Expert Penetrating Damp Repairs
in Southwick & West Sussex
Specialist moisture ingress diagnosis and repair solutions by Portslade Plastering.

If you live in Southwick, you will know that the rain does not always fall straight down; it often comes at your house sideways. This wind-driven rain is a major cause of damp in our area. Over time, the constant battering from the elements can cause your external brickwork to become porous or your pointing to crumble away. We often find that older properties have 'blown' render, where the outer layer has detached from the brick, creating a perfect pocket for moisture to sit and soak through. Because we are local experts covering the stretch from Brighton to Worthing, we understand exactly how the coastal climate affects different types of building materials. We know which walls face the brunt of the weather and how to shield them effectively.

Most homeowners we chat with tell us they noticed a musty smell long before they saw a mark on the wall. Have you spotted any 'tide marks' appearing on your wallpaper? These are those yellowish or brown stains that look like a map of a distant land. You might also notice bubbling paint, crumbling plaster, or white, powdery deposits known as hygroscopic salts. These salts are particularly pesky because they actually pull moisture out of the air, keeping your walls damp even when it is sunny outside. If your walls feel cold to the touch or you see black mould forming in the corners, it is time to give us a call on 01273 957212. Catching it early can save you a much bigger repair bill down the road.

Before we even think about the internal plastering, we have to stop the leak. It is like trying to empty a boat with a hole in it; you have to plug the hole first. Our team will survey your exterior to find the culprit. It might be spalling bricks that have started to flake away, or perhaps your external rendering has cracked. As Approved PRB Systems Contractors, we specialise in high-performance renders that act like a Gore-Tex jacket for your house—they let the building breathe but keep the rain out. Sometimes, a simple bit of repointing or a specialist external coating is all it takes to seal the deal and protect your home's structural integrity.

Once the outside is watertight, we turn our attention to the mess inside. This is where the 'hacking off' happens. We carefully remove the damp-damaged and salt-contaminated plaster right back to the original brickwork. It is a bit of a dusty job, but do not worry—we take great care to protect your floors and furniture, leaving your home as tidy as we found it. We then apply specialist waterproof renders and finishes to ensure those hygroscopic salts do not ruin your new decor. Because we also offer full internal plastering and skimming, you are guaranteed a perfectly smooth, flat finish that is ready for a fresh coat of paint once everything has dried out properly.