Effective Methods Against Rising Damp In Buildings
- Posted by:
- Admin
- Tags:
- Posted date:
- 26-04-2024
This article looks at effective methods against rising damp in buildings. Discover the signs of rising damp, its potential impact on the structural integrity of your property, and the health risks it poses.
Repair or Replace a Damp-Proof Membrane
One of the major remedies for tackling rising damp within buildings is by mending or swapping the damp-proof course, commonly referred to as DPC. This serves as an impermeable barrier to damp rising up the walls. The DPC is primarily a layer of material that is resistant to water. Its main function is to stop building materials, such as mortar, from soaking up moisture through a process known as capillary action. Essentially, this is the name given to the way water can 'rise' within narrow spaces, for example, those found between bricks and the mortar of walls.
Regrettably, the DPC can fail over time. This could be a result of physical damage or simply wear and tear, causing lead-on problems with rising damp. In situations such as this, it becomes imperative to repair or replace the DPC. This process can be facilitated through two main strategies: a chemical injection method or a physical installation method. The chemical injection method utilises a water-resistant solution that is injected directly into the wall, creating an improvised DPC.
On the other hand, the physical installation method head-on tackles the problem by removing the damaged sections of a wall and substituting a fresh DPC. However, it is important to state that both techniques can be complex and consume a considerable amount of time. They require a certain level of knowledge and expertise in order to be successfully carried out. Thus, if you're in doubt or uncertain, it's recommended to seek assistance from professionals who can carry out a thorough assessment of your property and consequently suggest a solution best suited to your scenario.
Re-Plastering After Rising Damp Treatment
Treating rising damp in a property is just one part of the puzzle. The real challenge often comes in skillfully managing the aftermath of the treatment process. One essential task that should not be overlooked is re-plastering, applied once the rising damp treatment has been fully implemented.
Rising damp is notorious for bringing up salts from deeper layers in a property's structure, via water absorption. These salts can cause a significant amount of damage to plaster and decoration over an extended period, even after the underlying issue of rising damp has been addressed.
The re-plastering procedure is somewhat extensive, but it's a necessary step. It begins with removing the old plaster that has been affected by salts through a process called 'hacking off'.
Once that's done, it's important to apply a new layer of plaster to the walls. If the damage from the rising damp is particularly significant, with your internal walls being affected, it’s possible you might also need to replace any skirting boards, which could have been compromised. To go one step further, it is equally critical to incorporate a salt-resistant additive during the re-plastering phase. Why?
This will help to act as a barrier, preventing any residual salts from making their way through into the surface layer of your new plaster, potentially causing problems further down the line. Taking these actions is very much the proactive, rather than reactive, approach to rising damp treatments. Not only do they help to restore the functionality and visual appeal of your walls, but they also serve as preventative measures. They help to safeguard your property against further destruction and the potential re-emergence of damp issues in the future.
Treating Rising Damp on Internal Walls
Treating rising damp on internal walls is crucial and largely depends upon diagnosing the extent of the issue then taking the necessary steps to correct it. Rising damp can be identified when moisture is absorbed from the ground and into your wall, climbing up to a maximum height of 1.2 metres. If this is the case in your property, it is categorised as a 'rising' damp problem. The first step to remedying this issue is to strip away the damaged plaster. This can be a messy and laborious task, but it is essential to reach the crux of the damp issue.
Once the impaired plaster is removed, a new smooth layer of plaster mixed with a salt-resistant additive should be applied. This serves to keep the salt content, absorbed from the moisture, from damaging your newly plastered walls. Next is to ascertain whether the damp proof course (DPC) is functioning correctly. The DPC is a barrier incorporated into the walls to resist damp rising up. It may have failed due to age, deterioration or maybe it was never installed.
If it’s defective, you’ll need to fit in a new one - either by physically placing a membrane in your wall or by pumping damp-proofing chemicals into the wall. By adhering to these methods, you can effectively combat rising damp issues on your internal walls. Prevention is better than cure and stopping the progression of damp problems will save you from bigger troubles in the future. Protect your property’s integrity and your health by resolving rising damp issues in a timely manner.
How to Treat Rising Damp on External Walls
External walls can be just as vulnerable to the problem of rising damp as any other part of your property. The principles of treating this issue don't really change. If the damp-proofing course (DPC) isn't functioning as it should be, then there are solutions we can use to rectify this.
These solutions could include repairing or substituting the existing DPC through a chemical injection process or by physically installing a new one. After the DPC is effectively functioning, the next step involves dealing with any plaster on the external walls that has been damaged by damp.
It is advisable to strip off this damaged plaster and replace it with new plaster, but it's important to also add a salt-resistant additive to it. This step will protect the fresh plaster and help to prevent similar damage from occurring in future. In addition, ventilation plays a major role in the management of damp issues.
Ensuring your external wall is adequately ventilated will facilitate the evaporation of any moisture trapped within. Moreover, when treating rising damp issues in external walls, it might be necessary to think beyond the building itself. Sometimes, it can mean considering changes to the landscaping of the surrounding area. For instance, you may need to alter the level of the ground to decrease its contact with the wall as this can add to rising damp problems.
How to Prevent Future Rising Damp Problems
One of the essential things to do is to regularly check for early signs of rising damp. These signs can include issues like staining on the walls, paint that starts to flake or peel, or a persistent damp smell within the premises.
By identifying these symptoms early, you can take action before the situation escalates, thus helping you avoid prolonged issues in the future. Ventilation is also an essential consideration, particularly in rooms that generate a high amount of moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Good ventilation can go a notable way towards reducing dampness and preventing the onset of potential damp problems.
Additionally, you may find it beneficial to install aids like moisture traps or dehumidifiers. These tools are designed to help reduce humidity levels in the air, thus going a long way towards mitigating damp problems. By creating an environment that's less conducive to dampness, you can aid in preventing future rising damp issues.
Most importantly, it's critical to ensure that your Damp Proof Course (DPC) is in optimal condition. Regular maintenance of your DPC can greatly contribute to mitigating future problems with rising damp. However, simply maintaining the DPC in isolation is not enough. It's equally crucial to combine regular maintenance of the DPC with other upkeep measures such as re-plastering.
Also, keep a watchful eye open for any occurrences of damp. This level of persistent surveillance, alongside a comprehensive approach to tackling any arising issues promptly, will set you on the right path for preventing future problems associated with rising damp. To summarise, preventing rising damp problems is an ongoing task. It requires regular checks, good maintenance practices, appropriate ventilation, and the use of tools like moisture traps or dehumidifiers. However, none of these measures should be overlooked as each plays a crucial role in overall damp prevention.
At Above Water Damp Proofing Ltd we are trained professionals when it comes to damp. We understand that damp removal and damp-proofing your property can be costly - which is why we provide a range of damp-proofing services at a fair price. Learn more about a damp survey in Windsor, Slough, Berkshire & Surrey.
