Preventing Rising Damp

Good housekeeping is fundamental in preventing and minimising damp:

• ensure all plaster cracks are repaired
• waterproof window sills and parapet walls
• ensure that paint work is maintained
• ensure that all roof leaks are attended to
• ensure gutters and downpipes are working
• ensure rainwater is carried well away from base of walls
• ensure site is well drained — no ponding against walls
• minimise splash from hard pavements into walls
• maintain about 200 mm between DPCs and ground level
• check for and fix any plumbing leaks, including sewers
• check for fungal rot, borers and termites in damp floor timbers
• ensure adequate (but not too much) underfloor ventilation