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How to Damp Proof Walls
Walls that are suffering from damp can cause damage to paint, plaster, wallpaper and skirting boards, leaving properties feeling dank and inhospitable. If damp walls are not properly treated they can also lead to more serious structural problems.
The surveyors and technicians at Rentokil Property Care have decades of experience damp proofing walls and if you feel your property is suffering from damp walls we are here to help. Get in touch with Rentokil Property Care today by filling in the online contact form below or call us on 0800 0121 437 .
The Signs of Damp Walls
Damp will always manifest differently from one property to another and no two problems will be exactly the same, depending on the type of damp and size of the problem. Typically damp on walls can be determined without the need of technical equipment and can be easily identified from sight and touch.
If you are able to run your hand over a wall and feel a noticeable difference of texture from one area of a wall to a dry section can give you a good indication of the extent of the problem. The wall may also look distinctly different from the drier areas of the wall, staining, peeling wallpaper or flaking paint can all occur on damp walls.
If your property is suffering from damp walls, you will most likely be suffering from one of the following types of damp problems below. Learn more about the different types of damp and how to spot the signs.
Rising Damp on Walls
As moisture penetrates from below the ground level of the property and ‘rises’ into the masonry, the affected walls can be identified by a damp tide mark staining along the bottom section. The height of the tide mark indicates how high the moisture level has risen up the wall. As moisture penetrates into the internal wall, wall decoration and plaster can become damaged, white salt deposits can appear and the skirting board can start to decay.
Signs of Rising Damp on Walls
- Tidal staining marks that appear halfway up the wall
- Rotting or decaying timber along the affected wall e.g skirting or floor boards.
- White salt residue on the wall
Penetrating Damp on Walls
Penetrating Damp occurs when a continuous source of moisture penetrates into the internal wall of the property, either externally e.g from rain penetration or from within e.g a burst pipe or leak. The typical signs of penetrating damp are very similar to the common signs of damp, which makes diagnosing damp difficult and will differ depending on the size and scale of the problem. To treat effectively, the moisture source must be located and fixed or the excess moisture will continue to damage the walls.
Sign of Penetrating Damp on Walls
- Damage to internal decoration
- Damp staining that appears to grow in size when coming
- into contact with moisture
- Localised damp patches
- Damaged plaster and brick damage
Condensation and Mould Growth on Walls
Condensation may be overlooked as a serious form of dampness but can eventually lead to damaged walls and mould growth in seriously affected areas. Commonly noticeable in the colder winter months, condensation on walls is caused when hot humid air comes into contact with a cool surface ”the dew point” when air quickly cools. A well-ventilated home and reducing the amount of excessive moisture generated should improve serious condensation issues and black mould forming.
Signs of Condensation on the Walls
- Cold walls that are wet to the touch
- Black mould speaks start to appear
- Peeling wallpaper or cracked paint from excessive moisture
How to Treat Damp Walls
The first step to damp proofing walls is correctly identifying the source of water ingress. The surveyors at Rentokil Property Care do this by thoroughly inspecting the internal and external walls of a property.
Common sources of water ingress include:
- Cracks in masonry and render
- Loose and broken roof tiles
- Leaking gutters and downpipes
- Tree roots damaging foundations
- Bridged damp proof courses
- Damaged sealing of window and door frames
- Damp cavity wall insulation
Once you have identified the source of the problem, the correct repairs should be undertaken to resolve the problem before treating the visible symptoms. Rentokil Property Care offer a complete service ensuring that damp walls aren’t just patched up but given a long-term damp proofing solution covered by a 20-Year guarantee.
Professional Damp Proofing for Walls
The damp proofing professionals at Rentokil Property Care have the qualifications, training and experience to correctly diagnose your damp problem and develop an effective solution for damp proofing your walls.
You can contact our expert team at Rentokil Property Care today on 0800 0121 437 or click the button below to fill in a quick contact form and we will get back to you.
Further Information
More about Damp Treatment
Find out more about Damp Treatment
