Damp Proofing: In a nutshell

What is Rising Damp

Properties in general from around 1870 onwards had a ‘damp course’ incorporated into their construction at near ground/foundation level. This ‘damp course’ barrier prevents ground moisture ‘rising’ by capillary action, thereby protecting interior wall plaster and subsequently the decorating and in turn perhaps the floor timber. Various manner of ‘ damp course’ barriers have been used over the years, however ‘slate’ is perhaps the most common.

Over the years the barrier tends to break down resulting in moisture ‘rising’ up through the brickwork/masonry.

This moisture eventually permeates into the surface wall plaster.

As this moisture originates from the ground it would contain various chemicals, nitrates and chlorides being prevalent. These chemical salts are known as ‘hygroscopic’ salts and are therefore capable of absorbing moisture from the air, resulting in sometimes high moisture content to plaster.

It is most important that walls affected by ‘rising damp’ be replastered, using an appropriate specialised material, in order to remove the hygroscopic salts contained therein.

The special plaster is required as it would prevent the salts within the brickwork migrating to the surface again.

To prevent further moisture rising up a new damp course is entered. In most cases now this is done by drilling the brickwork at intervals and injecting aqueous solutions of siliconates.

When installed along a course of brickwork a new damp proof barrier is formed thereby preventing ground moisture rising up.

It would be prudent, before calling in your local ‘damp’ company, to take sometime in looking at the problem you may have.

‘Are the ground levels around your property higher than the internal floor levels?’ if so the dampness could be bridging from this, lowering same or at least taking it away from the wall could help solve it.

Do you have a defective down pipe allowing water to run down the wall? If so then you need to make good accordingly and allow some drying out time. Have you had a leak or flood recently, if so then the area may dry out in time.

If a property has solid floors or perhaps just in one area, usually the Kitchen, then depending on the age there could be an absence of a damp proof membrane or it could be defective. If so then any walls in contact with same would be capable of absorbing moisture upwards.

One would need to investigate the floor structure to determine type of construction. If membrane is defective/not continuous across the area or absent then an appropriate new membrane should be entered, any damp in adjoining walls may then start to dry out. Although some replastering may still be required if affected by hygroscopic salts.

Kiltox Damp Free Solutions can provide your answer to a damp proofing problem. Contact us on 08451 66 20 40 to discuss your personal requirements.

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