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We cater for both domestic and commercial customers with an extensive range of services, including Damp Proofing, Rising Damp treatments and Basement Tanking.

 

BASEMENT CONVERSIONS

Most families yearn for extra space as an inbuilt requirement in today’s modern world, a lot of homeowners are utilising the space they already have, by converting dingy cellars and basements into bright and cosy additional rooms instead.

 

RISING DAMP

Rising damp is an issue that can sometimes affect all buildings. It is a problem more often in older houses where the original damp proof course has become damaged.

Guide To Damp Treatment

As a homeowner or renter, you need to be aware of damp. All buildings are susceptible to damp and, if left untreated, serious problems could develop.

Below our helpful guide provides advice on the different types of damp and what treatment is available.

Types of Damps

With the correct identification, you can prevent damp from causing issues within your home. The most common damps that attack your home are penetrating damp, rising damp and condensation. Each of these needs to be treated differently, as they have differences in nature. As a result, the cost you need to spend treating them will also vary.

Condensation

Condensation is a common type of damp in most homes. It is caused by the moist air that is condensed in the walls. This is particularly true in rooms with lots of air moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Rising Damp

Another type of damp is rising damp. It is caused by groundwater that moves up through the wall or floor. Most walls or floors will allow some water to go inside, but it is usually stopped from resulting in damage by a barrier. This is usually provided by a damp proof course or damp proof membrane.

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp is caused by water that leaks into the walls. This damp type will expand across the ceilings or walls and may make a horizontal movement instead of travelling up. It’s usually caused by a structural problem in the building, including faulty guttering or roofing.

What Are The Causes of Damp?

There are several different causes of damp and being aware of these helps you to use the correct treatment. Therefore, you have to check it thoroughly to avoid potential problems which may become larger over time. Damp problems will not just affect the entire structural system of your home but can also harm you and your family.

Over time, damp problems can be attributed to high-energy consumption. They will make your living environment cooler, causing you to spend more time heating your home. You may think that your heating system needs a repair for consuming more energy. However, damp is often the culprit making things worse.

Damp can be a nuisance, making a room feel cold, unhealthy and unwelcoming.  At its worst, damp can indicate weatherproofing or structural issues.

Preventing Damp and Mould

Luckily, damp can be treated as well as prevented. If you’ve noticed damp or wet patches on your walls, ceilings, or other home surfaces reaching 5 feet, this is effectively an indication of a problem. It may also show that the outside walls have already lost their qualities in weatherproofing. As a result, water and moisture will come inside the house and cause potential problems.

Preventing damp will help you remove the problems and any other arising issues.  You may wish to prevent the signs of it earlier.  Furthermore, you can apply preparatory actions in order to stop further damage.

When it comes to your damp problems, prevention is still better than a cure. Regularly check your roofing system for any damage, especially right after a harsh storm. Below are some more tips on what you can do:

  • When your heating system is on, you can help make the most of its function.  Ensure that the radiator is not blocked by any material, including your home furniture, to improve performance.
  • Keep the gutter clear and then replace or fix it once damage occurs. There are specially designed tools for gutter clearing, making your work lighter. Alternatively, you can install a gutter guard to keep leaves and other types of debris out.
  • You also need to inspect the pointing of your exterior brickwork. If you see any issues including crumbling mortar, then talk to a professional for a thorough inspection.
  • When the temperature is warm, condensation may occur. Most of the air is touching the cold surface like the window pane or external wall. Wall and loft insulation can effectively help create a warmer space.
  • Properly fitted double-glazing may help prevent you finding a misty window. This is because the inner glass panel is insulated from cold air that comes from outside.
  • Try setting your own home thermostat to allow heat over a longer period every day. You can then maintain a temperature on a constant level. By doing this, you are able to help avoid a sudden dip and rise of the temperature causing condensation to develop.
  • If your system for central heating has been installed a long time ago, then you may want to consider upgrading its elements. This can be done to make your home become easier to control and more efficient.
  • Programmable thermostats, as well as the thermostats radiator valve, will make it easier to provide heat in your home. This is especially useful in the area where it is needed the most.

