How To Damp Proof Walls

Identifying Your Damp

There are various different kinds of damp to be aware of, including rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation. No matter what damp is present, significant damage can be caused to your home. It is crucial that any potential damp is identified as soon as possible as it can result in respiratory problems.

It is always a great idea to get an expert to carry out an assessment before any damp proofing is applied. In order to determine the actual extent of your damp problem, you will need to implement certain techniques.

As penetrating damp is often the cause of moisture travelling through your walls, it is different from rising damp. This form of damp is easier to identify as you will notice damp patches appearing on your internal walls when it rains. If these disappear afterwards, then chances are it’s penetrating damp.

Although it doesn’t sound dangerous, condensation can still cause real problems within your home. With correct damp proofing, these risks can be avoided. If there are cold spots on your walls, then condensation may be present.

Causes of Internal Damp

Damp is caused by a wide range of factors. If you have cavity walls, you are more than likely going to experience damp. Below are examples of each cause of internal damp:

Rising Damp – Failure or lack of damp proof course, as well as external ground levels which are higher than any current damp proof course.

Condensation – Areas of humidity and poor ventilation, enabling mould to develop.

Penetrating Damp – Poor pointing, cracked masonry, excessive rain, and defective guttering or downpipes.

Other potential causes of damp walls include:

• Defective Roofing
• Vegetation Damage to Render and Masonry
• Rain Water
• Cavity Wall Insulation
• Leaking Guttering
• Ineffective Window and Door Sealing
• Faulty Downpipes
• Foundation Damage Due to Roots

Types of Damp Proofing

A lack of damp proofing can encourage damp and mould to grow in size and damage. Once you have found the extent of the damage and the source of the issue you can then decide how you want to proceed. In most cases this involves repairing the problems then applying damp proofing to the area. This helps to avoid any further damage from taking place and will block moisture from entering your property.

The most popular forms of damp proofing include:

• Damp Proof Paint
• Renovating Plaster
• Damp Proof Membranes
• Cementitious Tanking
• Anti-Mould Paint
• Liquid Epoxy Damp Proof Membranes

How Do I Damp Proof A Wall?

The method in which damp proofing is installed will depend on the treatment selected. Below are examples of each process, giving you an insight into how this happens.

Damp Proof Paint – Used on internal walls, damp proof paint acts as a barrier against moisture to prevent damp. It is usually non-toxic, easy to apply and prevents growth of mould.

Renovating Plaster – This is applied after damp proof course and works to prevent damp and salts from entering the wall during the drying stage. Surfaces should be clean before applying and additional coats can be added.

Membranes – With a range available, membranes are fixed to walls using tape and plugs. They work by enabling space for air to circulate, encouraging moisture to evaporate.

Cementitious Tanking – This is a method of blocking water ingress by creating a solid barrier between the interior and exterior. It is applied using a tanking brush and render is applied afterwards before a final layer of plaster.

Anti-Mould Paint – Working to prevent black mould, this paint is a cost-effective solution and quick to apply. It is applied using a usual method and often requires more than one coat.

Liquid Epoxy Membranes – This creates a barrier for concrete flooring, preventing damp and moisture from breaking through. Surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned prior, after which the substance is applied using a roller.

Can I Prevent Damp Walls?

The short answer is yes, you can prevent damp walls from occurring in the first place. There are a few things you can do to stop an issue before it develops. Minimising internal moisture and ensuring good ventilation within a building will deter condensation. Other things you can do include maintaining your exterior, keeping an eye on vegetation, checking windows for sealing, and monitoring for rising damp.

Contact Us Today

To find out more about how to damp proof walls, give us a call today on 01525 374406.