How Much Does Rising Damp Treatment Cost?

damphub.co.uk 03 May, 2024

Noticed peeling paint, crumbling plaster, or a musty smell in your home?

These could be signs of rising damp—a hidden menace that can damage your property and your health.

But how much does it cost to fix?

In this guide, we break down the factors affecting rising damp treatment costs so you know what to expect before calling in the experts.”

Factors Affecting Rising Damp Treatment Costs

Several factors influence the cost of treating rising damp in a property. Let’s break them down one by one:

Banner featuring a house undergoing damp proofing, with text asking about rising damp treatment cost

1. Property Size and Complexity

The bigger the affected area, the more materials and labour will be needed, increasing the cost.

Treating damp in a small bedroom wall will cost less than treating the entire ground floor of a house.
If the house has multiple storeys or complex structures, it may require extra effort and equipment, leading to higher costs.

2. Severity of Damp

The extent of the damage plays a big role in determining the cost.

Light damp: Minor patches with slight moisture. Treatment is usually quick and inexpensive.
Moderate damp: May have peeling paint, damp smell, and some mould. Requires more work.
Severe damp: This can cause structural damage, wood rot, and serious mould issues, leading to expensive repairs.

3. Type of Treatment Required

Different methods are used depending on the severity and structure of the building.

Chemical Injection Method: Special damp-proof chemicals are injected into walls to stop moisture from rising.
- Example: Used for brick houses where drilling small holes for injection is feasible.
Physical Damp-Proofing Membrane: A waterproof barrier is installed to prevent moisture from moving up the walls.
- Example: Often used in new constructions or major renovations.
Electrical or Electro-Osmotic Systems: Uses a weak electric charge to push water down and stop it from rising.

4. Accessibility

If the affected area is hard to reach, treatment costs may go up.

Example: Treating damp on a ground-level wall with clear access will be cheaper than fixing damp in a narrow basement or behind built-in furniture.
If floors or walls need to be removed or altered, labor costs will increase.

Cost Range Estimates Explained

When estimating the cost of a service, it helps to look at two things:

The type of property – Different homes have different sizes and structures, which affect the cost.
The area being treated – Many services charge per square meter, so the total cost depends on the size of the area.

1. Average Price Range for Different Types of Properties

Different homes come in various sizes, so costs will vary. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Terraced house (smaller homes, often attached to others on both sides)
Example: If treating damp in a terraced house costs £1,500 – £3,000, this is because it typically has fewer walls and a smaller area to cover.
Semi-detached house (one side attached, the other detached)
Example: A semi-detached home may cost around £2,500 – £4,500 because it has more exterior walls to treat.
Larger homes (detached houses or big properties)
Example: A large detached home might cost £4,000 – £8,000, depending on how much work is needed.

2. Approximate Treatment Costs Per Square Meter

Many services charge based on the area being treated. This makes it easier to estimate costs.

For example:
- Damp treatment might cost £50 – £100 per square meter
- Mould removal could be £20 – £50 per square meter
- Wall insulation repair could cost £80 – £150 per square meter

So, if a homeowner needs damp treatment for a 20-square-meter area, and the rate is £75 per square meter, the total would be:
🔹 20 × £75 = £1,500

This method helps customers estimate their costs based on how much space needs treatment.

5. Why Costs Vary

The cost of a service or product can differ based on several factors. Here’s why:

1. Influence of Location (Regional Differences in Pricing)

Prices vary from place to place. Some areas have a higher cost of living, which affects service rates. Also, transportation and availability of materials can impact costs.

Example:
Getting an air conditioner installed in Sydney might cost more than in a rural town because labor and materials are more expensive in the city.

2. Availability and Choice of Materials or Technologies Used

The type of materials or technology used in a service affects pricing. Higher-quality or newer technology usually costs more. Also, if certain materials are harder to find in a region, they may be priced higher.

Example:
A heat pump hot water system with advanced energy-saving features will cost more than a basic one. Similarly, if a specific brand is rare in your area, it may be more expensive.

3. Experience and Qualifications of the Service Provider

Professionals with more experience or special certifications often charge higher fees for their expertise. Less experienced providers may offer lower prices but might not deliver the same quality of service.

Example:
An experienced mould removal specialist with certifications and years of work in the field will charge more than a beginner offering the same service.

These factors all contribute to why prices are not the same everywhere or for everyone.

DIY vs Professional Treatment

When it comes to mould removal, you have two options: doing it yourself (DIY) or hiring professionals. Let’s break it down to help you decide which is best for you.

1. Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Help

DIY Costs:
- Cleaning products (vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide) – $10–$30
- Protective gear (gloves, masks, goggles) – $20–$50
- Tools (scrub brushes, sponges, spray bottles) – $10–$40
- Total: Around $40–$120
Professional Costs:
- Depends on the size and severity of the mould problem
- Small area (e.g., bathroom mould) – $200–$500
- Larger infestations (e.g., entire wall or ceiling) – $1,000+
- Severe cases (structural damage, deep-rooted mould) – $3,000+

2. Risks of DIY Approaches & Hidden Costs

While DIY may seem cheaper at first, it comes with risks:

Health Hazards: If you don’t wear proper protection, exposure to mould spores can cause allergies, respiratory issues, and skin irritation.
Ineffective Removal: You might clean the surface, but if the root cause (moisture, leaks) isn’t fixed, the mould will return quickly.
Hidden Structural Damage: Mould can grow inside walls, under carpets, and in air ducts. Without professional inspection, you may not realise the full extent of the damage.
Potential Long-Term Costs: If mould spreads or causes damage to walls, floors, or insulation, repairs can become far more expensive than hiring a professional in the first place.

Which One Should You Choose?

Go for DIY if it’s a small mould patch, like on tiles, window sills, or bathroom walls.
Hire a professional if the mould covers a large area, has a strong musty smell, or keeps returning.