Introduction
For decades, rising damp has been treated using invasive and disruptive methods such as chemical injections, wall cutting, or waterproof barriers. While these approaches can be effective in some cases, they involve drilling, construction work, and repeated interventions that are not always suitable for older or heritage buildings.
In recent decades, non-invasive technologies have emerged as alternatives: electromagnetic devices (ATE) and geomagnetic devices (ATG). Instead of adding physical or chemical barriers, these systems use physical principles to influence how moisture behaves inside masonry.
This article explains in detail how these devices work, their characteristics, advantages, and the key distinctions between them.
Understanding rising damp and capillary action
Rising damp occurs because of a natural physical phenomenon: capillarity.
- Masonry materials such as brick, stone, or mortar are porous.
- These pores act like microscopic tubes, drawing water upwards from the ground.
- Just as a sponge absorbs water, walls can pull groundwater up to one meter or more.
This constant process brings not only moisture but also salts into the structure, leading to efflorescence, flaking plaster, and reduced thermal performance.
Traditional treatments aim to create a barrier against this movement. By contrast, ATE and ATG devices aim to modify the forces driving capillarity itself.
What are anti-rising damp devices?
Anti-rising damp devices are units installed inside the building that act on the movement of water molecules in masonry.
- They do not block water with chemicals or membranes.
- They rely on physical principles (electromagnetism or geomagnetism).
- Their aim is to influence or counteract the upward migration of moisture.
This makes them fundamentally different from traditional interventions.
Electromagnetic systems (ATE): the reference solution
How they work
ATE devices (Electromagnetic Treatment Units) operate by emitting low-frequency electromagnetic impulses.
- These impulses interact with the dipolar nature of water molecules inside the wall.
- The electromagnetic field modifies the way these molecules align and move.
- This action aims to counteract capillary rise, limiting the upward movement of groundwater.
In simple terms, ATE units create a controlled electromagnetic environment that influences how water behaves in masonry pores.
Characteristics
- Require electricity: a permanent power supply ensures continuous operation.
- Quick and non-invasive installation: no drilling, no cutting, no chemicals.
- Minimal maintenance: an occasional check to confirm the device is powered is usually sufficient.
- Durability: designed to operate over the long term without consumables.
Why ATE is considered the reference solution
- Continuous and reliable operation.
- Proven effectiveness in various building types (residential, public, commercial).
- Compatible with old and new constructions alike.
👉 For these reasons, ATE systems are regarded as the standard choice when treating rising damp with modern technologies.
Geomagnetic systems (ATG): an alternative solution
How they work
ATG devices (Geomagnetic Treatment Units) use natural geomagnetic fields present in the environment.
- They generate a polarity effect within masonry.
- This influences the distribution and movement of water molecules.
- Unlike ATE, they do not emit an external impulse but instead harness existing geomagnetic forces.
Characteristics
- Autonomous: no electricity required.
- Maintenance-free: once installed, they work continuously without intervention.
- Discreet: small units that blend into interiors.
When ATG is used
Geomagnetic devices are not a competitor to ATE but a fallback option.
They are typically installed only in situations where ATE installation is technically impossible, such as:
- absence of a reliable electrical supply,
- constraints preventing safe wiring,
- very specific building configurations.
Why both ATE and ATG are considered non-invasive
Compared to traditional methods, these technologies offer significant advantages:
- No drilling into walls: masonry remains intact.
- No chemicals: no injection products, no risk of deterioration from treatments.
- No disruptive construction work: installation usually takes less than an hour.
- Respect for heritage buildings: suitable for listed or historical properties where invasive work is prohibited.
This makes them particularly attractive for owners who want to protect both their property and its architectural integrity.
Key differences between ATE and ATG
Although both systems target the same problem, their principles differ:
- ATE (Electromagnetic) → emits low-frequency electromagnetic impulses, requires electricity, considered the reference technology.
- ATG (Geomagnetic) → uses natural geomagnetic fields, autonomous, reserved for cases where ATE installation is not feasible.
👉 The distinction is not about the size of the building (contrary to some misconceptions), but about technical installation conditions.
Advantages compared to traditional methods
Traditional treatments
- Chemical injections: require drilling, periodic re-application, effectiveness can vary.
- Physical barriers: cutting walls to insert membranes, highly invasive and expensive.
- Breathable plasters: allow evaporation but do not stop the cause.
Device-based treatments (ATE and ATG)
- Installed in a matter of minutes.
- Operate autonomously once in place.
- Avoid repeated maintenance cycles.
- Preserve the structure’s integrity.
Conclusion
Electromagnetic (ATE) and geomagnetic (ATG) devices represent a modern, non-invasive alternative to traditional rising damp treatments.
- ATE systems: emit low-frequency electromagnetic impulses, require electricity, and are regarded as the reference solution.
- ATG systems: harness geomagnetic fields, fully autonomous, used only when ATE cannot be installed.
Both approaches share the same advantage: protecting buildings from rising damp without drilling, chemicals, or invasive construction work.
👉 Understanding how these devices work allows homeowners to distinguish them from traditional methods and to see in which contexts each can be considered.
