WHAT IS DAMP PROOFING?
Damp proofing is a general term that refers to measures taken to treat or prevent damp in a property. It may be precautionary measures to ensure a property is protected from any potential issues. It also refers to steps taken to fix an ongoing damp problem.
The type of damp proofing treatment required depends on the damp problem in your property. Different types of damp require varying levels of damp treatment.
Our damp proofing guide explains everything you need to know about damp proofing. You will learn what damp proofing is, the types of damp that can affect your property, the signs of damp and the different treatment methods for each.
The most common types of damp are condensation, rising damp and penetrating damp. In this guide, we will explain how to fix them all in your property, and the common signs that you should look out for.
SIGNS OF DAMP
Signs of damp will vary depending on the type of damp and the severity of the problem. If you notice some of the signs below, it is likely that your property requires some form of damp proofing:
- Wet and damaged plaster.
- Wallpaper peeling from the wall.
- Damp and musty smell.
- Black mould on the walls and window sills.
- Damp stains rising from the ground floor to about one metre in height.
- Walls that feel damp to the touch.
HOW TO TREAT PENETRATING DAMP
The best way to treat penetrating damp is to find the source of the leak and seal any point of entry. Effective waterproofing will ensure water is no longer able to penetrate the property. Damp proof paint alone is not an effective treatment method. If you don’t eliminate the source, the dampness will simply return.
Some commons signs to look out for:
- Walls or ceiling that is wet to touch
- Musty smell
- Black mould growth
HOW TO TREAT CONDENSATION
Condensation treatment can be as simple as improving ventilation around your home. Anti condensation paint can help reduce condensation symptoms around your home. However it is important to note this is not a standalone solution. If you do not improve ventilation, then your condensation problems will continue. You can improve ventilation by trying some of the following measures:
- Opening windows
- Drying clothes outside, in a tumble dryer, or in a room with the window open
- Keeping lids on pots and using extractor fans when cooking
- Showering with the door closed and window open.
- If the above methods do not work, you may want to consider getting a damp survey from a professional surveyor. A surveyor will be able to advise on professional solutions to persistent ventilation problems.
CONDENSATION AND MOULD
Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with a cool surface, causing the water vapour to condense. It is caused by excess moisture that has not been ventilated, and instead settles on walls and surfaces.
HOW TO TREAT RISING DAMP
Rising damp is treated by fixing or installing a remedial damp proof course. This normally done through damp proof injections into the affected wall. The brickwork will absorb the injected chemicals and form a barrier that prevents water from rising up the walls.
Some common signs to look out for include:
- Signs of decay or damage on skirting boards, plaster and wallpaper
- Salt deposits left on the wall plaster
- Damp walls or tide marks above the skirting board
RISING DAMP
Rising damp is caused when rainwater in the ground travels up into a building through its brickwork. This occurs through capillary action. Rising damp is caused when a damp proof course (DPC) is broken or bridged, and the DPC is no longer protecting the property from water ingress.
DAMP PROOFING BASEMENTS
When you’re trying to stop water from getting into a basement or cellar, people often call it “waterproofing” instead of “damp proofing.” That’s because the methods used underground are often different from those used aboveground to deal with dampness.
To keep a basement or cellar dry, common waterproofing methods include concrete tanking systems, waterproof membranes, and drainage systems. These methods help keep water out or control it from getting through earth retaining walls.
DAMP IN BASEMENTS AND CELLARS
Damp in basements and cellars is caused by water ingress from earth retaining walls. Because damp proofing walls below ground level requires very particular materials and expertise, Wise Property Care has a specialist division, Wise Basement Systems, that deals specifically in damp basements and cellars.
DAMP PROOFING WALLS
Any signs of damp on walls should never be ignored. It can start with aesthetic issues with damage to wallpaper, plaster and skirting boards. If left to develop, it can lead to structural issues such as rot.
Damp proofing walls is essentially figuring out what is causing water to penetrate the walls, and then treating the issue. However, the necessary treatment can vary depending on the problem. It may be a straightforward issue such as fixing damaged roof tile or crack in external wall. It could be something more significant such as an issue with a damp proof course, or structural issues.
HOW MUCH DOES DAMP PROOFING COST?
The exact cost of damp proofing can be difficult to estimate. This is because there’s a number of factors that determine damp proofing cost. The extent of the damp problem and type of damp treatment required can cause the cost of work to vary significantly. Following a damp survey, a damp proofing specialist will be able to give you an accurate estimate of any works required.
PROFESSIONAL DAMP PROOFING
If you have the correct knowledge and experience, you can treat damp issues yourself. However, damp problems can cause serious damage to your property if ignored, or are not treated correctly. If you have any doubts, we would always recommend you contact a specialist for peace of mind. When it comes to damp proofing, any reputable “specialist” should be professionally qualified, offer guarantees for work and be accredited by leading industry trading bodies.
DAMP TREATMENT
Want to know how to treat a damp problem? Check out our guide to damp treatments and how we would go about resolving a damp issue.
DAMP SURVEY
Still unsure about the particular damp issue you have? Need some help? Contact Wise Property Care for a no obligation damp survey.
CONTACT WISE PROPERTY CARE
Our damp proofing surveyors have decades of experience in identifying and solving damp problems. We have local branches all over Scotland, available to solve damp issues in residential and commercial properties. Our treatments are typically backed by 20 year property repair guarantee, giving you peace of mind you are covered. Call us on the number below to speak to our team. Alternatively fill out our brief contact form and we will get back in touch with you.
