Solid stone – rising damp or damp in walls

Causes

Ground moisture being absorbed by stone and moving up the wall due to deteriorating or missing damp-proof membrane, or plaster or soil bridging the damp-proof membrane

No damp-proof membrane at base of the wall

Listed under: Exterior, masonry, stone, membranes, cladding, walls, moisture, wall cladding, solid stone and stone veneer

Cause

Ground moisture being absorbed by stone and moving up the wall due to deteriorating or missing damp-proof membrane, or plaster or soil bridging the damp-proof membrane

Repair

  • if there is no damp-proofing, it cannot be inserted without major rebuilding of the wall
  • contact a stonemason for advice. There are some specialist products available that could help with the problem but these are not DIY options. Look for a mason who has completed an apprenticeship, is well experienced and ideally holds a qualification such as the New Zealand Certificate in Stonemasonry. There is also a New Zealand Stonemasons Association who can help you find a mason
  • if a garden has been built up and bridges the damp-proofing, take the soil down to the original level
  • if concrete or paving has been installed along the wall and bridges the damp-proofing, where possible, break up and remove concrete or paving. Ensure that surface water will flow away from the building

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Cause

No damp-proof membrane at base of the wall

Repair

  • if there is no damp-proofing, it cannot be inserted without major rebuilding of the wall
  • contact a stonemason for advice. Look for a mason who has completed an apprenticeship, is well experienced and ideally holds a qualification such as the New Zealand Certificate in Stonemasonry. The New Zealand Stonemasons Association can help you find a mason

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