In damp proofing, procedures and treatments are employed to prevent damp from being ingested through walls or floors. The occurrence of damp issues is possible in any property, especially older buildings with no damp-proof membrane.

Damp Proof Course (DPC) and Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) are the two types of damp proofing strategies for commercial and residential properties.

One of the many ways to stop damp issues is by applying damp-proof courses (DPCs). It is a permanent strategy to prevent damp from getting into a building through walls and can be done in a variety of ways. Surplus humidity can cause damage to your property by causing structural deterioration inside a building.

Another popular technique for preventing rising damp is the installation of a damp proof membrane (DPM). Membrane sheets made of polyethene or butyl rubber act as a barrier to stop damp from getting into a house.

Excessive dampness can cause damp walls that may gradually cause various problems in a building. We recommend you act quickly to eliminate damp spots on walls in your property or home if you notice damp spots on them. Water damage to interior walls is unsightly, unhealthy, and the leading cause of deterioration of wood in a building, putting your property at risk of structural damage. Here are some signs that you might have a damp problem:

• Brown or salt stains
• Peeling paint
• Deteriorating wooden floors and skirting boards
• Cracked plaster

It is advisable to contact a damp proofing specialist like HydroStop in Pretoria if you observe any of the signs above. Instead of letting the problem worsen, get it checked as soon as possible.

What Causes Damp?

Rising Damp

This problem is commonly caused by a defective, broken, or nonexistent dampproof course inside your outside walls, along with dripping pipes or former damp conditions that caused water to pool. Your damp-proof course may need to be restored if you have rising damp.

Penetrating Damp

Damaged pipes, leaking roofs, obstructed drain pipes, or the level of the ground outside of your premises can cause this type of damp. In most cases, you can resolve the damp issue by repairing the original cause, but sometimes you’ll need to damp proof the area to prevent it from occurring again.

Condensation Damp

A professional can usually fix damp caused by condensation if it is spotted and properly diagnosed. Often, this type of damp is caused by insufficient ventilation and may manifest itself in the form of mould in the kitchen or bathroom. Depending on the issue, restorative work may need to be done, like re-plastering or redecorating, but eliminating the cause generally fixes the problem.

Get in touch with the team at HydroStop today for more info or a quote!