating moisture can create similar symptoms. Diagnosis should consider the pattern, construction and surrounding defects.
Does contaminated plaster need to be removed?+
Where hygroscopic salts have contaminated finishes, removal and a suitable reinstatement specification may be necessary. The extent depends on the findings and wall construction.
How soon can I decorate?+
Drying time varies with wall thickness, moisture load, ventilation and treatment. We provide project-specific aftercare rather than a fixed promise.
Is the specialist survey really free?+
Yes — completely. We offer every homeowner and property manager across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire a complimentary specialist survey at no charge. This includes an on-site inspection, written findings, a clear scope of any recommended work, and an honest referral if the problem falls outside what we do. You pay nothing for the survey. You only pay if you commission the remedial work, and you are under no obligation to do so. The reason we do this is straightforward: we believe in diagnosing the problem before recommending a treatment. A proper inspection takes time, and we'd rather invest that time up front than quote a solution before we've understood the cause.
Not sure if this is your problem?
That's exactly what the survey is for. Book your complimentary specialist survey and one of our experienced team will identify the cause on-site, consider the alternatives, and give you written findings — at no charge and with no obligation.
Related services
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Recent work
Photographed on our own projects
A selection of real jobs from this service, photographed on site across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.
Reviewed by local homeowners
Trusted across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire
Independent feedback from customers on Google and Checkatrade — alongside over 35 years of damp proofing and plastering experience.
Next step
Claim your complimentary survey before choosing a treatment
Tell us what you can see, when it changes and where the property is. Photographs can help us triage the next step.