Damp proofing is a common term that addresses procedures and treatments used to avoid damp from being ingested through walls or floors of the property.
Any property can be susceptible to damp issues, particularly older buildings which may have been built with no damp-proof membrane.
The two forms of protection strategies to damp proofing commercial and residential properties are Damp Proof Course (DPC) and Damp Proof Membrane (DPM)
A DPC (damp proof course) is one of numerous damp proofing treatment options used to stop damp issues from developing. A selection of different ways can be used to repair damp proof course repair and is a permanent strategy to prevent dampness from getting into a building through walls. The build-up of surplus humidity within a building can ultimately lead to structural deterioration and therefore present a threat to your property.
A DPM (damp proof membrane) is another popular technique used to prevent rising damp from manifesting inside a property. Damp-proof membrane sheets are produced from elements such as polyethene or butyl rubber and act as a sturdy screen to counteract damp from getting into a property.
The build-up of excess dampness in a building can result in damp walls which may gradually create several problems. If you see indications of damp on walls inside your property or home, then we strongly suggest you act quickly to eliminate the problem. Damp on interior walls is unattractive, harmful and is the leading cause of wood deterioration in a building, which can put your property vulnerable to structural damage.
Signs You Might Have a Damp Problem
- Peeling paint
- Stains
- Decaying skirting boards and wooden floors
- Salt staining
- Crumbling plaster
Not all causes of damp are complicated or expensive to mend. It is advisable to contact one damp proofing specialist like HydroStop and get the problem examined, rather than leaving it to worsen.
What Causes Damp?
Penetrating Damp
Can be brought on by anything from a damaged pipe or leaking roof to an obstructed drain pipe or the level of the ground outside your premises. Repairing the cause of the damp generally eliminates the issue, however in some instances, you’ll need damp proofing to prevent it from happening again.
Condensation Damp
Damp caused by condensation is not hard to spot and can typically be simply fixed by a professional. This type of damp is often the result of not enough ventilation and may present itself as mould in the bathroom or kitchen. Some restorative work, like re-plastering or re-decorating, may be needed, but eliminating the cause generally resolves the issue successfully.
Rising Damp
Can be due to a defective, broken or non-existent damp proof course inside your outside walls, along with dripping pipes at the bottom of the wall or former damp conditions that have caused water to pool at the base of the wall. In case you have rising damp there is a good possibility that your damp proof course will require restoring.
For more information or to request a quote, speak to the team at HydroStopSA today!