Damp is caused by the build-up of excess moisture within a building, from either internal condensation or intrusion from outside. The longer dampness is left untreated, the greater the chance of other problems, such as wet or dry rot, developing.
Anytime Damp Proofing begins with a comprehensive survey covering timbers and walls to determine the nature and cause of dampness, analyse the factors and recommend the optimum solution. A diagnostic survey will identify the prevalent factors and take into account the causes of water ingress whether due to chemical erosion, building defects, poor maintenance or simply the absence of any damp proofing measures. Damp Proofing is purely about replacing or installing a barrier to prevent moisture rising by capillary reaction in a structure.
Rising Damp & Damp Proofing
The problem of rising damp can arise for various reasons - the failure of an existing damp proof course, bridging due to the raising of external ground or internal floor levels, or in older buildings, the complete absence of a damp proof course. Rising damp is unhealthy, unsightly and can lead to timber decay and heat loss. Brick, stone and mortar are porous allowing damp from the ground to rise by capillary action, carrying with it ground salts including chlorides and nitrates. Salts left by rising damp can absorb moisture from the atmosphere leading to wall dampness in conditions of high relative humidity. Also the cyclical nature of crystallisation and rewetting can ruin decorations and break down internal plaster.