MURSAIN - specialist in building moisture issues, helping preserve heritage buildings
Wall with saltpetre and damp band typical of rising damp

MURSAIN solution

Treat rising damp at the source

Saltpetre, damp band, crumbling plaster: hiding these symptoms does not address the cause. When the diagnosis supports rising damp, the MURSAIN process is designed to act on the physical mechanism that makes water rise in the wall, without electricity or routine maintenance.

Answer first

Rising damp is moisture that migrates from the ground into porous walls by capillary action. It often shows up as a damp tide mark, salt deposits, damaged plaster or flaking paint at the base of the wall. For the detailed mechanism, read the guide to capillary rise.

Rising damp, infiltration or condensation?

A visible mark gives useful clues, but appearance alone does not diagnose a damp wall. Location, history, materials and measurements must be considered together before choosing a treatment.

Signs compatible with rising damp

A damp band may start at the base of the wall, with salt deposits, crumbling plaster or flaking paint near skirting level.

Signs compatible with infiltration

The trace is more localized, linked to a facade, roof, gutter, window, buried wall or pipework, and may worsen after rain or a water incident.

Signs compatible with condensation

Marks often appear on cold surfaces, around windows, in corners or behind furniture, with mould and insufficient air renewal.

Choose a solution after identifying the source

A useful comparison starts with the source of moisture indicated by the diagnosis, then matches it with the response that can act on it.

Finishes and protection

Surface coatings

Renders, paints and finishing systems can protect or restore a wall once the source of moisture has been treated. Used too early, they mainly act on the visible surface.

  • ✓Useful for finishing and compatible restoration work
  • ✓Does not identify the source of moisture on its own

Barrier in the wall

Chemical injection

Injection systems are designed to create a barrier inside the masonry. Their relevance depends on the materials, continuity of the wall and the building context.

  • ✓A solution to assess case by case
  • ✓Requires a technical assessment of each wall

Condensation and indoor air

Air treatment

Ventilation and dehumidification are appropriate when moisture comes from the air. They do not answer the same need as a treatment for water migrating through the wall.

  • ✓Relevant for condensation or excess indoor humidity
  • ✓Separate from rising damp in the walls

Rising damp after diagnosis

MURSAIN process

The MURSAIN process is considered when the analysis points to rising damp as the dominant cause. It is passive, autonomous, installed by a trained technician and followed over time.

  • ✓Works without electrical power or routine maintenance
  • ✓Installed by a trained technician, with follow-up checks

The MURSAIN process

Passive and autonomous, installed by a trained technician

The MURSAIN process draws on applied physics, notably certain works by Mr de Laplace, and is designed to neutralise the capillary mechanism at the origin of rising damp. It targets the force that makes water rise in the pores of the wall.

Developed by Mr LECARPENTIER, it has been proven for more than 40 years. This equipment contains no wear material: it requires no part replacement, no consumables, no regular intervention.

MURSAIN process installed on a wall for rising damp treatment

How MURSAIN qualifies your situation before installation

MURSAIN technician measuring wall moisture with a professional moisture meter
1

First exchange for a free quote

You share photos, the age and type of building, the rooms affected and the history of the issue. This first exchange helps decide whether rising damp should be checked on site.

2

Building context

The technician looks at materials, wall thickness, floor levels, ventilation, exposure to rain and any recent works or water incidents.

3

Moisture measurements

Measurements are taken on site to compare zones, heights and walls. They support the analysis instead of replacing it.

4

Cause comparison

The technician compares rising damp with infiltration, condensation, leaks and water damage. Several causes can coexist in the same building.

5

Treatment recommendation

MURSAIN proposes the process only when the analysis points to rising damp. If another cause dominates, the technician explains which issue should be handled first.

6

Installation and follow-up

A trained technician installs the equipment, then follow-up checks measure how moisture evolves and document the result over time.

What our clients say after the MURSAIN process is installed

I was convinced by the geomagnetic process. Follow-up checks confirmed the positive result.


Audrey ARDAENS

The geomagnetic process reduced the moisture level and met my expectations. The follow-up check confirmed the results.


