Price Guide

How Much Does a Damp Proofer Really Cost?

Compare prices for 12 services across 342 UK locations. Data-driven pricing updated for .

12 services priced 342 cities covered Updated

National pricing

Damp Proofer Prices

National average prices. Select a city below for local pricing.

All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise. Prices verified 2026

Rising Damp Treatment (Per Wall)

Low

£250

Average

£500

High

£1,000

Half day to 1 day

More details

Treating rising damp on a single wall by injecting waterproofing cream into the base of the wall. Holes are drilled at regular intervals and the cream creates a barrier that stops moisture rising up. Does not include replastering.

~81% labour, ~19% materials

What affects the price

  • Length and thickness of the wall
  • Wall construction (brick, stone, solid, cavity)
  • Accessibility of the wall (furniture, fittings)
  • Whether internal or external injection is needed

Damp Proof Course Injection

Low

£500

Average

£1,200

High

£2,500

1-2 days

More details

Injecting a waterproof barrier around the base of the whole property to stop damp rising up from the ground. Holes are drilled at regular intervals, waterproofing cream is injected into the wall, and the holes are patched. Price based on a mid-terrace or semi-detached property.

~81% labour, ~19% materials

What affects the price

  • Total linear metres of wall to be treated
  • Wall type and thickness (thicker walls need more product)
  • Number of walls requiring treatment
  • Whether external ground levels need lowering

Condensation Treatment

Low

£150

Average

£400

High

£800

Half day

More details

Diagnosing and treating condensation problems in your home. Solutions may include installing extractor fans, automatic vents that open when humidity is high, or a whole-house ventilation unit that pushes fresh air through the property. Includes a survey and recommendations.

~53% labour, ~47% materials

What affects the price

  • Severity and extent of the condensation problem
  • Type of ventilation solution required (fans, vents, PIV)
  • Number of rooms affected
  • Whether mould treatment is also needed

Penetrating Damp Repair

Low

£200

Average

£500

High

£1,200

Half day to 1 day

More details

Finding and fixing where rainwater is getting into your walls. Common fixes include replacing crumbling cement between bricks, sealing around windows, repairing the outside wall coating, or applying a waterproof treatment to the exterior.

~77% labour, ~23% materials

What affects the price

  • Source and severity of the water ingress
  • Type of repair needed (repointing, render, sealant)
  • Height and accessibility of the affected area
  • Whether scaffolding or access equipment is needed

Basement Waterproofing and Tanking

Low

£2,000

Average

£5,000

High

£10,000

1-2 weeks

More details

Waterproofing a basement or cellar to stop water getting in. This involves coating the walls and floor with waterproof materials, or fitting a drainage membrane that channels water to a pump that removes it. Turns a damp cellar into a usable dry space.

~62% labour, ~38% materials

What affects the price

  • Size of the basement or cellar
  • Waterproofing system type (tanking slurry, membrane, combined)
  • Water table level and severity of water ingress
  • Whether a sump pump and drainage channel are required

Mould Removal and Treatment

Low

£200

Average

£450

High

£800

Half day to 1 day

More details

Professional removal of mould from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. The mould is killed with a specialist wash, then affected areas are repainted with anti-mould paint. Includes advice on stopping it coming back. Price for a single room.

~83% labour, ~17% materials

What affects the price

  • Size of the affected area
  • Severity of mould growth (surface vs deep penetration)
  • Whether the underlying cause has been resolved
  • Number of rooms requiring treatment

Damp Survey and Report

Low

£150

Average

£250

High

£400

1-2 hours

More details

Professional damp survey using moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify the type and source of damp. Includes a written report with diagnosis, recommendations and estimated repair costs.

What affects the price

  • Size and type of property
  • Number of areas or rooms to inspect
  • Whether thermal imaging or specialist equipment is used
  • Complexity of the damp issues present

Cavity Wall Tie Replacement

Low

£500

Average

£1,500

High

£3,000

1-3 days

More details

Replacing the metal ties that hold the inner and outer layers of your walls together. Over time these can rust and fail, which can cause the outer wall to bulge or crack. New stainless steel ties are drilled into the wall to replace the old ones.

