Damp proofing

Penetrating and rising damp can have a devastating impact on any home or business.  As well as being unsightly, damp can cause damage to structures and materials, not to mention being a health hazard.  You may spots signs of damp as below:

• Tide marks and damp staining
• Mould growth
• Peeling wallpaper
• Split and rotten skirting boards

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp can be caused by blocked gutterings and down pipes, which allow water to enter a property.  Wind and driving rain on porous soft brickwork can cause damp to penetrate through the walls and cavities.  Blocked cavities from rubble left by building work or ineffective wall ties can also assist the transfer of water.

Treatment

Check gutters and downpipes for blockages or damage, also around windows, gaps and capillary grooves may be an issue.  Seals around windows and rendering may also be causing a problem.  A treatment using a damp proof membrane will stop any further issues.  This form of treatment stops contaminated salts from penetrating through, but still allows the structure to breathe.

Rising Damp

This is where ground water rises through the structure of the building, a process called capillary action.  The porous brickwork helps water climb up through the structure.  A damaged or missing damp proof course (DPC) will cause the water to transfer up the walls damaging plasterwork, decoration, floors and skirting boards.  Tell tale signs are mould and salts penetrating through the wall, blistering to decoration and crumbling plaster which will usually mean a more serious damp issue.

Treatment

Removal of all infected materials such as plasterwork up to 1.2m high and skirting boards will be required.  A  damp proof injection treatment would then be applied to the external and internal walls, followed by a damp proof membrane to stop any mould or contamination salts that may still be present.  Plasterwork can be reinstated as well as skirting boards and electrical sockets, etc.  On completion of the work, a guarantee will be issued to the customer.

Book a Survey

Call Active Limited for a free home survey and no obligation quotation.