Diagnosing the causes of dampness (GR 5 revised)
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Diagnosing the causes of dampness (GR 5 revised) was written by John Houston and published by BRE on 18 March 2015.
Even in a ‘dry’ building, there is a surprising amount of water in porous materials, most of which does no harm. A building is only considered to be 'damp' if the moisture or its effects become visible, leading to deterioration in decorations or the fabric of the building.
Dampness is the most common problem in housing. It results in visible wetting of walls, ceilings and floors, blistering paint, bulging plaster, sulfate attack on brickwork and mould growth on surfaces and fabrics, usually accompanied by a musty smell. It can also lead to less obvious problems such as a reduction in the effectiveness of thermal insulation or cracks in brickwork due to the corrosion of embedded metal components.
The first step in solving damp-related problem is to diagnose the cause.
This Good Repair Guide provides advice on how to identify the potential causes of dampness in homes. It is aimed at housing professionals, home owners and occupiers, and replaces guidance published in 1997.
Its contents are:
- Introduction.
- Internal dampness: moisture from condensation.
- External dampness: rain penetration.
- External dampness: rising damp.
- Construction moisture.
- Leaking pipes.
- Leaking roofs.
- Spillage.
- Ground and surface water.
- Contaminating salts.
- Hidden dampness.
- Specialist inspection.
- References.
Other guides in the series, Good Repair Guides 6–8, cover specific remedial treatment for the principal causes of dampness.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Assessing moisture in porous building materials.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- BREEAM.
- Building damp-free cavity walls.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Condensation.
- Damp in buildings.
- Damp proof membrane.
- Damp proofing.
- Damp-proof course.
- Dew point.
- Dry rot fungus.
- Efflorescence.
- Humidity.
- Interstitial condensation.
- Penetrating damp.
- Rising damp in walls - diagnosis and treatment (DG 245).
- Rising damp.
- Spalling.
- Understanding dampness.
- Wall insulation and moisture risk.
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.