Two rivers run through the heart of Surrey: the Mole, through Dorking, Leatherhead, Cobham and Esher to the Thames at Molesey, and the Wey, through Godalming and Guildford towards Weybridge. Homes in these valleys face damp risks that properties on higher ground often don’t.
Higher groundwater near the rivers
Land close to the rivers can have a high water table, especially through winter and after long wet spells. That puts moisture pressure on cellars, solid floors and the base of walls.
Period cottages and breathable walls
The older parts of Dorking, Godalming and Guildford, and the villages around them, have many timber-framed, brick and stone cottages built with lime mortar. These walls were designed to let moisture evaporate. Cement renders, modern plasters and impermeable paints can trap moisture inside, causing damp that is often mistaken for rising damp.
Interwar homes across Elmbridge
Esher, Cobham, Walton and Weybridge also have plenty of interwar housing, where blocked air bricks, bridged damp proof courses and corroding wall ties are common findings.
What to look out for
- Tide marks and salts low on walls, especially after a wet winter
- A musty smell under suspended timber floors
- Damp cellars that worsen when the rivers are high
- Flaking paint and crumbling render on older cottages
Getting the treatment right
Older buildings often need breathable, lime-compatible repairs rather than heavy-handed injection and hard plaster. Cellars may need a waterproofing system. The first step is always finding the cause.
Surrey is our home county. Read more about damp proofing in Surrey and timber treatment in Surrey.
