What is Damp?
Many people frequently contend with the issue of dampness, particularly in older homes without an updated damp proofing system. While it may be simple to ignore small damp spots or tiny clusters of dark mould on the walls, damp may very easily grow into a bigger problem that can cause a variety of issues, such as unpleasant odours, an unsightly appearance, and, more dangerously, structural problems with your home. The major reasons why you should have your home damp proofed are discussed below, along with some of the benefits of doing so.
What are the main causes of Damp in your Home?
Damp can happen to your home due to several reasons. Lets learn and understand then one by one.
- Wetness growing through the foundation walling – Due to capillary action, moisture from wet ground may rise significantly above ground level.
- It’s possible for wetness to result from rainwater splashing against a wall’s surface and rebounding.
- Dampness may result from rainwater seeping through exposed wall tops, parapets, compound walls, etc.
- Rainwater may seep through a faulty roof covering on sloped roofs.
- Rainwater may enter the top supporting wall through a defective eaves course and eave or valley gutters, resulting in dampness.
- In the case of flat roofs, insufficient roof slopes, incorrect rainwater pipe connections, and faulty joints between the roof slab and parapet wall may prove to be the cause of dampness.
Now that we know the root causes of damp, lets discuss how to prevent it. Let’s learn about Damp Proofing or Water Treatment
What is Damp Proofing
Damp proofing is a technique for preventing dampness brought on by condensation inside damp walls, floors, or ceilings brought on by inadequate ventilation or by living in a humid area.
It’s crucial to guard your house against water damage. The best course of action is to waterproof your house because houses that aren’t water-resistant may have numerous problems in the future. The consequences could be rather costly if left unchecked.
Waterproofing during construction
New construction must be waterproofed. Even though it is important, moisture does occasionally collect below the surface of the earth and get absorbed into the elements that make up the foundation.
A preventative damp proof course is typically built during construction, consisting of the installation of a slate barrier or plastic damp proof membrane into the base of the walls. Water will start to soak up into the wall, even through bricks, if this process is not carried out properly or if it is compromised and fails. The walls will absorb the water like a sponge.
Chemical treatment for damp proofing
Old plaster is removed using chemical damp proofing, after which holes are drilled at the foot of each level, and finally, a unique chemical injection that is waterproof fills the holes.
Before adding another coat of plaster to the wall, the holes are first filled with a special salt-retardant render. It is the cheapest, quickest, and easiest method for eliminating moisture in your home. Additionally, it is largely odourless, and once it is finished, you are free to paint or finish off your walls as you like.
Preventing and Addressing Concerns with Rising Damp
These water barriers are made to guard against dampness, which does not always come from an external source. It is referred to as rising damp when this water is naturally drawn up from the earth into the floors and walls.
Usually, a salty white deposit is present as well. The simplest way to stop rising damp during construction is to place a vertical damp proof course DPC as a barrier between the walls and a horizontal waterproof damp proof course DPC along the bottom of the walls. Chemical damp proofing is usually the best option for existing structures.
Preventing and combating condensation-related interior dampness
Make sure your home’s areas that are exposed to water from showers, tubs, sinks, doing laundry, or cooking are adequately ventilated to prevent condensation and dampness from accumulating within.
Additionally, leave enough space between the walls and any furniture or clothing that is kept in closets.
Consult a Specialist
In addition to waterproofing techniques, moisture needs to be treated specifically. Your home can keep dry if water and condensation are avoided. Using a barrier, whether chemically or otherwise, is frequently referred to as damp proof course (DPC).
Damp proofing walls is meant to be a long-term preventative measure against the damaging dampness that leads to degradation and health problems for individuals who live with it.
Stay relaxed and stay damp free. Call us today to discuss how we can help you.
For more information, call or WhatsApp us on 7978603683.
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