Damp proofing work should always be undertaken by a reputable company, as there are many “fly by night” contractors who purport to be damp proofing specialists.
Houses that are built too low to the external surrounding ground often suffer from rising dampness.
Houses built with solid (as opposed to cavity) walls often suffer from penetrating damp.
Damp internal walls indicate defective construction, whereas fungal growth on walls, cornices
and ceilings tends to indicate a high relative humidity inside the room in which a fungal growth occurs.
Blackened cornices and ceilings do not therefore necessarily indicate a leaking roof or storm water ingress through external wall.
All external window frames should be properly sealed around with flexible sealant.
Damp Control (Cape) CC can advise you on all of the above.