What is meant by damp proofing?

Damp proofing is a protective measure used to describe the methods and tools used to prevent damp from penetrating and being absorbed through the walls and foundations of buildings to cause dampness in the interior of the building or property. Damp related issues are one of the most common issues encountered in homes.

What causes damp in homes?

The majority of damp related problems are caused by either rising damp or penetrative damp. Rising damp is the movement of water upwards from the ground in the lower sections of walls. Penetrative damp is caused by excess water penetrating through an external wall into the property. Penetrative damp is the most common form of damp and mostly occurs due to defects and damage to a buildings roof coverings, renderings, guttering and downpipes.

How long after damp proofing can I paint?

The time period between damp proofing and redecorating can vary depending on the type of paint being used. Typically non-vinyl emulsion can be used after 3 - 4 weeks. wall covering such as vinyl and washable paper and paints should only be applied when the walls are fully dry. As a general rule, it should take a full month for each 25mm thickness of the wall, however, the drying time also depends on other factors such as room temperature, the extent of the damp that has been fixed and the ventilation of the room.

Will a dehumidifier get rid of damp?

If the damp in your home has been caused by condensation then a dehumidifier will extract moisture from the air and release warm air balancing out the moisture levels in your home, potentially solving your damp problem.

Does insurance cover rising damp?

Most property contents home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by damp and condensation, actually, if your property already has rising damp and fail to tell your provider you run the risk of invalidating your whole policy.

Is rising damp a serious problem?

Rising damp has many negative side effects including superficial damage to internal walls, structural damage to timber and masonry. Rising damp also causes mould to form which can cause health problems for those living in the property.

Is damp normal in old houses?

The issue of damp in old houses is a common one found by homeowners of these types of properties. Older houses were designed and built differently than newer builds and are prone to issues revolving around dampness, condensation and ventilation.

Damp Proofing in Yorkshire

Residential Damp Proofing

Damp proofing is essential in any home, but especially in those located in damp or humid areas. Damp proofing helps to prevent moisture from seeping into your home and causing damage to your walls, floors, and furniture. It’s also a great way to keep mould and mildew at bay, which can cause serious health problems.

If you live in an area with high humidity, it’s important to have your property inspected by a reliable damp-proofing company such as Watertight Homes.

We provide quality damp proofing in Yorkshire. We use different techniques, but the most effective damp proofing treatments usually involve creating a physical barrier between the ground and your property.

This can be done by installing a damp proof course, a layer of material placed around your property’s perimeter. Other damp proofing measures include ensuring that your gutters and downpipes are clear and effective and that any cracks or holes in your property are repaired.

This service is well worth considering if you live in an area with common dampness and mould problems.

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Causes of Damp

There are many possible causes of dampness in homes. Some common reasons are:

Condensation

This is the most common cause of dampness, and occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows or walls. As the air cools, it condenses into water droplets, which can then seep into the walls and cause dampness.

Leaking pipes

If you have leaking pipes, this can lead to dampness on your walls or floors. Water can also seep through cracks in your home’s foundation, causing dampness.

Flooding

Flooding is a significant cause of damp, as it can saturate the ground around your home and allow water to seep into your home.

Rising damp

This occurs when dampness rises through the walls of your home from the ground. This is often caused by a lack of damp proofing or a failure of the damp proof course.

Penetrating damp

Penetrating damp happens when water seeps through your home’s external walls. This can be caused by faulty guttering, cracked render, or gaps in brickwork.

Signs of Damp

There are a few signs that your home has damp:

Damp patches on walls or floors
Musty smell
Mould or mildew growth
Peeling paint or wallpaper
Damp feeling in the air

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a damp proofing specialist right away. For top-notch damp proofing in Yorkshire, turn to Watertight Homes. We’ll assess the damage and recommend the best solution for your damp issues.

Check Out What People Say About Us

Check out some of our recent damp proofing projects

Woodlands Hotel

January 27, 2023

Customer: Woodlands Hotel Location: Gildersome, Leeds Job Description We was called out to STOP the rising damp to this Victorian hotel in one of the bridal rooms. After removing the damp plaster and installing a DRY ZONE damp roof course

Penetrating Damp in Roundhay Leeds

November 18, 2022

Customer: Mrs Boggs Location: Roundhay Leeds Job Description After my inspection, this work was not rising damp but penetrating damp due to defective pointing and very damaged brickwork. The solution was to water-proof the wall from inside the house by

Damp to walls & floor

October 21, 2022

Customer: Mr Kemp Location: Keighley Job Description The client had lots of damp on the walls and the floor. We stripped back damp plaster from the walls & lifted the concrete floor. Re-fit new screed floor with P20 membrane over

Frequently Asked Questions About Damp Proofing

How can property owners prevent damp?

Ventilate your home: Ensure you ventilate your home properly, especially in areas where the damp is most likely to occur, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Use extractor fans and open windows to help get rid of moisture in the air.
Insulate your home: Good insulation will help to keep your home warm.
Fix any leaks: If you have any leaking pipes or cracks in your walls, ensure you get them fixed as soon as possible.
Use a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier can help to remove moisture from the air.

Do I need damp proofing?

Homeowners can apply some damp-proofing products, but it’s usually best to hire a professional. This is especially true if you’re unfamiliar with the products and how to apply them properly.

If you live in an area with high humidity or notice signs of dampness in your home, it’s a good idea to contact a damp-proofing specialist. Although you may try the methods mentioned above to prevent damp, it’s best to work with a professional to ensure that your home is thoroughly inspected and damp-proofed with more effective solutions.

How much does damp proofing cost?

The cost of a damp proofing treatment will vary depending on your home’s size and the extent of the problem. Contact us for a quote on damp proofing in Yorkshire.

How long do the results of damp proofing last?

The lifespan of damp proofing products will vary, but most products will last for several years. If you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to reapply the products more frequently.

What are the types of damp proofing?

A damp proof course is a physical barrier installed around your home’s perimeter. This barrier prevents dampness from rising through the walls of your home.

On the other hand, a damp proof membrane is a sheet of material placed over your home’s foundation. This barrier will prevent dampness from seeping into your home through cracks in the foundation.

Request an Inspection

If you suspect you have damp in your home or want to safeguard your property before there’s damage, contact us for an inspection today. We’ll send our specialists to you to evaluate the situation and provide a quote.