Damp is one of the most common and damaging problems facing homeowners in Brighton and Hove. The combination of older housing stock (Victorian and Edwardian terraces), porous building materials (bungaroosh and chalk), and a humid coastal climate creates the perfect storm for moisture issues. Unchecked damp can rot timbers, ruin decoration, and cause health problems due to mould spores. Ridge Group Contracting offers comprehensive damp diagnosis and treatment services. We don’t just mask the problem; we identify the root cause and solve it permanently.
There are three main types of damp, and misdiagnosis leads to wasted money. We start with a thorough survey using moisture meters and thermal imaging if necessary.
This occurs when ground water rises up through the bricks of your wall via capillary action. It leaves a “tide mark” of salts and peeling paint up to 1 metre high.
The Solution: We install a Chemical Damp Proof Course (DPC). We drill small holes into the mortar course at the base of the wall and inject a silicone-based cream. This spreads to form a water-repellent barrier. We then remove the salt-contaminated plaster and re-plaster using a salt-retardant additive to ensure a dry finish.
This is water entering from the outside due to building defects—leaking gutters, cracked render, high ground levels, or porous bricks. It can appear as damp patches anywhere on a wall or ceiling.
The Solution: We fix the defect first (e.g., repairing the roof or lowering the external ground level). For porous walls, we can apply a clear, breathable water repellent (like Stormdry) to the exterior masonry. Internally, we may use a cavity drain membrane or a cementitious tanking slurry to hold back moisture while the wall dries out.
This is the most common form of damp in modern living. It is caused by warm, moist air (from cooking, showering, drying clothes) hitting cold surfaces like windows and external walls, leading to black mould growth.
The Solution: This is a ventilation issue. We install Passive Vents or active PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) systems in the loft. PIV units gently push fresh, filtered air into the house, forcing the stale, moist air out. This often cures black mould problems overnight without the need for structural work. We also advise on insulation to warm up cold walls.
Damp conditions thrive wood-boring insects and rot fungi.
Woodworm: If we find evidence of active woodworm (frass/dust), we spray the timbers with a permethrin-based insecticide which kills the beetles and prevents re-infestation.
Dry Rot & Wet Rot: Dry rot is particularly dangerous as it can travel through masonry to destroy timber elsewhere. We cut out the affected timber, sterilise the masonry with fungicidal masonry biocide, and replace the wood with pre-treated timber.
For basements and cellars, standard damp proofing isn’t enough because the walls are under earth pressure. We provide structural waterproofing (Tanking). See our Basements page for full details on our Type C membrane systems.
The damp industry has a bad reputation for scaremongering. We pride ourselves on honesty. If your “damp” is actually just a leaky gutter, we will tell you to fix the gutter rather than selling you an expensive chemical injection you don’t need. Our treatments come with long-term guarantees, giving you peace of mind if you ever sell the property.
If you spot mould, peeling wallpaper, or a musty smell, act fast. Contact Ridge Group Contracting today for a professional damp survey in Brighton and Sussex.
We provide a complete, end-to-end solution for every project. From the initial survey and planning to the final high-quality finish, our integrated team manages every detail to ensure a seamless workflow and minimal disruption to your property
Quality starts with the materials we use. We source only the highest-grade products—whether structural steel, sustainable timber, or heritage brick—ensuring durability and a finish that withstands the Sussex coastal climate
Every project is executed by fully qualified professionals. Our team combines traditional trade skills with rigorous modern construction standards, ensuring structural integrity, safety compliance, and exceptional attention to detail.
