Rising damp treatment: technical solutions for a common problem
Rising damp is a frequent yet often overlooked issue in buildings. It’s not just an aesthetic problem – it’s a real threat to the structure and integrity of your property. Visible signs like stains, salt efflorescence, or moss growing on walls indicate that moisture is rising through capillarity, affecting not only the finishes but also the overall health of the building.
The good news is that with the right treatments, you can manage and permanently resolve this issue. Curious to know how? Read on and discover our solution.
The invisible threat impacting your building
Rising damp occurs when water from the ground moves up through the walls by capillary action, a natural physical process. However, this phenomenon causes damage that goes beyond the visible surface. Over time, the combination of moisture and soluble salts in the soil can accelerate the deterioration of concrete and its reinforcements, masonry like bricks or blocks, and finishes such as plaster, wood, and paint.
In addition to structural damage, rising damp directly impacts the comfort of the building’s occupants. Damp walls create an ideal breeding ground for fungi and mold, which can lead to respiratory issues and allergies. Moreover, they contribute to a feeling of cold and thermal discomfort, reducing the building’s energy efficiency.
Prevention or treatment of the existing problem?
Ideally, the best approach is to prevent rising damp from occurring in the first place, by waterproofing the foundation structures and the entire floor area during construction.
A more foolproof solution is the ventilated crawl space method, which involves building a raised slab above ground level, creating an air gap between the soil and the building. It’s crucial to ensure that the foundation footings are also properly waterproofed in this case.
Specific solutions, like the Köster ECB 2.0 U S membrane, are available for waterproofing buried structures using a lost formwork method, among others.
Problem treatment: diagnosis, the first step for effective resolution
Although the issue is often visible through salt stains or efflorescence on the walls, pinpointing the exact cause and extent of the damage is crucial for a successful treatment. It’s vital to rely on an expert to assess the level of contamination, the building’s characteristics, and whether the source is purely moisture from the ground through capillarity or another type of infiltration, which may require different or complementary solutions. Additionally, choosing the right repair method is essential to ensure a long-term solution. Incorrect treatments can lead to further damage and wasted resources.
Before proceeding with any intervention, it’s critical for a certified technician to conduct a thorough evaluation. At Prudêncio, we have the experience needed to provide accurate diagnostics and tailored approaches, with confidence that our products and methods are the most suitable for addressing rising damp issues.

Pressure injection or non-pressure injection?
There are generally two types of horizontal barriers against rising damp: those installed with high-pressure injection systems and those without pressure.
High-pressure injection involves using “packers” that are fixed into drilled holes. With the help of a high-pressure pump, the material is injected into the walls through these points. This method allows for quick application, but it is essentially a “blind” injection, meaning it fills large voids unnecessarily, leading to material waste. Additionally, it may fail to fill the finer capillaries, compromising its effectiveness. Furthermore, this approach can cause significant damage to the walls.
On the other hand, the non-pressure injection method, using Köster’s patented suction system, is the result of decades of Köster Bauchemie AG’s expertise and research in combating rising damp. This method uses Köster Crisin 76 resin bottles, Köster Suction Angles, and Köster Capillary Roads. It stands out by utilizing capillarity itself, which is the root cause of rising damp, to install the horizontal barriers.
Advanced technology in combating dampness
To effectively treat rising damp, Prudêncio uses KÖSTER Crisin 76 Concentrate, one of the most proven and efficient solutions for permanently eliminating this issue. It works in three ways:
- It aligns the capillaries with a water-repellent film.
- It tightens the pores, blocking the upward movement of water through capillarity.
- It forms a membrane along the full diameter of the capillary tube, creating a strong, permanent barrie.
Additionally, due to its low density and water-insolubility, it can penetrate even the finest capillaries, providing long-lasting protection. The hydrophobic effect is visible right after application, with the wall drying and an active horizontal barrier forming immediately.
The solution is injected using the source of the problem itself: it hitchhikes on the water rising through the capillaries, taking its place permanently once the resin has cured.
This product is also environmentally responsible, made from renewable materials, and free from solvents and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). It has no harmful impact on the environment or people. Learn more about this solution here.
Rely on our expert support
Rising damp is a serious technical issue, but with the right diagnosis and solution, it can be effectively addressed. At Prudêncio, we use innovative products like KÖSTER Crisin 76 Concentrate, ensuring long-lasting durability and resistance to protect your property from moisture damage over time.
Don’t let rising damp undermine the safety and value of your property. Contact our team for a thorough diagnosis and find out how we can help.
Explore more: The importance of KÖSTER