Q. We have recently bought a house which has some damp patches. We have contacted a couple of specialist damp companies to come and give us quotes. One company has suggested using injected chemicals and the other has suggested placing a plastic membrane in between the bricks which will work out very expensive. We intend to keep the house for many years however we are not sure which would be the best way to treat the damp. Do the chemical treatments really work? Which treatment would you recommend? 

Submitted by: S Williams

A. There is no doubt that a physical damp proof course is the very best - it 100% stops rising damp but it comes at a price. Chemical systems are good and they will control rising damp with many having third party accreditation. Both systems will require re-plastering but with a chemical system the correct re-plastering is essential in order to control what is termed the 'limitations' of the system.

If executed correctly both processes will provide you with a dry decorative surface so it is a matter of 'pays your money - takes your choice'.