Damp proofing is the process of preventing and treating rising damp in a building.
It is a vital part of any home maintenance routine, and if left untreated, can lead to serious structural damage over time. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of rising damp, and some tips for how you can prevent it from happening in your own home.
What is Rising Damp and how can you Prevent it in Your Home?
Rising damp is surface-level dampness caused by moisture rising through the walls.
When dampness gets trapped between the inner and outer walls, it can then seep below. This can cause patches to appear on external walls and can create a serious health hazard over time.
Dampness in the home is a big issue, especially during the winter months. Many people tend to assume that damp means condensation, but this is not the case.
Condensation is caused when the moisture in the air in your home gets drawn towards a cold surface, such as a cold window or wall. But, condensation is not caused by damp, and condensation will not grow over time, this is an important difference to take note of.
Signs That you Have a Problem With Rising Damp
Knowing what signs to look for with rising damp, if you have never experienced it before might not be so easy.
It is a common problem, and without correct maintenance, it can cause major structural damage to your house. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Your internal or external walls appear to look green or damp.
- Watermarks appear on your walls from wet wallpaper.
- Your wallpaper is peeling or flaking.
- Your window frames appear damp.
- You experience unexplained coldness in your home, particularly on cold nights.
- You experience unexplained damp smells in your home.
- You experience unexplained damp patches on your floor.
These are just a few of the signs to look out for, but if you think your home is experiencing rising damp, you should consult a professional who can help you remedy the problem.
Preventative Measures for Homeowners who are at Risk of Having or Developing a Problem With Rising Damp
For you to be able to take any preventative measures, the solution varies depending on the cause, and this will depend on what type of rising damp you are faced with.
However, there are a few things you can do to help minimise the risk of having a problem with rising damp and to help you keep the problem from occurring in the future. If you have damp in your home, try to determine why that may be, like if your heating system is old and inefficient, if there is an air leak in your home, or if there may be a leak in your drains.
But, if you find that the cause is condensation, which can be caused by poor ventilation, you can try to limit the amount of condensation in your home by making sure there are no sources of moisture near any windows or by keeping your home well ventilated. If your home does have problems with condensation, you can minimise the problem by ensuring that your heating and ventilation are working well and that the windows are closing properly.
You can also protect your walls from condensation by making sure that your walls have good insulation and are sealed properly. There are additional preventative measures you can take that prevent the start of rising damp, like making sure that your foundation is in good order, checking that your drainage is working properly, and making sure that any leaks in your plumbing are fixed.
However, if your house has experienced rising damp in the past, there are certain precautions you should take. You should inspect all walls thoroughly for any damage caused by rising damp, and you should repair any damage caused.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Treatment Methods
There are some advantages and disadvantages to some of the different methods used to treat rising damp.
These methods range from the very expensive to the less expensive, and the methods are either preventive or corrective measures. One of the more expensive methods for treatment is cavity wall insulation.
This involves sealing up all openings and areas of your wall that are vulnerable to rising damp, and this is done with the use of a special sealant. Another method is DPC (Damp Proof Course).
This involves applying a layer of cement directly to the foundations of your house, and this will improve the flow of moisture into your home. There are a variety of different treatments available, but the cost differs depending on the different treatment methods that are required or available.
If you are concerned about rising damp, then you should consult a professional who will properly assess the problem and advise you on the best course of action, but you should never leave it because it can cause major structural damage, and result in expensive repairs.
The First Step you Should Take if you Have Rising Damp
The first thing you should do if you suspect that your house is experiencing rising damp is to consult with a professional.
A person who specialises in treating rising damp will give a proper assessment of the problem, and advise you on the best course of action. This will usually involve different methods of treatment, and it is vital that the correct method is chosen, as otherwise, it can end up costing you a lot of money to repair.
Your house will be left with no moisture, and this is because moisture causes condensation, and condensation causes mould, which is a serious issue, and this can lead to other problems such as health problems. If you think you might have this issue, then don’t hesitate to contact a professional company as soon as possible.
Summary
Rising damp can be a major problem in any home, but it is not always easy to identify.
In this blog post, we’ve discussed what you need to know about rising damp and how to fix it should the issue arise. For more information contact our team today!