Case Study · Commercial Damp Proofing
Damp Proofing and Lime Plastering for Crew Clothing
Rising damp in a Listed retail building, treated with heritage-appropriate methods, a chemical damp proof course and a horse hair lime render, that satisfy listed building regulations.
Written by Sam Fitzgerald, Founder & Surveyor
The Brief
Crew Clothing contacted Advanced Damp about damp affecting a Listed commercial property. A listed building changes everything about how you treat damp: you cannot simply reach for standard modern materials, the works have to satisfy listed building regulations and protect the historic fabric. We booked in a damp survey to assess the premises properly before recommending anything.
What the Survey Found
The survey assessed the building across the full range of issues, rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation, water ingress, external render damage and wood rot. The primary problem was rising damp. From there we worked closely with the building surveyors to design a solution that would both treat the damp and meet the requirements that come with a listed property.
Our Solution
We used two elements, chosen specifically for a listed building:
Why lime rather than a modern cement render? Traditional buildings are built to breathe. A cement render traps moisture inside the old walls and can do real damage to historic fabric, and it is generally not permitted on listed buildings. A lime render lets the wall breathe and release moisture, which is both the conservation-approved approach and the right one for the building's long-term health.
The Outcome
The rising damp was treated, the historic fabric protected with a breathable lime finish, and the work carried out in line with the building's listed status. On completion, the client was awarded our written 20-year guarantee on the damp proofing.
Why It Matters
Listed and period commercial buildings need a different approach from modern ones. The wrong materials, cement render or modern tanking, can trap moisture, damage irreplaceable historic fabric and even breach listed building consent. Pairing the right damp treatment with heritage-appropriate lime work, and coordinating with the building surveyors, is what protects both the building and its listing. It is the care we bring to every period and listed property we treat as part of our commercial damp proofing work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you damp proof a Listed building?
Yes. It requires methods and materials that satisfy listed building regulations and protect the historic fabric, such as breathable lime render rather than modern cement, often coordinated with the building's surveyors or conservation officer.
Why use lime plaster instead of normal plaster or render?
Traditional solid-wall buildings are designed to breathe. Lime render lets moisture evaporate out of the wall, whereas modern cement traps it, which can worsen damp and damage old masonry. On listed buildings, lime is usually the required approach.
Do you work with building surveyors and conservation requirements?
Yes. On listed and heritage projects we work alongside the building surveyors to agree a solution that treats the damp and meets the conservation requirements.
Own or Manage a Listed or Period Commercial Building With Damp?
We treat damp in heritage and listed buildings with a sympathetic, compliant approach. This kind of project suits you if you have:
Start with a survey and we will set out a treatment that respects the building and meets the regulations.
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Damp in a listed or commercial building?
Book a survey and we will diagnose the cause and recommend a heritage-appropriate treatment, backed by our written guarantee.
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