Sydney’s Specialists In Rising Damp Solutions
Rising Damp Products & Solutions
A clear comparison of treatment methods — and why some fail
Rising damp treatments are not equal. Some stop capillary rise permanently, others only mask symptoms, and some fail entirely under real-world conditions. Below is a clear comparison of the six main approaches used today.
Here’s a summary of the 6 main types of Rising Damp Solutions
| Rising Damp System | How It Works | Main Failure Mode | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressurised Chemical DPC Injection | Low-viscosity fluid pressure-injected into bricks to form a continuous chemical damp course. We use Silonexx DPC Injection Fluid. | Requires correct volume, spacing, and equipment | Best / Gold Standard |
| Damp Course Creams | Thick paste injected into mortar joint, diffuses slowly | Incomplete penetration, untreated gaps | Inferior |
| Gravity-Fed Tubes / Rods | Liquid drips into brick via gravity | Cannot displace existing moisture | Unreliable |
| Physical Damp Course | Polymer sheet cut into wall | Expensive, disruptive | Effective but invasive |
| Sub-Floor Fans | Increase evaporation below floor | Accelerates salt damage | Does not fix rising damp |
| “Gravitomagnetic” Devices | Claims to reverse capillary action | No physical mechanism | Avoid |
Click below to read about each treatment system in detail
Pressurised Chemical Injection (Our Preferred Method)
- Pressure-injects a low-viscosity silane solution directly into each brick
- Displaces moisture and chemically bonds within the masonry structure
- Creates a continuous chemical damp course approximately 100 mm high
- Treats the brick itself, not just the mortar joint
- Penetrates fireplaces, junctions, and thick double-brick walls
- Full saturation is verified by controlled product overflow
- Residential and heritage masonry
- Severe or long-standing rising damp
Learn more about the Silonexx Rising Damp Product →
Trade supply at dpcinjection.com.au
Damp Course Creams
What it does
- Injects a thick cream into the mortar joint using a caulking gun
- Relies on slow diffusion into surrounding masonry
Why it often fails
- Treats mortar preferentially, not the full brick volume
- Limited penetration depth and inconsistent coverage
- High risk of untreated gaps at junctions and fireplaces
Best for
- DIY
- Low-risk, lightly affected walls
- Situations where warranty certainty is not critical
Gravity-Fed Systems
What it does
- Liquid damp-proofing solution is poured into drilled holes
- Relies on gravity to soak into the masonry over time
Why it fails
- Gravity cannot overcome existing moisture pressure
- Product often escapes into cracks or surrounding soil
- No reliable way to confirm full masonry saturation
Best for
- DIY
- Rare, ideal (dry) wall conditions only
- Non-critical applications where failure risk is acceptable
Physical Dampcourse
What it does
- Installs a physical polymer sheet into a cut mortar joint
- Creates a permanent mechanical barrier to moisture
Limitations
- Highly invasive and structurally disruptive
- Expensive, labour-intensive, and slow to install
- Few qualified installers remain
Best for
- Major renovations
- Situations where walls are already being rebuilt
- Builders and brick layers are involved
Sub-Floor Fans
What it does
- Increases airflow beneath the floor
- Reduces timber moisture (rot) and damp odours
Why it does NOT fix rising damp
- Does not stop capillary moisture movement in walls
- Increases evaporation, can accelerate salt damage
- Can worsen masonry deterioration over time
Best for
- Timber subfloor drying
- Mould and odour control only
Gravitomagnetic / “Magnetic” Devices
What it claims to do
- Alters the polarity of water molecules
- Reverses capillary action without physical intervention
Why it is not credible
- No independent scientific validation
- No adoption in any other engineering or physics field
- If it actually worked, plant capillary systems would fail (killing your plants)
Best for
- Not recommended for anything. Profiteering “device” only.
Diagram showing where rising damp injection is installed
Why we use a pressure-injection system
We are Licensed Waterproofers with a strong reputation for solving some of Sydney’s most complex underground waterproofing challenges. When we stop running water seeping through a basement wall in Vaucluse — and the client later turns that same space into a home cinema — our work must perform flawlessly. That’s why we only trust Rising Damp Products and systems that deliver the longest-lasting results.
We choose the best systems available because they almost completely eliminate our liability and reduce the chance of failure to near zero.
By using these top-tier Rising Damp Products to protect ourselves and mitigate failure, you also benefit — receiving the highest quality materials, precision workmanship, and lasting protection for your property.
We don’t take chances with people’s homes. We do the job once — and we make sure it’s done right.
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Proof: the damp course line appearing on video
The video above shows a basement wall in Sydney that we injected to treat Rising Damp.
This property had an infill slab — meaning the house footings and walls were built first, and the concrete slab was poured later inside the completed walls. (In modern construction, the slab is usually poured first, with the walls built on top.)
Our Rising Damp Treatment successfully stopped moisture rising through the masonry. However, two years later, during the major Sydney storms of February 2020, the basement experienced flooding from a separate issue — water entering through the retaining wall.
We removed all render from the basement walls, from floor to ceiling. The water being sprayed in the video is part of the preparation process for applying a negative-side waterproofing membrane — the surface must be damp for proper adhesion.
As the water is sprayed on the wall, you can clearly see the water-resistant damp course line appear. The bricks above the damp course and the concrete floor darken as they absorb moisture, while the injected damp course repels water completely, remaining dry and unaffected.
This video clearly demonstrates that using pressurised pump systems for Rising Damp injection installs a continuous chemical damp course approximately 100mm high — creating a new, effective barrier that proves our Rising Damp Products and Solutions genuinely work.
Now’s the time to call
Rising Damp Solution Product Penetration Test
The video above shows a wall in Sydney that we previously injected to treat Rising Damp.
This is an excellent example of a wall that was fully treated and waterproofed, then later cut open by electricians to install new wiring and switch points. The exposed brick reveals the effectiveness of the original Rising Damp Product even months after installation.
Before applying a negative-side waterproofing membrane, we dampened the substrate to prepare the surface. While wetting the bricks, you can clearly see the water beading from the centre of the bricks that were cut open — showing that the Rising Damp injection product had fully penetrated and bonded within the masonry.
The water repellency remains strong, visibly demonstrating that the Rising Damp Solution we installed around seven months earlier is still performing perfectly and protecting the wall from moisture.
This house Is In URGENT Need Of Rising Damp Treatment
Why Sub Floor Fans Do NOT Fix Rising Damp & Can Damage Your House
Now’s the time to call
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