About Damp

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Rising damp is moisture present in your walls from water in the ground underneath or next to your walls rising up through the fabric of the wall. The water travels upwards through the wall by means of capillary action through the bricks, timber or stonework. The water stops rising at a height where gravity counteracts the upwards force of the capillary action (approximately 1.5 metres).

The effects of this damp, such as salt deposits (efflorescence) may be seen higher up due to the presence of non-breathing wall coverings such as vinyl wallpaper, non-breathable plasters, renders and paints.

Rising damp problems often occur, inter alia, due to a compromised (or lack of) damp proofing membrane (DPC) 

Typical indicators of Rising Damp

• Tide marks on the walls
• Damp patches and staining up a wall from the ground
• Wallpaper peeling off walls
• Debonding render
• Delaminating/blistering paint off walls
• Decayed/rotting skirting boards
• Efflorescence   
• Black spots/mould

Penetrating damp (lateral damp) is the ingress of moisture through the  external building envelope seeping into the interior.

It is often caused by porous walls, damaged brickwork and building/structural defects such as plaster fractures, defective guttering and downpipes, roof damage, defective or poorly installed windows/doors. All will contribute to the ingress of moisture causing penetrating damp.

Typical Indicators of Penetrating Damp 

• Tide marks on the walls
• Damp patches and stained surfaces
• Wallpaper peeling off walls
• Debonding render
• Delaminating/blistering paint off walls
• Decayed timber
• Efflorescence  
• Black spots/mould       

Penetrating damp usually occurs on external walls where the external ground levels are higher than the internal floor levels. Dampness within the soil bears against these walls and penetrates through them. Penetrating damp also occurs in floor slabs where there is a high water table and a compromised damp proofing membrane (DPC). Consequently, this type of damp is particularly prevalent in basements and cellars and in the vicinity of structural retaining walls.

In these instances a “tanking damp proofing system” of treatment would be required to prevent further ingress into the affected area. 

Compromised concrete structures causing ingress of moisture into the interior 

of the space below them will cause damp problems.  It would require

damp proofing treatment and subsequent remedial works to prevent further

damp damage.

An assessment of a property’s damp problems and advice on viable solutions to rectify these problems are conducted on site by means of a thorough investigation together with the aid of hygrometer and thermal imaging tools. 

Often the tracking of moisture cannot be investigated thoroughly due to existing floor coverings, existing cupboards and the like. It may be necessary for certain obstructions to be removed to gain complete access for the investigation. Only by combining the results of the moisture profile analysis with the findings of other checks and investigations can proper conclusions be drawn as to the nature, causes and severity of any damp problem.

A report is issued to reflect the findings and recommendations are given for viable solutions. Quotations for carrying out the damp proofing repair and remedial works may be supplied based upon the findings of the assessment.  A nominal fee is charged for damp assessments.

We are primarily specialists in the damp proofing field.  The repair and remedial works involved with most damp proofing works usually require works in various other construction fields, either before, during or after the damp proofing works are in progress.  (eg, plumbing, tiling, carpentry).

We have extensive experience and knowledge in the construction industry.

Both in a practical and managerial way.  We offer a slice of our P.I.E. (Proficiency, Integrity and Efficiency) when contracted to Project Manage damp proofing repairs and its remedial works. 

Speak to us to incorporate your repairs and remedial works into one - P.I.E.   

References are available on request.   

We have many years of experience in the painting and decorating field. Damp treated areas will often need to be finished off with painting work. 

We offer  a full painting service for all surfaces. 

Speak to us for a quotation for your painting requirements and a complimentary slice of P.I.E. 

Structural repairs may be required when waterproofing concrete slabs, we have experience in reinforcing slab stitching as well as concrete column and beam spalling repairs.