Can Rising Damp Be Remedied?
Rising Damp Issues?
Can rising damp can be remedied? Yes! In a nutshell, rising damp can be remedied, but the earlier you can spot signs of the problem, the easier it is to get rid of the problem. You will want to look for indications of rising damp on the walls like damp patches, flaking plaster, peeling wallpaper or paint, and a musty smell. Sometimes it may smell like rotting wood, especially if the skirting boards are rotting or mildew on the walls.
Is Rising Damp hazardous to the building or humans
Most certainly it is dangerous as minicual spores get released and can affect human beings making them sick or even be fatal. In our experience rising damp can go unnoticed for years causing health ailments in human beings.
Rising damp also affects buildings. As water ingresses the substrate it expels the necessary chemicals from the cement or mortar mix known as salts effervescents. This compromised the integrity of the wall or substrate. Worse, the water can cause erosion of any steel structure in the wall
Treating Rising Damp
The first step to treating rising damp is to determine the condition of the damp proof course or (DPC). DPC is usually plastic layer and acts as waterproofing layer. Often the DPM can get damaged, compromising the waterproofing of the building allowing water to penetrate ground soaking into the structure’s walls and floors causing rising damp.
Repairing or Inserting The Damp Proof Course
Most landlords get missing or damaged DPC repaired by a builder or a specialist company. The company will usually drill holes into the wall to inject the damp-proof cream or resin, which works creates a new horizontal waterproofing layer.
The alternative solution is to cut grooves into the brickwork and then add a thin piece of damp proof course material instead of a chemical. This is time consuming and not always fool proof as comes with risks.
Replacing Versus Repairing the Damp Proof Membrane
If all you are dealing with is a small patch of dampness on the floor, then it can be remedied by painting the a waterproofing paint over the affected area to stop any more water from rising.
If you notice extensive dampness on the walls and floor, the damp-proof membrane must be replaced. This alternative is often necessary, since it prevents the dampness from causing any more damage to your home.
Check the Ground Level Outside
If the damp proof course is in good condition, the problem could be that the ground outside has managed to build up above the layer of DPM, which needs to be 15cm above ground level. One way to address this issue is to dig away the excessive build-up of soil on the exterior side.
Use Damp Proof Materials on the Floor and Tank Walls
What this means is you seal these areas to protect them from moisture. You can do this to areas that are damp and can be using a durable waterproofing membrane or a quality waterproofing slurry.
If the problem you’re dealing with is in the walls, then often the waterproofing specialist will chemically inject in the wall (as mentioned above) and create a new waterproofing horizontal barrier which will prevent rising damp in the walls
The best way to determine how to move forward to address the issue of rising damp is to hire a professional to take a look. A trusted professional will offer suitable options based on the extent of damage and your budget.
