Menu

Damp Proofing

Damp proofing is a general term that covers different methods to prevent damp in walls or floors to your property.

Any property can be subject to damp problems, particularly older properties, as they may not have been constructed with a damp-proof membrane. There are different methods of damp proofing which can be applied to the effected walls of your properties.

Rising Damp

Rising damp is caused when ground water rises through the structure of the building, a process called capillary action.  The porous brickwork helps water climb up through the structure.  A damaged or missing damp proof course (DPC) will cause the water to transfer up the walls damaging plasterwork, decoration, floors and skirting boards.  Tell-tale signs are mould and salts penetrating through the wall, blistering to decoration and crumbling plaster which will usually mean a more serious damp issue.

Treatment

Removal of all infected materials such as plasterwork up to 1.2m high and skirting boards will be required.  A damp proof injection treatment would then be applied to the external and internal walls, followed by a damp proof membrane to stop any mould or contamination salts that may still be present. A plasterboard will then be applied to the membrane, followed by a plaster skim coat. Skirting boards and electrical sockets will then be reinstated.  On completion of the work, a guarantee will be issued to the customer.

Damp Proof Course (DPC)

Newer properties today should have a damp proof course about 150mm above ground level. Older properties may have a slate or bitumen type damp proof course. These damp course materials are fairly satisfactory, but can break down over time with building movement and settlement.

A damp proof course (DPC) is one method used to prevent rising damp developing within a property. Damp proof course repair can be applied using a variety of different methods and is a long-term solution to stop moisture from entering a property through walls. Excess moisture within a building can result in structural damage to your property.

Our damp proof technicians are experts at identifying types of damp issues within a property and will recommend the most suitable treatment for the customer. All our damp proof and timber preservation treatments come with a guarantee ranging from 10 to 30 years.
At Active Damp Solutions we use a chemical cream which is injected into the mortar joints which creates a barrier, preventing moisture from entering the building. All our technicians are thoroughly trained and experienced in installing a damp proof course system.

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp and rising damp can have a devastating impact on any home or business.  As well as being unsightly, damp can cause damage to structures and materials, not to mention being a health hazard.  You may spot signs of damp as below:

Penetrating damp can be caused by blocked guttering and down pipes, which allow water to enter a property.  Wind and driving rain on porous soft brickwork can cause damp to penetrate through the walls and cavities.

Blocked cavities from rubble left by building work or ineffective wall ties can also assist the transfer of water.

Treatment

Check gutters and downpipes for blockages or damage, also around windows, gaps and capillary grooves may be an issue.  Seals around windows and rendering may also be causing a problem.   A treatment using a damp proof membrane will stop any further issues.  This form of treatment stops contaminated salts from penetrating through, but still allows the structure to breathe.

Damp Proof Membrane

A damp proof membrane (DPM) is another method used to prevent rising damp from occurring within your property. A damp proof membrane sheet usually consists of either polyethylene or butyl rubber and act as a barrier to prevent damp from making its way into your property. Active Damp Solutions are fully trained at installing these types of membranes.
The build-up of excess moisture in a building can lead to damp walls which can eventually result in major damp problems. If you notice any signs of damp on a wall in your property then we advise you to act fast so we can resolve any issues. Damp walls can cause structural damage to a property and should be rectified immediately.

Our technicians at Active Damp Solutions have many years’ experience in treating damp and will recommend a suitable damp proof course based on your requirements. Damp proofing is a specialist practice and should only be carried out by a professional that can issue a guarantee.

Book a Survey

Call Active Damp Solutions for all your damp proofing needs. One of our Surveyors will call to inspect your property and will issue a no obligation quotation for the treatments required.