Damp Proofer in London (26)

Damp proofing is a way to protect your home from unwanted moisture. Damp proofing involves using specialist equipment, materials and treatment to stop damp from spreading through walls, floors or ceilings.

Damp proofing aims to prevent water from entering your homes structure, which can lead to unwanted mould, damage and decay within your property.

There are different types of damp, all of which need its own treatment. The most common types of damp in the UK are:

• Rising damp
• Penetrating damp
• Condensation

Common damp proofing methods to treat these kinds of damp include:

• A damp proof course (DPC): A layer of waterproof material that's often injected into walls, blocking moisture from rising from the ground
• Damp proof membrane (DPM): A plastic sheet or coating that forms a barrier against moisture, used in walls, floors and basements.
• Tanking systems: Waterproof coatings applied to basement walls to keep water out
• Ventilation systems: For treating condensation by increasing airflow

Rising damp tends to show up as damp patches or "tide marks" about a metre from the floor.

Other signs include peeling paint or wallpaper, crumbling plaster, or rotting skirting boards.

A damp survey in London can confirm if it's rising damp or something else like condensation or penetrating damp.

Whether you are a homeowner, prospective buyer or contracted builder, investing in a damp survey has many benefits.

It is worth paying for a damp survey if damp issues have been flagged during a homebuyers survey. A damp surveyor can perform further inspections and get to the root cause of the issue.

A damp survey report will include the estimated cost of treating a property’s damp problem. With this information, prospective buyers may choose to adjust their offer or decide not to buy the property after all.

Damp surveys can also be helpful for existing homeowners. Hiring a surveyor is worthwhile if you don’t know what is causing the build up of damp in your home. The surveyor report will also offer advice on how to treat the issue.

We recommend getting in touch with a damp surveyor working in London to find out if their service is the right option for your needs.

DIY damp proofing kits are available, and ventilation fixes can help with light condensation. But for rising or penetrating damp, it's safer to call in a damp treatment specialist.

Poorly applied DIY treatments often lead to repeat problems and higher costs in the long run.

It's a good idea to find a checked damp proof company near you with the right tools, experience and insurance to get it done right.

Most damp proofing treatments in London can be completed in anything from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Here’s a rough guide:

• Injection damp proofing (for rising damp): Usually takes 2–7 days, depending on how much wall needs treating.
• Tanking or waterproof coatings (often for basements): Typically 5–10 days, including drying time.
• Membrane installation (in basements or walls): Around 1–2 weeks, depending on complexity.
• Condensation control (e.g. ventilation upgrades): Often done in a day or two.

Some treatments, like DPC injection, need time to dry out before you can re-plaster or decorate, so while the main job might be quick, allow extra time for drying and finishing.

Your damp proofer in London should give you a clear timescale upfront.

Yes, especially if you’re buying a property or spotting signs like mould, musty smells, or stained walls. A damp proof survey in London gives you a clearer picture of what’s going on, so you don’t end up paying for unnecessary work or missing underlying issues.

It’s also a must if you need official paperwork for insurance or mortgage purposes.

A professional damp survey in London usually costs between £150 and £350.

Some local damp proofing companies near you may offer a free initial assessment, especially if you're likely to go ahead with treatment.

A full survey will pinpoint the cause of damp, assess any structural risk, and outline your best treatment options.