Damp
Proofing
Rising damp refers to the natural process of dampness in the ground rising up through the structure of a building. The purpose of a damp proof course is to prevent this process by establishing a horizontal barrier sited near the base of a property which prevents the passage of moisture.
New properties are of course built to include a damp proof course. Unfortunately older properties did not always have this benefit although the older types of mortar and brickwork did possess greater resistance to rising damp than is often the case in today’s buildings. A damp proof course like most things does not last forever and will eventually require replacement. Properties over 80-years old are particularly at risk of damp proof course (DPC) failure.
Once a damp proof course has failed the dampness from the ground will damage internal wall surfaces usually to a height below one metre from the ground floor. Decorations may become discoloured. Plasterwork will crumble and skirting boards decay. Wet rot and dry rot can be caused by rising damp.
The solution to rising damp in an existing property is a remedial damp proof course. This process involves removing the affected plaster and skirting boards, installing a new chemical based damp proof course, re-plastering with salt resistant plaster and re-fitting the original skirting boards or fitting new ones depending on condition.
Rising damp brings with it destructive nitrate and chloride salts from the ground. These salts can be hygroscopic in nature. Therefore at times of high humidity the salts will absorb moisture from the air adding to the overall damp problem.
Rising damp can affect all ground floor walls or individual walls. Our treatments are sufficiently flexible to deal with all types of installation.
Rising damp refers to the natural process of dampness in the ground rising up through the structure of a building. The purpose of a damp proof course is to prevent this process by establishing a horizontal barrier sited near the base of a property which prevents the passage of moisture.
New properties are of course built to include a damp proof course. Unfortunately older properties did not always have this benefit although the older types of mortar and brickwork did possess greater resistance to rising damp than is often the case in today’s buildings. A damp proof course like most things does not last forever and will eventually require replacement. Properties over 80-years old are particularly at risk of damp proof course (DPC) failure.
Once a damp proof course has failed the dampness from the ground will damage internal wall surfaces usually to a height below one metre from the ground floor. Decorations may become discoloured. Plasterwork will crumble and skirting boards decay. Wet rot and dry rot can be caused by rising damp.
The solution to rising damp in an existing property is a remedial damp proof course. This process involves removing the affected plaster and skirting boards, installing a new chemical based damp proof course, re-plastering with salt resistant plaster and re-fitting the original skirting boards or fitting new ones depending on condition.
Rising damp brings with it destructive nitrate and chloride salts from the ground. These salts can be hygroscopic in nature. Therefore at times of high humidity the salts will absorb moisture from the air adding to the overall damp problem.
Rising damp can affect all ground floor walls or individual walls. Our treatments are sufficiently flexible to deal with all types of installation.