Rising Damp and Structural Mould in Older Collon Cottages
If you live in or around Collon, you’ll know the charm of older Irish homes — deep stone walls, timber floors, chimneys that once warmed the whole house.
But behind that charm lies a common structural issue that modern insulation alone can’t fix: rising damp.
In traditional cottages across Collon, Tenure, Clonmore, and Grangebellew, we’re increasingly seeing the same pattern — damp walls, a faint musty smell, and eventually, black mould appearing at the base of internal walls. It’s often misdiagnosed as condensation. But in these older structures, the culprit is usually rising damp — and it can cause serious damage if ignored.
What Is Rising Damp and Why Is It a Problem in Collon?
Rising damp is the upward movement of moisture from the ground through porous building materials like brick, sandstone, or old mortar. Homes without a damp-proof course (common in pre-1950s buildings) are especially vulnerable.
The moisture travels upwards through capillary action and deposits salts, which in turn attract even more moisture. It leads to:
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Peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper
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Damp tide marks 1m up the wall
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Crumbling skirting or plaster
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Black mould forming along base walls
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A constant damp or earthy smell
Older cottages in Collon and neighbouring areas like Tullyallen or Ardee often have no cavity wall insulation or modern damp-proofing, meaning they absorb water directly from the ground — especially after heavy rain.
Cold Bridging, Poor Insulation, and Mould Risk
Rising damp isn’t the only issue. Many traditional homes suffer from cold bridging, where external walls conduct cold air directly indoors. This leads to condensation forming inside the home — especially behind furniture or near poorly insulated windows.
Combine this with stone walls that “breathe” rather than resist moisture, and it creates an ideal environment for structural mould. This mould isn’t just unsightly — it can weaken timbers, damage plaster, and affect air quality.
Real-Life Example: A Cottage in Clonmore
Recently, we carried out a mould and damp survey in a 19th-century cottage in Clonmore, just outside Collon. The owner had lived there for 12 years. Over time, a black band had formed along the lower kitchen wall, and paint in the hallway kept bubbling and flaking off.
Our survey revealed high moisture readings in the floor and lower wall area. Salt crystals were visible under old paint layers — a textbook sign of rising damp. Airborne spore levels were also elevated due to mould forming under the stairs where airflow was restricted.
With targeted treatment, a breathable lime-based plaster, and expert advice, the owner now has a healthier, drier home.
How We Treat Rising Damp and Prevent Structural Mould
At Mould Removal Ireland, we specialise in working with older Irish homes, where generic solutions often do more harm than good. Here’s how we address rising damp in Collon:
1. Full Damp and Mould Survey
We inspect internal and external walls, use moisture meters, assess ventilation, and check for salts or hidden leaks.
👉 Book a professional survey
2. DNA Swab Testing for Hidden Mould
Not all mould is visible. We swab affected areas to identify airborne and surface-level spores.
👉 Watch how DNA testing works
3. Safe, Targeted Remediation
We treat mould with anti-microbial agents safe for stone and heritage materials, and offer advice on breathable plasters and floor-level ventilation.
👉 Learn about our mould removal methods
4. Prevention Planning
We provide personalised strategies — including insulation upgrades, passive vents, and rethinking furniture layout — to reduce the risk of mould returning.
Protecting Your Heritage Property in Collon
If you live in a period cottage or farmhouse in Collon, Tenure, or Grangebellew, here are signs that rising damp may be an issue:
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Walls feel cold and damp to the touch
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A musty smell that doesn’t go away
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Furniture or skirting is discoloured at the base
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White salts or black mould lines around floor level
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Rooms feel “wet” even when it hasn’t rained
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to act. Rising damp is slow but relentless — and won’t go away with paint or air fresheners.
Serving Collon and the Wider Area
Our team serves the entire region, including:
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Collon
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Tenure
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Grangebellew
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Tullyallen
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Clonmore
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Ardee
We’re trusted across Ireland to work with older and heritage properties, using science-led solutions that are safe, effective, and respectful of your home’s original character.
📞 Office: +353 74 971 5050
💬 WhatsApp: +353 899 408 467
📩 Get in touch now
📋 Book your damp and mould survey
Don’t Let Rising Damp Erode Your Home from the Ground Up
Whether it’s a patch on the wall or a creeping sense that “something isn’t right,” rising damp is a red flag you shouldn’t ignore.
Let Mould Removal Ireland help you protect your home, your health, and your heritage — starting with a proper inspection and real advice that works for rising damp in Collon.