Damp Problems
Damp Problems
Understanding Damp Problems
Damp is a common issue that can affect any type of property, leading to structural damage, health risks, and an unpleasant living environment. At Cannon Clarke, we specialise in identifying and treating all types of damp to ensure your property remains dry and healthy.
Types of Damp
There are three main types of damp that can affect a property:
- Rising Damp
Rising damp occurs when moisture from the ground rises through the walls of a building by capillary action. This type of damp is often identified by a “tide mark” on walls, typically up to 1 metre above floor level. Common signs include:
- Damp Patches on Walls: Moisture marks or stains on the lower parts of walls.
- Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Dampness can cause paint to bubble and wallpaper to peel away.
- Salt Deposits: White, powdery deposits on walls, known as efflorescence.
2.Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp occurs when water enters a property from the outside due to defects in the building’s exterior, such as damaged brickwork, faulty gutters, or cracked render. Unlike rising damp, penetrating damp can affect any part of a building. Common signs include:
- Damp Patches on Walls: Moisture marks or stains on walls, often worsening during or after rain.
- Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Dampness can cause paint to bubble and wallpaper to peel away.
- Black Mould: Mould growth on walls, ceilings, or around windows.
3.Condensation
Condensation is the most common type of damp and occurs when warm, moist air meets a cooler surface, such as walls, windows, or ceilings, causing water droplets to form.
Common signs include:
- Water Droplets on Windows: Visible moisture on the inside of windows, especially in the morning.
- Damp Patches on Walls: Moisture marks or stains on walls, often in corners or behind furniture.
- Black Mould: Mould growth on walls, ceilings, or around windows.
Causes of Damp
Damp can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Poor Ventilation: The lack of adequate airflow to remove moist air.
- High Humidity Levels: Activities such as cooking, showering, and drying clothes indoors can increase humidity.
- Structural Defects: Cracks in walls, damaged brickwork, and faulty gutters can allow water to penetrate the building.
- Failed or Breached Damp Proof Course (DPC): A DPC is a barrier designed to prevent moisture from rising through the walls. If it is breached, fails or is missing, rising damp can occur.
Why Address Damp?
Ignoring damp issues can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Structural Damage: Prolonged exposure to moisture can weaken the structure of your property including the corrosion of wall ties.
- Fungal Decay: Dampness in buildings is a leading cause of fungal decay in properties.
- Health Risks: Damp environments can promote the growth of mould and fungal spores, which can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.
- Aesthetic Damage: Damp can cause unsightly stains, peeling paint, and damaged wallpaper.
Our Damp Solutions
At Cannon Clarke, we offer a range of damp proofing solutions to effectively treat and prevent damp:
- Damp Proof Course Injection: We inject a chemical damp proof course into the walls to create a new barrier against moisture.
- Waterproof Membranes: We install waterproof membranes to the internal walls, providing an additional layer of protection.
- External Waterproofing: We apply waterproof coatings to the external walls, creating a first line of defence against moisture.
- Ventilation Improvements: We install high-performance extraction units and PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) units to improve airflow and reduce humidity levels before they result in condensation and unsightly black mould.
Contact Us
If you suspect damp in your property, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact Cannon Clarke today for a survey and quote. Call us at 0800 197 4488 or fill out our online contact form.
Trusted Across Bath, Bristol & the South West
Cannon Clarke delivers domestic and commercial structural waterproofing across:
- Bath — heritage properties, basement conversions, retaining walls
- Bristol — modern developments, commercial units, residential refurbishments
- Somerset & Wiltshire — rural properties, cellars, below‑ground extensions
Trusted by:
- Surveyors
- Insurers
- Property managers
- Homeowners across the South West
Our reputation is built on technical accuracy, reliability and long‑term results.
Case Study Snapshots
Bath — Basement Conversion
Installed a full cavity drainage system with sump and pump, resolving long‑term damp issues and enabling a habitable living space.
Bristol — Commercial Unit
Applied cementitious waterproofing to retaining walls experiencing hydrostatic pressure, preventing water ingress during peak rainfall.
Somerset — Heritage Property
Designed a non‑intrusive waterproofing solution compatible with historic masonry and conservation requirements.
Compliance & Standards
Our waterproofing systems meet:
- BS 8102:2022 — Code of practice for protection of below‑ground structures where applicable
- Manufacturer installation standards
- Insurance‑backed guarantee requirements
All work is carried out by our employed trained specialists with extensive experience in below‑ground protection.
FAQs
What causes basement leaks?
Basement leaks are typically caused by hydrostatic pressure, poor drainage, failed membranes or structural cracks.
Do you follow BS 8102?
Yes. Where Applicable all waterproofing systems are designed and installed in accordance with BS 8102:2022.
Can waterproofing be added to existing basements?
Absolutely. We regularly retrofit waterproofing systems to older properties and heritage buildings.
How long does installation take?
Most projects take between 5–10 days depending on size and complexity. (larger projects will take longer.
Do you offer guarantees?
Yes. We provide manufacturer-backed and insurance-backed guarantees where applicable.
More information?
For reliable structural waterproofing, call Cannon Clarke or book a professional survey. We’ll assess your property, explain your options and provide a clear, compliant plan.
Our Process
Survey
We start by conducting a thorough survey of the space you want inspected. There's usually a fee for our initial consultation.
01
Scoping discussion
We collaborate with you to marry your objectives with our findings from the survey. We’ll discuss how you want to use the space when it’s finished and the best way of achieving your vision.
02
Design
Once we have the physical specifications, and your input on your requirements, we’ll design a system that works for you.
03
Approval
We’ll send you a specification, together with a report which explains the technical aspects. We’re happy to chat through this with you and make any changes you’ve identified.
04
Work begins
With an approved plan in place, we’ll get to work on the date we’ve agreed between us.
05