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 Specialist in Wakefield

Homes that have damp issues can cause serious health issues as well as damage to the structure, which can be detrimental to homeowners. This means that detecting the signs that your house needs protecting from damp is important.

A watertight structure prevents dampness from occurring by preventing water from entering and evaporating. The difference in protection methods means that damp-proofed homes are not as waterproof as waterproofed homes.

Wakefield’s trusted damp proofing company

Watertight Homes consists of fully trained and qualified damp proofing specialists in Wakefield. We offer prompt diagnosis and treatment to identify the underlying causes of damp and repair structural damage immediately. Our team will perform an initial assessment and deliver cost-effective solutions to all your rising damp problems.

We also offer basement & cellar conversions in Wakefield. These rooms are high-risk areas for damp and mould growth, which is why we begin every remodel with initial structural waterproofing.

What is damp proofing and when is it necessary?

The term ‘damp proofing’ refers to moisture control treatments applied to building floors and walls. These methods are used to stop moisture from entering and damaging interior spaces.

Damp is usually caused by:

Condensation due to Poor heating and ventilation bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens
Rising damp with capillary action walls acting like a wicking process.
Penetrating damp with water seeping up into walls from the ground up

During damp proofing, our team uses uses special injection treatments and coatings on walls to prevent damp from setting in.

Due to the wet climate in the UK, rising damp is often a common occurrence for renters and property owners. Any moisture coming into your home or a building can trigger costly structural damage.

Moisture creates an ideal environment for mould and mildew growth, which can increase your risk of asthma attacks, allergies and respiratory problems.

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Tell-tale signs of damp

If left untreated, damp can lead to more expensive problems down the line.

There are a number of signs you can watch out for including:

Salts within the plaster
Rotting skirting boards and flooring
Peeling paint or wallpaper
Flaky or bubbling plaster
Damp stains and tide marks on walls
Black and other discoloured mould spots on your walls or furniture
A distinctive damp or musky smell around your property, which often sticks to clothes and other belongings

Any of these signs should be treated very seriously. If you suspect damp issues in your property, call us on 0113 414 1329 or fill out our online form so we can rectify the problem immediately.

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Types of damp we treat

Rising damp

Rising damp occurs when groundwater works its way up through the property’s brickwork. Buildings that lack a Damp Proof Course are at higher risk of rising damp damage.

Penetrating damp

Penetrating damp typically results from defects in the building, including cracks in the walls or damaged roof tiles. It develops when external moisture enters bricks and stonework.

Excellent damp proofing solutions in Wakefield

Most work includes a 10-year guarantee. Our damp-proofing specialists in Wakefield will correct any defect in the treatment at no extra cost.

Our team consists of accredited professionals. We take pride in the 5-star rating we’ve received thanks to our unrivaled customer service and workmanship.

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

Areas In Wakefield

Benefit from high-quality, cost-effective damp proofing solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the methods of damp proofing?

The right treatment will depend on the source of the damp. Our damp proofing company in Wakefield begins every project by performing a thorough property assessment.

Once we’ve identified the root source of damp, we’ll decide whether you need damp-proof courses or waterproof membranes.

Is damp proofing expensive?

It depends on the type of damp, the size of the property and the extent of the problem. At Watertight Homes, you can expect high-quality results at competitive rates.

Is DIY damp proofing advisable?

Damp proofing is a complex and thorough job that’s best left to fully qualified professionals. Plus, DIY jobs don’t carry a damp proofing guarantee.