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ABSTRACT Mortar samples were obtained from a variety of dwellings in the UK with the majority from houses with rising damp. This paper aims to evaluate the mortar attributes and [...]

ABSTRACT This paper briefly reviews the rising damp phenomenon with a discussion of the controlling mechanisms and contributing factors such as capillary effect, water absorption, evaporation and salt formation. It [...]

The purpose of this study was to measure the long-term moisture build-up in the walls of a house which had been retrofitted with Internal Wall Insulation. This was done by embedding moisture sensors in the walls and then monitoring values over an eight-year period. The results showed that the wall moisture of embedded wood piece sensors had increased to a value of 18–20 % over 8 years. In a comparable wall, which had been treated with water repellent brick cream, the build-up of moisture was significantly reduced to 9–10 % over the same period. This wall was examined after the 8-year period and no visible mould was evident.

The author argues on why specifiers should not be stopped from external wall insulation (EWI) installation to properties even though it increase the potential problem to rising damp because they can be remedied with replastering systems and damp proof course (DPC).