Rising damp is one of the most common and frustrating moisture problems affecting homes and buildings in South Africa. It damages walls, ruins paint finishes, causes plaster to crumble, and creates an unhealthy indoor environment. Many property owners waste time and money repainting over the problem, only to see the stains, bubbling paint, and damp marks return again and again.
The reason is simple. Rising damp cannot be solved cosmetically. It needs to be treated correctly at the source.
At Aquagard, we offer a proven, permanent rising damp treatment system that addresses the problem properly, not temporarily. By following four key steps, contractors and property owners can restore damaged walls and protect buildings for the long term.
In this article, we explain what rising damp is, why so many treatments fail, and how Aquagard’s system permanently solves the issue.
What Is Rising Damp?
Rising damp occurs when groundwater moves upward through porous building materials such as brick, block, mortar, and plaster. This happens through capillary action, where moisture is drawn up through the wall in the same way water can travel through a sponge.
In a properly constructed building, a damp-proof course, also known as a DPC, is installed near the base of the wall to prevent this upward movement of moisture. However, in many older buildings, the damp-proof course may have failed, been bridged, or may not have been installed correctly at all.
Once moisture starts rising through the wall, it carries salts with it. These salts contaminate the plaster and paint layers, causing visible damage and making it difficult for finishes to bond properly.
Common Signs of Rising Damp
Property owners often mistake rising damp for a minor paint issue, but the symptoms are much more serious. Common signs include:
- Bubbling or peeling paint near the base of walls
- Damp patches that continue to return
- Crumbling plaster
- White salt deposits on wall surfaces
- Musty odours indoors
- Skirting boards that become swollen or damaged
- Persistent moisture in lower wall sections
If these signs are ignored, the wall continues to deteriorate and the cost of repair increases over time.
Why Painting Over Rising Damp Does Not Work
One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is trying to hide rising damp with new paint, fillers, or decorative finishes. Unfortunately, this never solves the problem.
The moisture continues moving upward behind the new coating. As a result, the fresh paint soon begins to bubble, peel, or discolour. In many cases, the salts trapped in the wall also continue to attack the plaster, causing the finish to fail even faster.
Permanent treatment requires a system that stops the moisture at its source, seals the contaminated substrate correctly, and restores the wall with the right materials.
Aquagard’s Permanent Rising Damp Treatment System
At Aquagard, we use a four-step treatment process designed to permanently solve rising damp problems in affected walls.
Step 1: Remove Contaminated Plaster
The first step is to strip away all plaster contaminated by moisture and salts. This is critical because contaminated plaster will continue to absorb moisture and salts even after a new damp-proof course is installed.
Removing the damaged plaster exposes the wall substrate and creates a clean base for the next stages of treatment. If this step is skipped, the treatment is compromised from the start.
This is often where poor-quality repairs go wrong. People try to cut corners by removing only visibly loose sections, but the contamination usually extends further than it appears on the surface.
Step 2: Install Aquagard DPC Inject
Once the wall is prepared, Aquagard DPC Inject is installed at the base of the wall to form a chemical damp-proof course.
This product is designed to penetrate the masonry and create an effective moisture barrier that prevents groundwater from continuing to rise through the wall. It is one of the most important stages in the treatment system because it deals directly with the root cause of rising damp.
Without a proper damp-proof course, the wall will continue drawing moisture upward no matter what coatings or finishes are applied on top.
Aquagard DPC Inject offers a reliable and long-lasting solution, making it ideal for both residential and commercial rising damp treatment projects.
Step 3: Apply Two Coats of Aquagard Dampblok
After the chemical damp-proof course is installed, the next step is to apply two coats of Aquagard Dampblok.
Dampblok plays a dual role in the system. It seals the substrate to protect it from moisture, while still allowing the wall to breathe. This balance is essential. A wall must be protected from further moisture ingress, but it must also be able to release residual moisture vapour without trapping it behind the surface.
This breathable sealing action helps stabilise the treated wall and creates the ideal surface for replastering.
Aquagard Dampblok is a trusted damp-proofing solution that provides strong adhesion, excellent sealing performance, and long-term durability.
Step 4: Re-Plaster Using Plaster Plus
The final step is to re-plaster the treated area using a mortar mix enhanced with Plaster Plus additive.
Plaster Plus is specially formulated to improve the waterproofing and durability of plaster and mortar. By incorporating it into the replastering process, the new plaster is better equipped to resist moisture-related deterioration and maintain a sound, professional finish.
This final stage restores the wall aesthetically while supporting the long-term success of the full treatment system.
When all four steps are followed correctly, the result is a permanent rising damp treatment that solves the problem properly and gives the wall a new lease on life.
Why This System Works
Aquagard’s rising damp treatment system works because it addresses every stage of the problem, not just the visible symptoms.
It:
- Removes damaged and salt-contaminated material
- Stops further moisture rise with a chemical damp-proof course
- Seals and protects the substrate while allowing breathability
- Rebuilds the wall with a moisture-resistant plaster system
This is why it delivers permanent results where patch repairs and cosmetic fixes fail.
A Great Opportunity for Contractors
Rising damp treatment is not only an essential service for property owners, it is also a valuable business opportunity for contractors.
Aquagard offers free on-site training for contractors, helping them learn the correct application of the full rising damp treatment system. This allows contractors to expand their service offering confidently and professionally.
For existing contractors, this can become an easy extra income stream. With the right training and product support, rising damp treatment can be added to your current services, creating more opportunities to generate revenue from both residential and commercial clients.
Need an Approved Installer?
If you are a property owner dealing with rising damp and want the job done properly, Aquagard can help you find an approved installer in your area.
This gives you access to contractors who understand the correct treatment system and can apply it to the required standard.
Choosing an approved installer gives you peace of mind that the work will be done using the right products, the right process, and the right technical guidance.
Visit Our Warehouse
If you would like to learn more about our rising damp treatment products, we invite you to visit our warehouse and explore our full range of damp-proofing, waterproofing, and coating products.
Come and see our warehouse at 2 Boat Turn Road, Laser Park, Honeydew, West Rand to speak to our team and get expert advice tailored to your project.
For enquiries, approved installers, or contractor training, contact us here:
📧 tiffany@aquagard.co.za
📞 082 699 8826
Rising damp is one of those problems that will not go away on its own, and it will not be solved by repainting, patching, or covering over the damage. The only way to treat it permanently is to stop the moisture at the source and rebuild the affected wall using the correct system.
Aquagard’s four-step rising damp treatment system offers a practical, proven, and permanent solution. Whether you are a homeowner trying to restore your property or a contractor looking to expand your services, Aquagard gives you the products, training, and support needed to get lasting results.
If you are ready to solve your rising damp problem properly, contact Aquagard today.
