Breakthrough Technology for Fixing Rising Damp
Rising damp has challenged builders for thousands of years. Leviticus 14:39–41 even describes the issue, instructing people to remove and discard salt‑contaminated stones and, in severe cases, demolish the entire house. This early reference highlights the same problems we face today: moisture rising through masonry and the damaging salts left behind inside the walls.
You can see the destructive effects of rising damp clearly in Venice, where salt‑laden moisture continually erodes the base of historic buildings. In Adelaide, Australia, before 1980, rising damp was so widespread that builders often demolished affected walls and rebuilt them with a new damp course — a costly and difficult process.
Across the world, many buildings still suffer from rising damp, and architectural conservators consider it one of the most challenging issues in restoration. Damp walls also create unhealthy and unpleasant living conditions.
Why Tech‑Dry Developed a New Rising Damp Solution
Dr Ren Kebao at Tech‑Dry Melbourne recognised that traditional methods were expensive, inconsistent, and difficult to apply. He set out to create a new technology that met strict performance and usability requirements:
- easy application so users in any country could adopt the method
- solvent‑free, low‑ or zero‑VOC formulation
- ability to form a horizontal damp‑course using a simple drilling technique
- long‑term stability within the wall fabric
- reliable performance across temperatures from 0–50°C
- economical cost to ensure wide accessibility
- non‑dangerous‑goods classification for affordable shipping
The Breakthrough: A Stable, High‑Performance Damp‑Course Cream
Dr Ren developed a damp‑course cream inspired by protective technologies used on concrete bridges. He engineered the cream to collapse slowly inside drilled holes, allowing active silicone materials to spread through the masonry without plugging or damming the holes.
He selected the active silicone for its:
- low vapour pressure
- very low odour
- strong surface activity within masonry
This behaviour allows the material to penetrate the wall and form a durable horizontal barrier against rising damp. In most cases, installers only need to drill slightly above a mortar line to create an effective damp‑course.
A Proven, Environmentally Friendly Rising Damp Treatment
Tech‑Dry’s damp‑course cream has been used successfully across Australia for decades. It stands as a practical, environmentally responsible solution to an age‑old problem. By combining scientific research with real‑world usability, Tech‑Dry has delivered a rising damp treatment that protects buildings, supports heritage conservation, and improves indoor living conditions.