Hervé de B.

MURSAIN equipment installed in 2023: we noticed a significant reduction in humidity.


Ghislain de Castelbajac

Owner of the Château de Caumont

What rising damp damages without treatment

Wall damaged by rising damp: saltpetre and crumbling plaster

The building

Saltpetre, damp band, crumbling plaster, flaking paint, peeling wallpaper. Untreated moisture gradually weakens the structure.

Interior room affected by building moisture

Indoor comfort

A damp building degrades indoor air quality and makes rooms less pleasant to live in, whatever the season.

Repeated façade works linked to untreated moisture

Household economy

The more moisture a wall contains, the more energy is needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. Repeated façade work increases costs over time.

Details of the causes and effects of building moisture →

The MURSAIN process: what you need to know

How do I choose the right rising damp treatment?

Start with the diagnostic conclusion, not with the appearance of the mark. If the issue comes from indoor air, ventilation or dehumidification may be relevant. If it comes from infiltration or a leak, the water entry must be repaired. The MURSAIN process is considered when the analysis supports rising damp in the walls.

What affects the price of a MURSAIN intervention?

There is no single price to publish without seeing the building. The quote depends on the walls concerned, access, materials, the extent of the issue, the diagnosis and the chosen treatment route. MURSAIN prepares a free quote after qualifying the situation.

When can I replaster, repaint or redecorate?

After the cause has been treated and the wall has been checked. Drying time varies with the amount of water, materials, thickness, ventilation and season. Do not rely only on the disappearance of a stain before starting finishes.

Is the MURSAIN process suitable for old buildings?

Old buildings are often concerned because their materials are porous and may lack a capillary break. That does not make the answer automatic: the wall composition, ground levels, previous works and other moisture sources still have to be assessed.

Can I install the MURSAIN process myself?

No. The MURSAIN process is installed by a trained technician after analysis of the building and the likely causes of the moisture. The position is defined from the wall context, not chosen at random.

Why can saltpetre come back after cleaning?

Saltpetre is linked to salts carried by moisture inside the wall. If moisture continues to migrate, deposits can reappear even after scraping, cleaning or repainting.

Does the MURSAIN process use electricity or regular maintenance?

No. The process is passive and autonomous. It uses no electricity and has no consumables or wearing parts requiring routine replacement.

How are results measured after installation?

Follow-up checks compare moisture readings over time on the relevant walls. The aim is to document the evolution rather than judge from appearance alone, because finishes can dry or remain marked at a different pace from the masonry.

When is MURSAIN not the appropriate solution?

MURSAIN is not proposed when the dominant cause is condensation, infiltration, a leak, recent water damage or another issue unrelated to rising damp. In those cases, the suitable response is to treat that cause first.

Does MURSAIN cover all of France?

MURSAIN operates in France. Intervention conditions and scheduling depend on the location, the building and the scope of work, which are clarified during the free quote process.

What does the guarantee cover?

MURSAIN commits to a minimum 25% reduction in moisture within the first 3 years. If that result is not reached, MURSAIN refunds the equipment and removes it. The exact scope is defined in the contractual guarantee terms.

Satisfied or refunded: at least 25% reduction within the first 3 years — MURSAIN result guarantee.SATISFIED OR REFUNDEDMURSAIN RESULT GUARANTEE−25%reductionwithin 3 years

Our commitment

Satisfied or refunded

We commit to a minimum 25% reduction in moisture within the first 3 years. If that result is not reached, MURSAIN refunds the equipment and removes it. A guarantee that reflects our confidence in the process.

Company statement; reimbursement history to be kept up to date by MURSAIN. See the contractual guarantee terms.

Next step

Does your building show signs of rising damp?

Describe the observed issues (saltpetre, damp band, damaged plaster) and the construction period. We assess your situation with no obligation.

Treat the source so the damp does not keep coming back.

Satisfied or refunded: at least 25% reduction within the first 3 years — MURSAIN result guarantee.SATISFIED OR REFUNDEDMURSAIN RESULT GUARANTEE−25%reductionwithin 3 yearsRequest my free quote05 81 85 50 07