Rising damp is a problem across much of Australia, especially for homes with basements and first floors that directly interact with the earth. It can be a very costly problem to repair as well, which is why preventative care is so important. However, that is easier said than done, and if you do start to notice signs of rising damp then you must act quickly as many factors could make your rising damp even worse than first thought. Here is a brief look into why it is crucial to call for a rising damp inspection as soon as possible.

What Is Rising Damp?

Before you get too worried it is important to actually understand what rising damp actually is. Rising damp mostly occurs in buildings made out of bricks that have, as previously mentioned, a direct connection to the ground. In these cases, the bricks hollow interiors can suck moisture out of the ground and hold it, which will eventually show up on your wallpaper or your paint. The visible area of damp will slowly get higher, which is where the name comes from. If it is not treated, this rising damp can affect your paint or wallpaper or even start to grow mould. 

A Touch of Salt

When the water in the rising damp contains minerals, particularly salt, it becomes far more problematic because apart from just affecting the exterior paint and wallpaper it can now affect the structural integrity of the bricks in a much more serious way. When the rising damp recedes for a time, the salt remains, gets thicker and can cause the bricks to crack or slowly fall apart. As your bricks are likely foundational to the overall safety of your whole house, salt damp can cause homes to be condemned if it is not treated straight away. 

Salt Damp Inspection

As soon as you see any wet patches on your wall, even if you do not have brick materials in your home, you should call for a salt damp inspection. When caught early, professionals are very good at reducing the overall dangers associated with salt damp to the point where it becomes negligible. They can then help you prepare your home to ensure that it doesn't get affected by rising damp again. This is a chore that you really should never put off, as the risks can be great and there is little chance it will be fixed on its own. 

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