Damp can be broken down into three categories Rising Damp, Penetrating Damp and Condensation. Each has different causes and solutions. Visual signs include staining, blown or perished plaster, mould growth and water on surfaces.
It is not uncommon to find more than one type at play, so it is imperative to fully assess the building with a timber and damp survey before specifying a remedial treatment.
Rising damp soaks up from the ground through the porous building materials and makes its way through the pores of the material. The height the moisture travels will depend on the structure and the width of the pores. Many buildings are built with a physical Damp Proof Course, also commonly shortened to DPC. A Damp Proof Course can breakdown over time, be damaged during invasive building works, blocked cavity walls or get bridged by the introduction of new structures or raised ground level.
Not all properties have a physical DPC of those without one not all will suffer with rising damp, it depends upon the combination of location, type of ground and construction.
Injection of a chemical damp proof course is not always the answer, a specialist survey should be undertaken to determine the best solution, furthermore there are legal implications to carrying out a DPC injection in shared structures such as party walls, this would also be part of the survey. Damp may also cause timber decay and therefore it is important to instruct an experienced company to provide the best resolution and guarantees.
As straightforward as the name suggests this type of damp is caused by moisture penetrating the building. The most common causes are faulty external render, leaking rainwater goods, high external ground level, poorly sealed windows and doors, chimney and roofing defects to name just a few. It is frequently the case that new additions such as patios, driveways and flower beds against a property can raise the external ground level and bridge the damp proof course, this is called lateral penetrating damp.
The presentation is often as staining or eruption of the finish, however in severe cases intense black mould growth can also be found.
Remedial treatments are specified depending on the external cause and internal effect. We use a wide range of specialist waterproofing treatments to cure the issue and offer long guarantees on their effectiveness.
Condensation is widely misdiagnosed and misunderstood, there is far more to the solution than just opening a window. Put simply warm air can hold more moisture than cool air, when the air temperature drops the vapour in the air condenses to water on cold surfaces. If this continues for a prolonged period the telltale black mould growth begins to grow.
The best way to avoid Condensation is it have effective ventilation, especially in the Kitchen and Bathroom and to heat a property consistently rather than in peaks and troughs. Lifestyle factors such as drying washing inside, not closing the bathroom door while showering, poorly vented tumble dryers, portable gas heaters and cooking all add extra moisture to the air.
If there are particular problem cold spots on walls and ceilings, installation of insulation can increase the surface temperature. We have access to specialist biocides to neutralise mould growth and anti mould paints which can be highly effective when implemented correctly. An inconsistently heated and poorly ventilated building can go on to have more serious issues such as plasterwork perishing due to ongoing surface water and potentially timber decay from prolonged contact with wet surfaces. The best solution is to take action as soon as possible.