Rising Damp and Mould: What We Found in Glenties Homes During Our Latest Survey

Tucked into the hills of west Donegal, Glenties is no stranger to harsh Atlantic weather and high rainfall. But during a recent survey carried out by the team at Causeway Cleaning Ltd, we found something that’s quietly damaging many of the area’s homes: rising damp and deep-seated mould.

This wasn’t just a single property. It was a pattern—seen again and again across multiple homes in the area. And it’s a wake-up call for homeowners, landlords, and tenants alike.

On the Ground in Glenties: What We Saw

Our survey covered a series of homes in and around Glenties, many of them traditional builds—some holiday lets, some long-term rentals, and others privately owned.

Here’s what we found:

• Tide marks and discolouration at the base of internal walls
• Crumbly, salt-damaged plaster along skirting boards
• Strong, musty odours—even in recently cleaned properties
• Black mould behind kitchen units and wardrobes
• Flaking paint and soft timber in floor-level areas

These are classic signs of rising damp, where groundwater moves up through porous building materials like bricks and plaster, often due to failed or missing damp-proof courses.

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) explains that rising damp is often misdiagnosed or ignored until it becomes serious—especially in rural and older properties.

The Science Behind What We Found

When we investigated further, moisture readings confirmed what our eyes already suspected. In some areas, wall moisture content was over 20%, well above the safe zone.

We also conducted mould DNA tests in affected areas. These revealed:

• Presence of Cladosporium and Stachybotrys chartarum—both associated with respiratory issues
• Spore levels significantly higher than outdoor samples
• Signs of contamination beneath flooring, unseen by the homeowner

🎥 Watch how we carry out mould DNA testing

Why This Happens So Often in Glenties

Glenties gets heavy rainfall, but that’s not the only issue.

The key contributing factors:

• Many homes lack modern damp-proof membranes or they’ve failed over time
• Clay-rich soil in the region retains water and encourages ground saturation
• Some properties were renovated without addressing sub-floor ventilation or wall insulation
• Periods of vacancy (holiday homes or inherited houses) allow moisture to settle and mould to grow quietly over time

And in homes that are rarely heated in winter, cold surfaces attract condensation—adding another layer of moisture that mould feeds on.

The Irish National Trust for Conservation warns that older rural homes need tailored damp solutions—not generic fixes.

Real People, Real Homes – And Real Risks

One semi-detached home we visited had been empty for six months. On the surface, it looked fine. Fresh paint, clean surfaces, and no visible damp. But when we pulled out a unit in the kitchen corner, the black mould growth was extensive.

The family who’d recently moved in had started experiencing:

• Persistent coughs
• Sleep disruption from congestion
• An odd chemical smell in one bedroom

Their toddler, in particular, had developed skin irritation that the GP linked to environmental allergens.

Once we opened up the wall cavity, the problem became clear. Rising damp had soaked into the lower brickwork, and behind the plasterboard, the mould had flourished.

What Can Be Done?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—but the key is understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface.

Here’s what we did for our Glenties clients:

1. Carried out a full moisture and mould inspection with thermal imaging and sampling
2. Used DNA testing to detect invisible mould in the air and behind surfaces
3. Sanitised and remediated contaminated areas using certified methods
4. Provided a full written report for insurance, builder reference, and future lettings
5. Offered ongoing support, including ventilation and heating recommendations

🎥 See how our inspections are done
👉 Learn about our mould removal process

Preventing It from Coming Back

Glenties homeowners should consider:

• Upgrading or installing a damp-proof course where possible
• Using permeable, breathable materials on older stone walls
• Installing positive input ventilation (PIV) systems for air flow
• Dehumidifiers with auto settings to keep RH below 60%
• Keeping heating consistent—even in empty properties, during the off-season

We also recommend regular professional mould inspections, especially in homes prone to damp or left unoccupied.

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Final Thoughts from the Field

Our Glenties survey proved once again that you can’t always see the problem—but that doesn’t mean it’s not there.

If you live in the area or own property there, rising damp and mould could be eating away at your home—and your health—without you even knowing.

Before you redecorate or rent it out again, get it checked properly. And if you’ve seen any of the signs we mentioned above, it’s time to act.

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