How Long Does Damp Proofing Take?
How Long Does Damp Proofing Take? A Realistic Timeline for Homeowners
Damp in your house can be a real nightmare — peeling paint, musty odors and, eventually, structural damages. If you are considering addressing the issue, one of the first questions that may cross your mind is: how long does damp proofing take? The answer depends on a number of things such as the type of damp, the size of the area and method used.
In this guide, we’re going to cover damp proofing costs, the damp proofing process, how long it usually takes and what you might expect to experience during and after damp proofing.
What Factors Contribute to the Damp Proofing Time of a Property?
The amount of time you’ll need to damp proof isn’t cookie-cutter. These are the primary considerations that determine the duration of the process:
1. Severity of the Damp
A small area of rising damp is relatively easy to treat. But if the walls are saturated to begin with, the process will take longer ― particularly the time it will take for the walls to fully dry.
2. Type of Property
Older homes constructed with porous materials (bricks and lime mortar) can take longer to treat and dry out than newer properties with modern construction techniques.
3. Size of the Affected Area
One individual damp wall can be treated in a day or two, but a whole house may require several days of application alone — not to mention the drying.
4. Weather Conditions
Drying can be suppressed by humidity and cold weather. Winter or rainy periods should always add on more time.
5. Type of Treatment
Each method of damp proofing varies in how long it will take to apply and dry, here’s what to expect.
Typical Timeline for Damp Proofing
Damp Proofing Method Time to Complete
Chemical DPC Injection 1–2 days
Tanking/Waterproof Membrane 2–4 days
Installing New DPC (Physical) 3–5 days
Full House Damp Treatment 4–7 days
Drying Time After Treatment 7–21+ days
Jobs can be finished in days, but drying can be much longer — particularly if walls were soaked in water for months.
How Long Does Damp Take to Dry Out After Treatment?
Here’s where the average homeowner falls into the trap. And even after treatment, walls can take 2 to 3 weeks — or longer — to dry completely.
Tips to speed up drying:
Use a dehumidifier
Improve ventilation
Do not paint or wallpaper too soon (wait for walls to dry thoroughly?)
Aftercare and What to Expect:
Once your damp-proofing treatment has been applied:
There is no need to rush out and redecorate — trapped moisture can ruin your finish.
Keep an eye on your walls for obvious and recurring damp (it’ll be easier to address problems early if you can spot them).
Plastering (replastering may be required for walls in poor condition) This adds an extra 1-2 days to your project.
Damp Proofing Tips for Homeowners
Hire a professional: “This is not a do-it-yourself thing unless you know what you’re doing.”
Pick the treatment that’s best for your unique issue.
Ventilate your home even after you’re done, to prevent new problems.
Need help identifying the signs? Check out our other blog:
The 5 Tell-Tale Signs of Rising Damp (And How to Deal with It)
Itching to get a feel for how you can fix it yourself? Read:
How to Repair Rising Damp
Other Questions Homeowners Ask
How long does it take for rising damp treatment?
Approximately 2–4 days, depending on the size of the wall and type of treatment.
Am I Allowed To decorate Once the wet wall has been damped proofed?
Paint after waiting at least 2–3 weeks. Always check the wall for damp before you begin.
Is damp proofing permanent?
Most treatments are designed to last for decades if performed correctly by trained professionals.
Final Thoughts
So how long does damp proofing take? Here’s the quick summary:It can be permanently cured with treatment over 1 to 5 days, depending on severity and treatment method.
Drying time can be as long as 2–3 weeks, particularly in bad weather.
Expect to have to wait up to a month before you can (re)decorate with confidence.
In search of good damp proofing near you?
Contact Kennedy Damp Proofing for a free consultation and professional advice.
