Penetrating Damp Repairs in Southwick, West Sussex

Most homeowners we chat with first notice something is wrong when they spot those tell-tale 'tide marks' on the wallpaper or paint. It usually starts as a faint yellow or brown stain that gets worse after a heavy downpour. You might also notice a damp, musty smell that just won't go away, or perhaps your paint has started bubbling and peeling back from the wall. If you tap the plaster and it sounds hollow, that's what we call 'blown plaster'—a sign that the moisture has destroyed the bond between the plaster and the brickwork. If you're seeing these signs, it's worth getting a professional look sooner rather than later to prevent issues like wet rot or timber decay in your floorboards and joists.

Why is it happening now? Often, it’s down to the age of the building and the harsh Sussex coastal weather. Over time, the mortar between your bricks (the pointing) can crumble away, or the bricks themselves might start 'spalling'—where the face of the brick flakes off due to freeze-thaw cycles. In many Southwick properties, we also see failed or 'blown' render that has cracked, allowing rain to sit behind the coating and soak into the brickwork. As Approved PRB Systems Contractors, we often recommend modern silicone rendering or monocouche systems as a long-term fix, as these allow the building to breathe while providing a completely waterproof shield against the elements.

Fixing penetrating damp is a two-part job. First, we have to stop the leak from the outside, whether that means repointing, masonry repairs, or applying a new rendering system. But the job isn't finished there. When water soaks into a wall, it leaves behind 'hygroscopic salts.' These salts are a real pain because they naturally attract moisture from the air, meaning your wall will stay damp even after the leak is fixed. That's why we 'hack off' the contaminated plaster back to the original brickwork and replaster using specialist salt-retardant materials. We're famous for our clean and tidy workmanship, so we'll make sure your carpets and furniture are fully protected while we handle the messy bits.

Choosing a local team makes a huge difference. Because we work across Southwick, Shoreham, and Portslade every day, we understand the specific building styles and weather challenges of the Adur district. We aren't a faceless national firm; we're a local crew that prides itself on being reliable and transparent. We hold £1 million in Public Liability Insurance, so you can rest easy knowing your home is in safe hands. From minor patch repairs to full external wall insulation and rendering projects, we bring the same level of care to every square inch of plastering we do.