Damp Proofing

Have you spotted damp patches, mould and rotting timber in your property? If so, you will likely need professional damp proofing treatment to solve the problem.

Damp proofing is an umbrella term that refers to any method used to treat or prevent problems caused by moisture ingress or excess humidity. The key to providing the correct form of damp treatment is correctly identifying the cause of your damp problems.

Whether it is rising damp, penetrating damp, or even condensation that is causing problems in your property, our fully trained and qualified specialists will diagnose the issue and create a custom treatment plan to leave your home fresh, safe, and dry.

More often than not, damp walls are caused by penetrating damp, rising damp or condensation. These damp problems result from water ingress from an external source, ground water rising up through capillary action or inadequate ventilation.

Rising damp only ever affects the ground floor. You can read more about the signs and symptoms of rising damp on our dedicated page, however the two main problems associated with this type of damp areare tide marks on the wall that extend to around 1 metre from the ground and white salt deposits on walls.

Rising damp normally occurs when an existing damp proof course (DPC) has been bridged or damaged in some way.

Water leaking in from outside the property is the main cause of penetrating damp. This will usually manifest as localised damp patches on a wall or ceiling.

Broken downpipes and gutters, cracks, faulty joints and corroded seals can all contribute to penetrating damp in a property. Leaks from inside can cause problems too, and wet rot can often accompany damp from faulty plumbing or leaking washing machines and showers.

Condensation is caused by excess humidity and poor ventilation. It also creates the ideal conditions for black mould to grow. The key to solving condensation is achieving consistent relative humidity. This can often be remedied with DIY or lifestyle changes, but in serious cases treatment will require the installation of mechanical ventilation units.

Just as there are several causes of damp, there are several treatments and it is important to choose the correct one.

A common treatment for rising damp is a Damp Proof Course (DPC). Most properties should have evidence of a DPC about 150mm (6inch) above ground level. This may be seen as a slightly thicker mortar course with evidence of a slate or bitumen sheet. These materials are fairly resilient, however they can degrade, become damaged or bridged by modifications, leaving your home vulnerable to rising damp.

To solve rising damp we usually inject a silicon remedial damp proof course which creates a barrier, effectively preventing moisture from seeping into, and damaging, affected walls. DPC injection is fast acting and permanent. It also allows affected  walls to be redecorated shortly after installation.

Improving ventilation in your property can be as simple as opening windows more often, adjusting the vents in your windows or removing debris from air bricks. However, some condensation and black mould problems will simply not go away until mechanical ventilation is introduced. Positive Input Ventilation units actively optoimise the relative humidity of the air in your property reducing the chance of condensation and black mould.