rising damp
Creeping groundwater absorption
Rising damp is moisture that travels upward through masonry walls by capillary action, drawing groundwater into bricks and plaster.
It causes characteristic tide marks, peeling paint, and salt deposits near floor level.
The term is primarily British: The surveyor found evidence of rising damp in the Victorian terrace.
Prevention typically requires a damp-proof course—a barrier installed in the wall.
- seepageSlow fluid escape
- mildewFungus from dampness
- moldForm-giving container
- capillary actionFluid movement through narrow channels
- wetSaturated with liquid
ground floor · efflorescence · salt deposits · must · rot · Victorian terraces · water table · brickwork · spalling · saltpetre · brick dust · humidity · salt · moisture barriers · water damage · stain · plaster · repointing