Bubbling paint, powdery plaster, that musty smell in winter — damp always announces itself. What it never does is go away on its own. ER Roof Restorations treats rising, penetrating and lateral damp in Pretoria homes and buildings at the cause, not the symptom: damaged plaster and coatings come off, the source is fixed, and the correct damp-proofing system goes on before any paint does.
Quick facts
- Rising damp, penetrating damp and lateral damp
- Interior walls, exterior walls and boundary walls
- Treatment includes plaster removal, cause repair, damp-proof system and refinishing
- Written, itemised quotation after a free inspection
What causes damp in Pretoria homes?
Three culprits cover most cases. Rising damp climbs from the ground where the damp-proof course has failed or never existed — common in older Pretoria homes. Penetrating damp comes through walls from outside: cracked plaster, failed paint, leaking gutters or garden beds piled against the wall. Lateral damp seeps sideways from a neighbouring structure or retaining wall. Each needs a different fix, which is why we diagnose before we quote.
Why does painting over damp never work?
Because the moisture is still in the wall. Sealed under fresh paint, it simply pushes until the new coat bubbles and flakes — usually within months. Proper treatment removes the salt-contaminated plaster, stops the moisture at its source, applies a damp-proofing system, and only then replasters and repaints. That is the sequence we follow on every job.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it’s rising damp or a leak?
Rising damp shows as a tide mark climbing from floor level, often with white salty deposits. Damp high on a wall or on a ceiling usually points to a roof or gutter problem. WhatsApp us a photo at 076 657 9718 — we will tell you which it looks like before anyone drives out.
Can you treat damp in a sectional-title unit or complex?
Yes. We regularly work for body corporates and managing agents across Pretoria, and provide the itemised scopes and written guarantees trustees need to approve the work.
Does damp proofing come with a guarantee?
Qualifying workmanship carries a written guarantee — the scope and term are set out in your quotation so you know exactly what is covered.