Hello there, savvy homeowners! Today’s topic is rising damp – that pesky water that decides to creep up from the ground or exterior walls and make itself at home in your property. But fear not, we’re here to unveil its secrets and help you guard against its watery invasion!

The Lowdown on Rising Damp

Picture this: water rising up from the ground or sneaking in through the walls of your home. That’s rising damp for you! Usually, there’s a superhero in the form of a damp-proof course that’s laid during construction. It’s like a barrier that stops ground moisture from causing chaos. But, here’s the twist – some homes lack this protective layer or have a deteriorated one. And that’s when rising damp sneaks in.

When rising damp comes knocking, you’ll spot walls above the floors starting to bubble up and change colour. Oh, and let’s not forget the appearance of that mysterious white powder called efflorescence. If you pop those bubbles, they’re often damp. It’s like a warning signal that your damp course might be waving the white flag and it’s time to call in the pros. If nothing’s done, the wetness and discoloration play a game of ‘spread and conquer’ on your walls.

Facing the Rising Damp Conundrum

So, who’s in the ring to tackle rising damp in a sectional title setup? The million-dollar question – or rather, the repair bill question. Like a detective, we’re searching for the source of the damage, and it usually points to the foundation or exterior walls – both part of the common property.

The Sectional Title Act makes the body corporate the custodian of common property maintenance. So, even if the rising damp mess is showing up on an interior wall, it’s the body corporate that needs to whip out its tools for the fix-up. After all, it’s all about tackling the root cause, no matter where it decides to show its watery face!

Stay Covered,

Ryan