For many households across Manchester, from the red-brick terraces of Levenshulme to the 1930s semis in Chorlton, rising damp is one of those problems that creeps in slowly and overstays its welcome. What starts as a patch of flaking paint or a musty corner smell can gradually turn into warped skirting boards, salt-stained walls, and rooms that feel colder no matter how high the heating’s turned up. It’s a common issue in older Manchester properties, and one we’ve seen (and fixed) countless times.
In this case study, we’ll walk you through a recent project carried out by our damp proofing specialists in a 1930s semi-detached house in south Manchester. The property had been showing signs of rising damp for several years, and the owners had tried a few temporary fixes without success.
Here’s how our team diagnosed the problem, carried out a full rising damp treatment, and restored the home to a clean, dry condition.
The Problem: Rising Damp in a Family Home
The homeowners reached out to us after noticing the following symptoms:
- Peeling paint and wallpaper along the bottom metre of interior walls
- A damp, earthy smell that worsened after rainfall
- Flaky, salt-stained plaster that returned even after repainting
- Timber decay near skirting and floorboards
They’d previously had contractors apply surface treatments, but the issue kept returning, suggesting moisture was rising from the ground itself.
Our Diagnosis: Rising Damp Confirmed!
Our Damp Surveys Manchester team visited the property and conducted a full internal and external inspection. Using moisture meters and salt analysis, we identified high readings up to 1 metre above ground level, consistent with classic rising damp caused by capillary action.
The property had no effective damp-proof course (DPC), and the external ground levels were slightly above the internal floor in places, worsening the moisture ingress. A chemical DPC installation and internal replastering were deemed necessary to resolve the issue long-term.
Our Solution: Rising Damp Proofing, Step by Step
As an experienced rising damp specialist, we followed a comprehensive process:
- Preparation: We stripped all damp-affected plaster back to brickwork to a height of 1.2 metres and removed decayed timber skirting. Floor protection was laid, and furniture was moved to a dry area.
- Chemical DPC Injection: We drilled precise injection holes along the mortar course and installed a silane/siloxane-based cream, a proven method for rising damp proofing that creates a long-lasting moisture barrier.
- Salt-Resistant Replastering: After drying time, we applied a salt-inhibiting render base, followed by a breathable finish coat to allow trapped moisture to escape while preventing future staining.
- Finishing: Once the plaster cured (approx. 10 days), the walls were painted with a breathable emulsion, and new skirting boards were fitted using moisture-resistant materials.
- Ongoing Advice: We advised the clients on ventilation improvements and external ground-level adjustments to support long-term dryness.
Before and After
Before: Damp-stained walls, crumbling plaster, persistent musty smell.
After: Dry, freshly finished surfaces with improved air quality and a warmer feel throughout the ground floor.
This project was completed in just under 6 working days, with follow-up checks at 3 and 6 months. As a trusted rising damp company, we also provided a 20-year guarantee on the damp course installation.
Why Is This So Common in Manchester?
Manchester’s older housing stock, especially properties built before 1950, often lacks a functioning damp-proof course. Combine that with high rainfall and dense clay soil, and you get perfect conditions for ground moisture to rise into walls.
As a damp proofer in Manchester, we’ve seen this across areas like Levenshulme, Chorlton, Prestwich, and Longsight. Rising damp isn’t a reflection of bad upkeep; it’s simply the result of time and moisture pressure. But with the right expertise, it can be permanently resolved.
What the Homeowner Said:
“We were honestly at our wits’ end trying to keep the damp away. The team explained everything clearly and did a really professional job. The house feels warmer and cleaner now; it’s a big relief.”
– James L., South Manchester
Don’t Let Rising Damp Ruin Your Manchester Home
Rising damp doesn’t resolve itself, and quick fixes like repainting or sealants won’t get to the root of the issue. If you’re noticing tide marks, salt stains, or musty smells, it may be time to bring in a professional.
At Damp 2 Dry Solutions, we’re proud to be a trusted name in Damp Proofing Manchester residents rely on. As a certified member of the Damp Proofing Association, we work to the highest standards of safety, effectiveness, and long-term reliability.
We offer comprehensive damp surveys, expert rising damp diagnosis, and guaranteed treatment plans backed by decades of combined experience.
Need a quote or just want an honest opinion?
Book a no-obligation inspection with one of our specialists, and let’s help you fix rising damp properly and permanently.