Rising damp is a natural physical phenomenon caused by ground moisture rising up with a permeable wall by capillary action.
Water molecules have been shown to form dipoles (like magnets) that orient themselves to travel upward through the pores in walls.
A bit of science to understand the process of rising damp?
The water flowing in fault lines under a building create, through friction, an electric charge of between 50 and 500 millivolts. This capillary tension draws water up from the ground (+) into the walls (−).
Rising damp is characterized by the presence of mineral salts in the walls, such as nitrates (derived from animal wastes), and sulfates (from rock).
Damp is detectable or even commonly visible as:
First worldwide! With the different I.P.E® Pro+ models you can monitor and record the evolution of the moisture content in the wall via the “Rising damp” App available on Google Play and Apple Store
Monitoring and recording of the relative humidity rate from the wall where the I.P.E® Pro+ is installed. The instant reading is done through the “Rising damp” mobile App.
Bluetooth connection range between the I.P.E® Pro+ and the mobile phone up to 10 metres.
Selection of the I.P.E® Pro+ model is determined by the surface area (in m2) which needs to be treated.
Damp brings with it all sorts of damage to dwellings: mould, fungus, salt blooms, saltpeter, wood rot, unpleasant smells, etc. Damp eventually causes permanent harm to both the inside and outside walls of your building.
The damage caused by rising damp to walls will eventually require the owner to carry out painting, plastering, and/or wall papering work.
Acting in good time allows significant savings to be made.
Ambient humidity increases energy consumption and means higher heating costs. Humidity in the air absorbs heat and so more heating must be provided to offset this loss.
A damp house can consume up to 25% more energy than a dry house. Its market value soon falls and selling it becomes more complicated.
In both children and adults, damp conditions can foster chronic illnesses and can cause various health disorders: Allergies to mould and mites, Respiratory illnesses, such as rhinitis, asthma, or bronchitis, Joint problems, such as rheumatism and arthritis.