Burnley Damp Proofing Experts

Burnley’s mix of traditional stone homes, older terraces, and exposed hillside locations makes it particularly prone to a wide range of damp-related issues. The town’s high rainfall levels and colder winter temperatures further contribute to common problems such as rising damp, penetrating moisture, condensation build-up, and timber decay. These issues can lead to peeling paint, mould growth, damp odours, and even compromised structural integrity if left untreated.

At RTC Group, we provide expert damp proofing services tailored specifically to Burnley’s housing stock and local climate conditions. Our technicians use the latest diagnostic tools and industry-approved methods to determine the root cause of damp and deliver a targeted, long-lasting solution. Whether your property is a listed building or a newly built home, we customise every treatment to fit its construction, layout, and moisture exposure levels. Learn more about our Damp Proofing services.

Many Burnley properties lack effective damp proof courses or have ageing systems that no longer provide reliable protection against rising moisture. This issue is especially prevalent in the town’s older housing stock, including stone terraces and historic homes where damp proofing may have degraded over time or never been installed properly to begin with. The porous nature of traditional materials like sandstone also makes these buildings more susceptible to absorbing ground moisture.

As a result, residents may notice a range of symptoms including tide marks along walls, salt efflorescence, blistering or peeling paint, damp patches near skirting boards, crumbling plaster, and a persistent musty smell. If left untreated, rising damp can cause timber decay, affect interior air quality, and even reduce property value. Prompt identification and treatment are essential to stop the spread and protect your home for the future.

Driving rain, strong prevailing winds, and ageing brick or stonework can all contribute to penetrating damp in Burnley’s properties. This issue is especially common in homes built without cavity walls or where pointing and render have deteriorated over time. Moisture enters through tiny cracks or porous materials, saturating the masonry and eventually affecting internal walls.

As a result, homeowners often see irregular damp patches, peeling wallpaper, and mould growth on internal walls, particularly on the side most exposed to weather. Left untreated, penetrating damp can cause long-term damage to plaster, flooring, and timber elements, and may increase heating costs due to reduced thermal efficiency. Addressing the problem early with professional external waterproofing and masonry protection is key to preserving your property’s structure and comfort.

Condensation is common in Burnley homes due to a combination of poor ventilation, inadequate insulation, and cold external walls—especially in older stone-built properties. These conditions allow warm, moisture-laden air to condense on cool surfaces like windows, walls, and corners of rooms. Over time, this creates a damp environment that encourages the growth of black mould and mildew, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms.

In addition to causing visible damage such as staining and peeling paint, condensation can also lead to poor indoor air quality and pose health risks for occupants—especially those with asthma or respiratory sensitivities. Addressing condensation early with effective ventilation and insulation upgrades is key to preventing mould growth and maintaining a healthier home.

Older properties in Burnley often suffer from woodworm infestations that weaken timbers in floors, lofts, and structural supports, particularly in homes with high humidity or poor ventilation. Woodworm is caused by a variety of wood-boring beetles that lay eggs in untreated or damp timber. Once the larvae hatch, they burrow into the wood and feed for several years before emerging, leaving behind tell-tale holes and powdery dust known as frass.

If left untreated, woodworm can cause serious structural issues by hollowing out floorboards, beams, roof timbers, and joists. The problem often goes unnoticed until extensive damage has occurred. Early detection is key, and professional inspection and treatment are essential to prevent further deterioration and protect your home’s integrity. RTC Group’s woodworm specialists provide thorough assessments to determine the scope of infestation and recommend the most effective course of action to ensure your property remains safe and secure.

Dry rot is one of the most destructive timber fungi, capable of causing severe structural damage if not identified and treated promptly. It often develops in hidden, unventilated areas such as behind walls, under floorboards, or within roof voids—especially where persistent dampness goes unnoticed. The fungus thrives in timber with a moisture content above 20%, and once established, it can spread rapidly through both wood and adjacent masonry in search of new sources of moisture.

Signs of dry rot include musty odours, brittle or cracked timber, cuboidal cracking in wood surfaces, and fruiting bodies that resemble mushrooms with a rusty orange hue. As it spreads, dry rot compromises the strength and stability of essential structural elements like joists, beams, and flooring. Left untreated, it poses a serious risk to the safety and value of your property. Regular inspections and early intervention are key to minimising damage, especially in older Burnley homes prone to damp conditions.

Wet rot thrives in persistently damp areas, particularly where poor ventilation and high humidity allow moisture to accumulate over extended periods. This type of fungal decay is most commonly found in places such as basements, ground floors, and areas near leaking pipes or roofs where timber remains in contact with a continuous moisture source. Unlike dry rot, wet rot tends to stay localised but can still lead to significant weakening of the timber it affects.

Over time, wet rot causes wood to soften, discolour, and lose its load-bearing strength, potentially leading to structural damage in floors, window frames, and joists. Signs may include a musty smell, a spongy texture to timber surfaces, cracking paint, and visible fungal growth. If left untreated, the decay can spread to adjacent timbers and worsen underlying damp issues. Identifying the source of moisture and implementing targeted repairs is essential for resolving wet rot and preventing future reoccurrence.

Choosing the right damp proofing and timber treatment specialist can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your Burnley property. With decades of experience and a reputation built on trust, quality, and professionalism, RTC Group is the go-to choice for homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners alike. Our team is committed to delivering results that last, with every treatment tailored to the unique needs of your building and backed by solid guarantees.

• Over 35 years of experience treating damp and decay in Lancashire

• PCA-certified, TrustMark-accredited experts

• Treatments for heritage, stone and modern properties

• Insurance-backed guarantees on all work

• Clean, professional, and respectful service from start to finish