What is damp proofing?
Our damp proofing services and guide provide customers with all they need to know about damp problems and the solutions we offer to tackle the problem. Damp proofing is a general term used to describe the methods and tools used to control and eradicate moisture that has built up within walls and floors into the interior of a building or property.
Our team of damp proofing specialists have years of experience in the professional solving of damp solutions, we are fully trained and qualified to spot and diagnose various types of damp problems and their exact causes. We provide high-quality cost-effective solutions and treatments to damp related problems after our initial examination.
Get in touch today on 0113 414 1329 for more information
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What causes damp in homes?
There are four main types of damp that can severely damage homes, these are rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation and underground water ingress, luckily here at watertight homes, we have the skills and knowledge to remedy them all.
Rising damp is usually caused by rising groundwater through capillaries in masonry. This is a well-known problem especially in older properties, this is why most new builds are now built with a DPC. However rising damp can still occur in these properties mostly due to a faulty or non-existent DPC, in this case, a DPC must be installed to stop the rising damp from occurring.
Often misdiagnosed for another cause of damp, our team thoroughly investigates until we are certain of the root cause of the damp to ensure it doesn’t cause further damage and unnecessary cost.
Penetrating damp is caused by water infiltrating the building or property through an external wall, this mainly occurs either due to water entering through a defect in a building or when external bricks or stone walls have degraded over time to the point they have become porous. Once the external bricks have become porous they allow water ingress to pass through the external wall into the property. Penetrating damp is usually the main cause of damp in a property.
Damp caused by condensation occurs when moist air in the home comes into contact with cold surfaces such as walls, windows, mirrors etc. the air can’t control the moisture and water starts to form, this type of damp can also be found in the corner of rooms and inside and behind furniture. Usually, poor ventilation in the property causes this type of damp as the moisture has nowhere to go.
Compared to modern buildings, older properties were not designed to combat dampness and stop excess build-ups of water or moisture, therefore they are more likely to suffer from severe and continuous damp related problems. Regular building maintenance will help prevent damage caused by damp however a lot of damp related issues are also caused by the improper maintenance of properties by individuals who don’t know how to properly treat and diagnose the damp.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What's the difference between waterproofing and damp proofing?
Damp-proofing
- Damp proofing is intended to keep out water vapour in foundation walls.
- Asphalt-based coating to help keep little bits of moisture from harming the surface, consequently stopping rising damp.
- Damp proofing your property is used as an effective compound to an exterior surface to stop ground moisture seeping through the concrete.
- Works well in dry climates with surface drainage.
- Not a means of protecting the whole property from water.
Waterproofing
- Waterproofing is a process designed to stop moisture and water infiltration through walls.
- Great for use in areas with high rainfall.
- Waterproofing has a thickness of up to 40mm.
- It can resist the passage of water through soil, water vapour, and can withstand hydrostatic pressure.
- Prevents any water from seeping through the concrete.
- More expensive than damp proofing
Do I need to damp proof my property?
This a common question asked by most customers who inquire about our damp proofing services, it can be hard to tell sometimes whether the issues are actually damp or something else, there is a number of signs you should consider so you know whether the problem you’re facing in your property is actually damp, these are:
- Is plaster starting to peel off your walls
- Is there a distinctive damp or musky smell travelling throughout your property, this can sometimes stick to clothes and other belongings.
- Black and other discoloured mould spots on the walls or on furniture
- Are their tidemarks appearing on the walls, these are usually one meter in height.
- Finally, the walls, floors and ceiling in your property will be cold and damp to touch.
Any of these signs are usually a clear indication of dampness in your property and should be treated very seriously, as damp not only affects the structure of your property but can also cause illness and health complications.
If you notice any of these signs do not hesitate to get in contact with us on 0113 414 1329 or alternatively fill in our form now so a member of our specialist team can investigate the matter further and rectify the problem.
How do I know if I already have damp proofing on my property
The best thing to do is check with one of our specialists through one of our thorough investigations we can determine accurately whether your property has had damp proofing treatment in the past and what type of treatment has been carried out.
In the meantime, you can get a good indication by checking the external wall of your property, look approximately 6 inches from the ground level and you should see a plastic sheet or black line running horizontally across the brickwork, this is proof that your property has had a physical damp course administered in the past.
Over the years we have dealt with cases where the previous DPC hasn’t been fitted properly, or it has become damaged over time leading to another case of damp in the property, through another course and further remedies this can be solved
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Types of damp proofing
As one of the most frequent and frustrating problems affecting homeowners in the UK, it’s no surprise that when symptoms of rising damp, penetrative damp, and condensation arise the need for accurate and high-quality solutions becomes of the utmost importance.
While the different types of damp can often show the same symptoms, each one requires a different approach and tools in order for them to be rectified. When talking about damp proofing most would assume that a damp proof course fixes all issues and while it does tackle problems associated with rising damp there are other techniques that better help prevents the other types of damp from recurring like damp proof membrane.
Damp Proofing Course
A damp proof course (DPC) is a damp proofing solution used to treat rising damp. There are different methods that can be used to repair and install damp proofing courses, the most common of which is the damp proofing injection.
Damp-proof courses are only effective in the treatment of rising damp and do not help in the treatment of other types of damp. It should be noted that rising damp is often misdiagnosed by untrained tradespeople so we recommend only getting evaluations from trusted sources such as ourselves who have years of knowledge in the identification and treatment of rising damp.
Damp Proofing Membrane
A damp proof membrane is a high-density polyethene membrane that is impervious to water infiltration and any pollutants that may be present. As a result, a damp proof membrane is an excellent material for treating damp problems like penetrating damp and rising damp.
After the source of the water, ingress has been corrected, the membrane is fastened to internal walls, and its rough surface creates a cavity that allows moisture to evaporate from the wall behind it. These membranes are frequently employed as part of a cavity drainage system in structural waterproofing projects in basements and cellars.
Condensation
Excess water on your windows and black mould on your walls and window frames are signs that your home is moist due to condensation. This is a regular occurrence in humid spaces like the bathroom and kitchen, where water vapour (steam) is abundant.
Opening windows, keeping lids on boiling pots, or closing the door when taking a bath can all help to prevent condensation. You may also require a dehumidifier to help better ventilate your home.
Are damp treatments guaranteed?
All damp proofing solutions come with a guarantee, ensuring that all damp proof courses are installed correctly. If there is a recurrence of dampness on the walls, our damp proofing specialists will be on hand to solve the problem at no additional cost.
Get in touch with our damp proofing specialists
It is of the utmost importance we correctly identify any damp proofing problems you have so we can effectively evaluate and assess the damage and correctly remedy any issues. Our damp proofing specialists will be able to provide detailed advice on the causes of the damp and prevent it from turning into more serious issues such as wood rot
We cover multiple areas across the north of England including Leeds, Manchester, Harrogate, Wakefield, Yorkshire, and Huddersfield.
Get in touch today on 0113 414 1329 or alternatively email us at info@watertight-homes.co.uk you can also contact us here.