Treatments for Damp Problems

When experiencing damp at home, the first thing to consider is to treat this immediately. Treating mild damp can be easy. However, stubborn damp may require a lot more effort. If you are serious about fixing the problem, here are some helpful tips that you can do.

Treatment 1: Repair Damp Stains on Ceilings and Painted Walls

Once you have fixed the source of the damp, leave the area to dry out thoroughly using a humidifier. Next, treat the affected surface using a damp removing treatment.  Carefully follow the instructions found on the product packaging.

As soon as the surface is damp free and dry, you can paint it with a damp seal or a stain blocker paint. The paint will help ensure that the staining never bleeds on the emulsion. Once dried, you can coat it with regular paint, commonly used on your walls or ceilings.

Treatment 2: Treat Damped Sealant and Grout in the Bathroom and Sink

If your sealant or grout is in good condition, then you can start with a damp removing treatment. Make sure to follow the instructions provided.

This is enough if you want to revive the elegance of the area. However, if the damp stains are not removed from silicone sealant, then leave the area to thoroughly dry.  Afterwards, cut away your old sealant safely using the blade of a knife.

Using a resistant sealant as well as the sealant gun, you can reseal the infected surface. Just wait until a sealant has cured before you allow water onto the surface.

Treatment 3: Create a Damp Roof Barrier

Once the checking has been completed, then it is the perfect time to create a new damp proof barrier. There are products you can use on the market today, enabling you to successfully create your own damp proof barrier.

Treatment 4: Treat Damp Problems by Using Reliable Products

Damp problems can impact the living environment to your property and health. Today, there are various reliable products you can use to treat these issues. They can help correct the potentially harmful impacts of the hazardous substances, keeping you safe.

These products can be your solution as they offer a dry internal wall surface. These can also make your basement or cellar habitable, giving you extra space in your home.

If the damp problems are caused by a building defect, this can be repaired by a plumber or builder. As soon as your wall is dried, and no further damage can be seen on the surface, then you can start the redecorating.

However, low-level penetrating damp may be causing the issue. With this, the most effective and reliable solution is to lower the level of your external ground abutting your wall. This solution is often very costly and seems impractical. But if that is the right solution and you have an extra amount for the repair, then you can go with it.

Treatment 5: Treat Damp Problems by Acquiring a Professional Service

The damp damage may have reached the extent where an expert service is already needed.  If this is the case, you need to call a professional service.

Damp proofing experts have extensive knowledge on how to handle all of your damp issues. They know how to create a solution to suit each individual problem. In addition, they have the right tools or equipment needed to treat the damp problems. These tools will be helpful in making the process fast and easy, leaving your environment a safe and comfortable place to live.

To add to this you have no need to worry, as they have the most suitable skills. These skills are combined with years of experience in the damp removal industry. They undergo special training and hold certificates proving their credibility. Choosing the right company who will properly deal with all your damp issues is important. This is the first step toward acquiring a healthier, welcoming and enticing living space.

Why Treat Damp?

Whether it is rising damp or a penetrating damp, it will always require appropriate treatment.  Any of them can harm the health of the inhabitants and ruin the overall attraction of your home.

Treatment should be utilised as soon as you spot damp in your walls, ceilings and other surfaces. It is important to treat the problem while it is still small. By doing this you are maintaining value to your living space while fostering a healthy environment. No one is immune to damp problems, so you have to be careful.

Moreover, you also need to be careful of using a solution. You may prefer to do all the things on your own, as there are a wide array of products available.

Every product is used for a certain problem, so it is better that you have conducted research before you invest. You also have to carefully read the instructions you find in the packaging, allowing you to obtain the best results.

It is almost always best to ask for professional assistance once you see a growing damp problem.  This will avoid making the problem worse by choosing the wrong solution.

Contact Us Today

If you wish to buy a product to solve your damp problem, a professional will guide and help you in choosing the right solution. If you cannot handle the damp problems alone, you should seek advice.

For more details about the damp treatments available, give us a call today on 01525 374406.

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

Aquafoss is a family run business that has built up a reputation over the last 40 years that is second to none for our dedication to detail and highest quality workmanship.

Our team are here to make sure you get the best possible service in Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding areas.