Fix Rising Damp

When the problem starts below, it doesn’t stay hidden for long.

Peeling paint. Crumbling plaster. Warped skirting boards. These are all signs your home could be suffering from rising damp — a condition where ground moisture travels up through porous building materials like brick, concrete, and timber.

It’s more common than you think, especially in older homes or properties built on poorly ventilated subfloors.

Groundwater is essentially drawn up through tiny tubes in the bricks, the water contains salts that also travel up through the walls. Around the affected area are other building materials such as timber that is found in the floorboards and skirtings. These materials also would absorb the ground water and evidence of wet rot would be found in the timber. The groundwater that is absorbed contains salt and the more salt that is in the water, the greater the absorption of moisture. When the water dries the salt remains as a white puffy powder that degrades the structure of the walls. When combating rising dampness, the salts can remain and cause the wall to remain damp. 

Most people don’t realise that poor air circulation beneath your home can make rising damp worse. Moisture builds up in the subfloor area with nowhere to go, creating the perfect environment for damp to creep upward and cause damage you can see — and smell.

Our subfloor ventilation systems actively move air beneath your home. Using high-performance fans, we circulate fresh, drier outside air through the subfloor, while pushing out damp, stale air. This keeps underfloor humidity in check and helps reduce the risk of rising damp.

Our systems are tailored to your home’s design and access points — even tight or uneven subfloor spaces.

Signs you may have rising damp:

  • Flaking paint or bubbling plaster near floor level
  • Musty odours, especially after rain
  • Visible mould or mildew on lower walls
  • Floorboards starting to warp or lift
  • Persistent dampness or humidity despite open windows

Rising damp causes damage to the internal walls of the building and the paint can begin to deteriorate. A stain then becomes visible on the wall where the groundwater had reached. 

When rising damp gets into timber skirting boards and structures, this causes them to rot. Also, when the water rises salt can be deposited in building structures which causes deterioration and corrosion through the phenomenon known as salt attack. The salt residue is often left behind in the spores of materials such as stones and other materials. The forces that the salt crystals apply can lead to eventual damage to the stone or other materials. If the damage is not visible then the musty smell will give away that there’s a rising damp issue within your household. All damp homes have the same musty smell so it’s important to get a licensed builder to inspect the home for damp related damages. 

Rising damp accelerates mould and fungi growth within your home which can affect the quality of the air you breathe. The poor air quality can potentially cause allergy-like symptoms. Some of the symptoms include coughing, sneezing, itching or chest congestion. 

The risk of developing an infection and bronchitis is increased as more time is spent in damp and moist places. A serious health risk is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD for short, is usually caused by extended exposure to mould. COPD can result in further illness such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is vital to remove any dust, mould, dampness and other fungi at home to prevent COPD. 

By using our Ventis Subfloor Ventilation, fresh air is introduced into the subfloor area which improves air circulation and reduces moisture levels. These systems have a crucial role in preventing rising damp and mould growth.

By circulating fresh air into the subfloor area, the ventilation system helps to reduce moisture levels and prevent dampness from forming. This can also help to prevent any structural damages to the building and to protect the wooden floors from rotting. The Ventis Subfloor Ventilation removes the stale and musty air and improves the overall air quality within the building which creates a healthier living environment and also reduces the risk of respiratory problems. The use of subfloor ventilation can help to regulate temperatures within the building, which make it more energy efficient and easier to maintain a comfortable indoor climate.

Stop Rising Damp at the Source — Ventis Has the Solution

With our smart, low-energy solutions, you can enjoy a healthier, drier, and longer-lasting home — without the stress.

The Ventis Subfloor Ventilation System reduces moisture levels before it can travel up the walls.

Helps to avoid paint deteriorations and peeling in your home.

Improves the air quality inside your home and removes air borne allergens.

Supports the structural integrity of your home and from long term moisture damage.

A professional long-term solution for your home to manage rising damp.

Ready to Breathe Cleaner, Healthier Air?

Take the first step toward a fresher, more comfortable home with Ventis! Whether you need better ventilation, purified air, or energy-saving solutions, we’ve got you covered.

Select what you need help with:

Reduce Moisture, Mould or Damp Problems

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Real People, Real Stories

4.7
Based on 186 reviews
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Amanda Jane
23:43 18 May 25
Peter was so lovely. Efficient, professional and very friendly. Thank you
Mal Ball
05:40 02 May 25
Mark arrived on time and was very professional. The filter was replaced very quickly and the system was checked. I shall be requesting a filter replacement next time. Excellent job.
Ian Koegelenberg
01:15 02 May 25
Edna Carmichael
00:05 02 May 25
Very good service, fast and clean and pleasant staff. The Ventis system itself is a great idea and good money saver, esp. in colder periods of poor weather.
Katarina Christenson
01:39 01 May 25
Great system to save on heating and cooling costs and great service from the company when changing filters.
Bas Gintings
23:31 16 Apr 25
Angela Coleman
02:54 16 Apr 25
Excellent service. Tim notified me by text of his arrival time, which was accurate. He was polite and got straight to the job. I am very pleased with the service provided.
David Weeden
03:11 04 Apr 25
Prompt and efficient replacement of filfters to give another year of clean, fresh air.
Graham Lindsay
03:54 21 Mar 25
We have owned a Ventis ventilation system since 2015. The system is excellent and combines well with our new airconditioning/heating system to maintain a stable temperature in the house. Maintenance is roughly annual (change the main filter). We have ours serviced regularly. The service people have always been helpful, courteous, communicate their arrival beforehand, and efficient operators. We have worked out that it saves electricity because the aircon is not required unless the temperature inside is extreme (for us that is below 15ºC and above 28ºC). We highly recommend the system and the company. Our opinion is still current on 21 March 2025.
Gary Trewhella
22:39 17 Mar 25
Great service from Tech to Office staff.

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FAQs

Where is Rising Damp Commonly Found?

Rising Damp is mostly found within older homes and can be present in newer homes.

Signs of rising damp include; Peeling paint, water stains on walls, rotting skirting boards and persistent musty smells.

Salt attack is the phenomenon that occurs during the corrosion and deterioration that is caused by the salts in groundwater when the water evaporates.

After the water dries the salt continues to attract moisture which will lead to the wall to remain damp unless it is properly treated.

The Ventis Subfloor Ventilation system will help to prevent rising damp through introducing fresh dry air into the home, flushing out the stale, damp air and by improving airflow and ventilation.