South Africa might have one of the warmest, sunniest climates in the world but there is still a significant need for damp proofing all over the country. Most homeowners will experience water damage or damp at some point which is why it’s vital to know the signs and how to treat it.

Damp causes extensive damage to your property over time but what’s even worse is that it can cause various illnesses and respiratory problems if left untreated.

There are various types of damp that requires different treatment approaches and in this article, we’ll take a look at lateral damp.

What Is Lateral Damp?

Lateral damp (also known as penetrating damp) is caused by moisture penetrating a wall. This type of damp is typically evident in split-level construction, showers and planters.

In case you don’t know, during construction, showers should be sealed to prevent lateral damp. This is because tiled walls can easily be penetrated by moisture through the grout. It is crucial that the shower is sealed correctly.

How to Treat Lateral Damp

To treat lateral damp, you need to strip the plaster from the wall completely and apply sealant to the bricks to prevent a moisture path through the wall. This can be done internally or externally. Once done, a chemical damp course will be injected at a higher level to prevent rising damp.

Other causes of camp patches high up on walls could be rainwater that gained access through the roof or cracks in the exterior plaster.

If you have found signs of damp in your home, consider hiring a professional to assess the problem and provide you with a treatment plan.

At Hydrostop SA we offer a 10-year guarantee on our damp proofing and waterproofing services Pretoria and we strictly follow the manufacturer’s specifications when it comes to the application of their products to ensure the best results. Get in touch with the team for a quote today.