~78% labour, ~22% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of wall ties to be replaced
  • Wall construction and cavity width
  • Property size (terrace, semi, detached)
  • Whether scaffolding or cherry picker access is needed

Timber Treatment (Dry Rot)

Low

£500

Average

£1,500

High

£4,000

2-5 days

More details

Treating dry rot — a serious fungus that eats through wood and can spread through walls. All affected timber is removed, the surrounding walls are treated with anti-fungal spray, and new timber is fitted to replace what was taken out.

~77% labour, ~23% materials

What affects the price

  • Extent of the dry rot outbreak
  • Whether structural timbers are affected (joists, beams)
  • Accessibility of the affected area
  • Amount of timber requiring replacement

Timber Treatment (Wet Rot)

Low

£200

Average

£600

High

£1,500

1-2 days

More details

Treating wet rot — wood decay caused by persistent dampness, commonly found in window frames, door frames, skirting boards, and floor timbers. The rotted sections are cut out, preservative is applied, and new timber is fitted.

~76% labour, ~24% materials

What affects the price

  • Extent of the wet rot damage
  • Type of timber affected (structural vs cosmetic)
  • Whether the moisture source has been resolved
  • Amount of timber needing replacement vs treatment

Salt Damage Replastering

Low

£400

Average

£800

High

£1,500

1-2 days

More details

Removing plaster damaged by damp and salt deposits (the white crystals that appear on damp walls) and replastering with specialist plaster that blocks the salts from coming through again. Price per wall.

~79% labour, ~21% materials

What affects the price

  • Area of wall requiring replastering
  • Depth of salt contamination in the masonry
  • Type of renovation plaster system used
  • Whether the damp proof course has been treated first

Ventilation System Installation

Low

£400

Average

£800

High

£1,500

Half day to 1 day

More details

Installing a ventilation system to stop condensation and moisture building up in your home. Options range from simple extractor fans that switch on automatically when humidity rises, to whole-house systems that push fresh filtered air through every room.

~44% labour, ~56% materials

What affects the price

  • Type of system (PIV, extractor fans, MVHR)
  • Property size and number of rooms
  • Whether ducting needs to be run through the loft or walls
  • Electrical work required for connection

Popular locations

Damp Proofing Costs by City

London

£310–£1,245

Birmingham

£235–£935

Leeds

£245–£970

Glasgow

£260–£1,050

Sheffield

£245–£985

Manchester

£245–£975

Bradford

£220–£875

Edinburgh

£285–£1,140

Liverpool

£245–£990

Bristol

£270–£1,075

Coventry

£240–£960

Leicester

£215–£855

Local pricing

Find Damp Proofer Costs in Your City

Browse all 342 cities for local damp proofer pricing.

Barking and Dagenham Barnet Bexley London
Brighton Milton Keynes Reading Southampton
Bournemouth Bristol Gloucester Plymouth
Colchester Luton Norwich Peterborough
Birmingham Coventry Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton
Derby Leicester Northampton Nottingham
Bradford Leeds Sheffield York
Bolton Liverpool Manchester Warrington
County Durham Middlesbrough Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland
Blaenau Gwent Bridgend Cardiff Swansea
Aberdeen Dundee Edinburgh Glasgow
Belfast

Regional comparison

Rising Damp Treatment (Per Wall) by City

Average cost of rising damp treatment (per wall) across key UK cities.

London
+24% £620
Manchester
-2% £490
Birmingham
-7% £465
Glasgow
+5% £525
Bristol
+7% £540
Leeds
-3% £485
Cardiff
-2% £490
Belfast
-13% £435

Overview

What Does a Damp Proofer Do?

A damp proofer provides professional services covering damp diagnosis, treatment, waterproofing and timber preservation. They handle everything from routine maintenance and inspections to full installations and emergency repairs. Whether you need a small repair or a major project, hiring a qualified damp proofer ensures the work is done safely, to code, and to a professional standard.

You should hire a damp proofer whenever you need work that requires specialist skills, tools, or qualifications. Many types of damp proofer work are regulated and must be carried out by a certified professional. Attempting DIY on regulated work can be dangerous, void your insurance, and create costly problems down the line.

Pricing for damp proofer services depends on the complexity of what you need, the options chosen, and where you live in the UK. Simpler services sit at the lower end of the scale, while more involved or premium options will be significantly more expensive. The prices on this page give you a realistic range for each type of service so you know what to expect before getting quotes.

