Many older Sydney homes were built with damp-proof courses that have broken down, been bridged by garden beds and paths, or were never installed. Moisture then rises through the masonry, carrying salts that crumble render and blister paint.
We diagnose and treat damp walls, distinguishing between rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation so the right treatment is applied.
Signs you need damp proofing
- Tide marks on internal walls up to about a metre high
- Crumbling or salt-crusted render and mortar
- Paint blistering or peeling at the base of walls
- Musty smell and mould at floor level
- Rotting skirting boards
- Garden beds or paths built up against external walls
Rising damp, penetrating damp or condensation?
Each has different causes and cures. Rising damp is moisture drawn up from the ground by capillary action. Penetrating damp enters through walls, roofs or windows from rain or leaks. Condensation forms when warm, moist air meets cold surfaces. Misdiagnosis wastes money, so we assess carefully before recommending a treatment.
Damp proofing treatments
- Chemical damp-proof course injection into mortar beds
- Removal of salt-contaminated render and re-rendering with salt-resistant mixes
- Lowering garden beds and paths that bridge the damp-proof course
- Improving subfloor ventilation
- Breathable paints and coatings that let masonry dry
Finishing the job
As painting specialists, we can complete the repair with breathable finishes and repaint the affected rooms — one team from diagnosis to final coat.
Our damp proofing process
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1
Diagnosis
We identify the type and extent of dampness and its cause.
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2
Remove damage
Salt-contaminated render and plaster is removed.
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3
Treat the cause
DPC injection, drainage or ventilation improvements.
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4
Allow drying
Walls are given time to dry out before refinishing.
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5
Re-render & paint
Salt-resistant render and breathable paint complete the job.
Why choose us for damp proofing
Accurate diagnosis of damp type
Chemical DPC injection
Salt-resistant render repairs
Ventilation and drainage advice
Breathable paint systems
One team from treatment to repaint
