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FASTFOOT®  by
RISING DAMP - What is Rising Damp?
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Rising damp in concrete footings and walls is the wicking of water through concrete, and evaporation into the building. This causes excessive humidity and may lead to dampness and mold. Rising damp does not produce pools of water (as can be the case with waterproof failure of a concrete wall), but a constant musty smell, growing insidiously stronger when concrete is expose to more water.
 

 
An excellent example of wicking action and rising damp is the flow of water in a Redwood tree:
  • The roots soak up water from the ground, similar to the concrete footing;
  • The truck transfers the water vertically, similar to the concrete wall above the footing;
  • The leaves evaporate water to the air; just as the interior concrete wall evaporates to the interior.
 

  

Different Materials Show Varied Wicking Effects
 
Material Description Height of Action
Gravel Large spaces between rocks and pebbles prevent wicking forces from acting on water. Zero
River Sand Small, compacted sand particles will induce small wicking forces on the water. From 1/2' to 2' as per compaction
Clay Small particle size creates strong wicking forces. Tens of feet
Concrete Small particles create strong wicking forces. Tens of feet