Are you looking for ways to damp proof walls without breaking the bank?
Well, you’re not alone. Damp proofing wall costs can add up, especially if you’re not sure what you’re paying for. With up to 6.5 million UK households suffering from damp and mould, there are a lot of homeowners out there that want to know how to damp proof a wall for less.
The good news? There are tried and tested ways to reduce those costs significantly without compromising on quality. In this post, we’ll share our top expert tips that have helped homeowners all over the country save money while still getting the job done right.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Understanding Damp Proofing Wall Costs
- Why Damp Proofing Wall Costs Vary So Much
- The Top Ways To Reduce Damp Proofing Costs
- When to DIY vs. When to Hire a Professional
Let’s dive in!
Understanding Damp Proofing Wall Costs
First things first, a little background on damp proofing wall costs. If you’re looking to save on damp proofing, it pays to understand the factors that make up those costs in the first place.
On average, homeowners in the UK can expect to pay around £1,250 for a standard damp proofing job.
The type of damp plus the size of the affected area determine how far above or below that average a bill will land.
So:
- £100 to £500 for condensation treatment.
- £1,000 to £5,000+ for rising damp treatment.
- £400 to £4,000 for penetrating damp repair.
A pretty big range, right?
The treatment type depends on which type of damp the property has. And that treatment type is a big factor in the total bill.
Why Damp Proofing Wall Costs Vary So Much
The damp proofing wall cost is determined by a few key factors. Understanding these components also helps you identify where savings are possible.
Size matters. A bigger house equals more walls to treat. End of story. A damp proofing quote for a terraced house will be a fraction of the cost of a detached house with three or more rooms affected.
Severity is another factor. Condensation issues that are mild can often be fixed with a few relatively inexpensive repairs. Left unchecked, all types of damp will spread, causing structural damage. Act early and it won’t cost so much.
Location plays a part too. Contractors in London and the South East of England generally charge higher rates than those up North. Labour costs in the UK vary widely by region.
But the big one most people overlook…
Treatment type. Chemical injection damp proof courses (DPCs) will set you back around £50 to £75 per linear metre. Membrane damp proofing systems for basement walls can range from £2,500 to £10,000 or more.
The more you understand the damp proofing wall costs, the more you’ll understand what pushes the damp proofing price up or down. The average cost of damp proofing changes depending on treatment type, property size and local labour rates.
The Top Ways To Reduce Damp Proofing Costs
Enough of the background. You’re here to learn how to save money on damp proofing wall costs, right?
The following tactics have helped hundreds of homeowners in the UK reduce their damp proofing wall costs drastically.
Get Multiple Quotes
So obvious that many people don’t even bother. But getting at least three quotes from different contractors will almost always save you money.
In many cases, we’ve seen the same work quoted at different rates by different contractors vary by hundreds of pounds. Getting competitive quotes also weeds out any suspiciously low bids. Cheap can mean shoddy.
Diagnose The Problem First
Here’s the thing. Not all damp problems need to be treated with fancy and expensive solutions.
We’ve seen plenty of homeowners cough up several thousand pounds for a chemical DPC when all their problem required was better ventilation.
According to GOV.UK, 1.3 million households had damp problems in 2023/24. But many of these cases are down to ventilation issues, rather than structural dampness.
A proper damp survey report will cost between £100 and £300. A worthwhile investment if it can help you avoid a big bill for the wrong treatment.
Fix External Issues First
Penetrating damp is almost always caused by external problems.
Blocked gutters and cracked render allow water into walls. Damaged pointing also lets water in.
Don’t even think about paying for internal treatments until you’ve done the following:
- Clear and repair gutters
- Fixed roof damage
- Sealed cracks in external walls
- Checked window and door seals.
External repairs are almost always less expensive than damp proofing treatments. And they stop the problem recurring.
Consider Timing
Contractors always have quieter periods at the end of winter and early spring.
Booking a job during those times is more likely to get you a discount.
Some companies also offer deals for multiple rooms or if they have a larger project to complete.
Ask about package prices and booking during slow periods.
Improve Ventilation
Condensation is the most common type of damp in UK homes.
It’s also the easiest and cheapest to fix.
Installing an extractor fan in a bathroom or kitchen will cost around £150 to £300 each. Opening windows and using a dehumidifier are also effective ways to combat condensation.
These methods can completely remove condensation damp without the need for any chemical treatments.
Check For Grants
One thing many homeowners don’t realise is that they may be entitled to grants.
Local councils often provide grants towards damp proofing, especially for low-income households or the vulnerable. It’s always worth checking with your local authority to see if you’re eligible before paying full price.
When to DIY vs. When to Hire a Professional
Should homeowners ever attempt damp proofing themselves?
DIY can work for:
- Minor condensation issues.
- Fixing ventilation.
- Painting damp-proof paint on small areas.
- Clearing gutters and repairing minor external damage.
But don’t attempt any of the following:
- Rising damp chemical injection.
- Widespread penetrating damp.
- Basement tanking or waterproofing.
- Structural damp issues.
DIY damp-proof paint can be bought for around £20 to £50 per tin. But it’s only for surface condensation. It won’t work on rising or penetrating damp at all.
Hiring a professional also comes with guarantees. The vast majority of reputable contractors offer 10 to 30-year warranties. That kind of peace of mind is often worth the extra cost.
Mistakes That End Up Costing More
Of course, homeowners can also end up paying more money by trying to save money.
Ignoring the problem is a big one. Damp will spread like wildfire if it’s not treated early. A small patch in the corner of a room can quickly become a major structural issue in a few months. Early action is always cheaper.
Opting for the cheapest quote is another. Shockingly low prices often mean low-quality materials or an inexperienced contractor. Shoddy work often fails within a couple of years, meaning you have to re-treat.
Skipping the damp survey to save a couple of hundred pounds is almost always a false economy. The last thing you want is to treat the wrong type of damp entirely.
Wrapping It Up
Saving on damp proofing wall costs doesn’t mean accepting poor-quality work. Clever homeowners save money by getting proper diagnoses, comparing quotes and fixing underlying causes first.
The main points are:
- Get a proper damp survey before treatment.
- Get at least three quotes from different contractors.
- Fix any external issues that may be causing the damp.
- Consider improving ventilation for condensation damp.
- Check if any grants or discounts are available.
Damp proofing is an investment in the long-term health of your property. Use these tips to protect your home and save money while you’re at it.