When hiring a damp proofer, always get at least three quotes from different tradespeople. Read recent reviews and ask for references. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews. A reputable damp proofer will be happy to provide a detailed breakdown of costs and explain exactly what is included in their quote.

Related services

Related Services

Services often needed alongside a damp proofer.

Builder UK price guide £30,000–£80,000 Plastering UK price guide £400–£1,000 Painting & Decorating UK price guide £200–£650 Roofing UK price guide £80–£275 Drain Services UK price guide £60–£250 Carpentry UK price guide £70–£200 Gutter Services UK price guide £50–£110 Heat Pump Installation UK price guide £8,000–£15,000

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about damp proofer costs in the UK.

What is the difference between rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation?
Rising damp comes up from the ground through walls that lack a proper damp proof course, causing a tide mark up to about one metre. Penetrating damp enters through the external walls or roof due to defects like cracked render or missing pointing. Condensation is caused by moisture in the air settling on cold surfaces and is the most common type of damp in UK homes.
Do I need a damp survey before treatment?
Yes. A proper damp survey identifies the type and cause of damp, which determines the correct treatment. Treating rising damp when the real problem is condensation wastes money and does not fix the issue. Reputable damp proofers will carry out a survey before recommending any work.
How long does a damp proof course (DPC) last?
A chemical injected DPC typically lasts 20-30 years and most reputable companies offer a 20-year guarantee. The original physical DPC in a well-built property should last the lifetime of the building, though it can fail or be bridged over time.
Can I treat damp myself?
Condensation can often be managed with better ventilation, extractor fans and dehumidifiers. However, rising damp and penetrating damp usually require professional diagnosis and treatment. Incorrectly diagnosing the type of damp or applying the wrong treatment can make the problem worse and cost more in the long run.
How long does damp treatment take to dry out?
After a damp proof course injection, walls can take 6-12 months to dry out fully depending on wall thickness and ventilation. New renovation plaster applied after treatment needs 4-6 weeks to dry before painting. Using a dehumidifier can speed the process, but patience is essential for a lasting result.
Is damp covered by home insurance?
Standard home insurance policies rarely cover damp proofing, as damp is considered a maintenance issue rather than sudden damage. However, if damp is caused by a specific event such as a burst pipe or storm damage, the resulting water damage may be covered. Check your policy or speak to your insurer.
How do I know if a damp company is reputable?
Look for membership of the Property Care Association (PCA), which is the UK trade body for damp proofing. PCA members must follow a code of practice and use qualified surveyors. Also check that any guarantee offered is insurance-backed, so it remains valid even if the company goes out of business.
Will damp proofing affect my property value?
Untreated damp can significantly reduce your property value and put off buyers. Having damp professionally treated with a transferable guarantee actually reassures buyers and can help a sale go through more smoothly, especially if the guarantee is insurance-backed and passes to the new owner.
Can damp come back after treatment?
A properly installed damp proof course should last 20-30 years. However, damp can return if the underlying cause changes — for example, if external ground levels are raised above the DPC, or if new render bridges the damp proof course. Regular maintenance of external walls, gutters and ground levels helps prevent recurrence.
How much does a damp proofer cost in the UK?
The most common damp proofer job, rising damp treatment (per wall), costs between £250 and £1,000 nationally, with an average of £500. Prices vary depending on the scope of work, materials used, and your location within the UK.
What affects damp proofer prices?
The main factors are the complexity and scope of what you need, the options and products chosen, and your location. London and the South East are typically 15-35% more expensive than northern regions. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a fair price.
How do I find a reliable damp proofer?
Get at least three quotes from different tradespeople, check recent reviews and references, and ask for a detailed written quote that breaks down all costs before committing. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews.
Do damp proofer prices vary by location?
Yes, significantly. London is the most expensive area, with prices typically 20-35% above the national average. The South East is also above average. Northern England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland tend to be 5-15% below the national average. Our city pages show exact local pricing for 342 UK locations.
Do the prices shown include materials?
The prices on this page include all typical costs. However, when getting real quotes, always confirm what is and isn't included. Some tradespeople break out costs separately, while others give an all-in price. Ask for a detailed breakdown before agreeing to any work.
When is the best time to hire a damp proofer?
Demand for damp proofer services tends to peak in autumn and winter, which can mean longer wait times and higher prices. If your job isn't urgent, booking during spring or summer may get you a better rate and faster availability. Emergency work will always cost more regardless of the time of year.