Damp proofing refers to the treatments and methods applied to protect your house from dampness. Moisture and water can get absorbed through your floors or walls into the internal parts of your home. Any house that does not have a damp proof course is prone to dampness problems, and it is therefore critical that you ensure that you have installed a damp proof course when constructing your home to avoid future damages. It is important to hire a professional company for the damp proofing of your home. Richardson & Starling are a Scottish based company that expertly deals with damp proofing your home.
Damp protection options
The two major types of damp protection are the damp proof membrane and the damp proof course. Most people don’t differentiate between a damp proof course and a damp proof membrane and thinks that these two can be used interchangeably. However, for full protection, we advise that you use these two together.
Damp proof course
A damp proof course or the DPC is one of the methods that is applied when protecting your home against water and dampness. Different contractors will use various ways to apply a DPC, but you should always hire an experienced contractor to ensure that this very critical step is done appropriately. Excessive build-up of wetness or moisture can be disastrous and if uncontrolled can damage the structure of your house.
A damp proofing course acts as a barrier and effectively prevent water from seeping or penetrating into your floors or walls. This means that the integrity of your structures is always protected as they are not interfered with by water, dampness or moisture.
Damp proof membrane
Another common dampness treatment method is the use of a damp proof membrane. A damp proof membrane is made from protective sheets made of waterproof materials such as butyl rubber and polyethylene. These sheets act as a barrier and prevent water or damp from penetrating into your property.
Damp proofing a concrete floor
Dampness in concrete can be caused by among other factors, absence or damage of a DPC, damp proof membrane or both. You should always look for an experienced contractor or builder for damp proofing your concrete floors. Remember that, a concrete structure can be really affected if the excessive water was allowed to penetrate through it. If you notice any dampness on your concrete floor, you should quickly get in touch with a specialist who will be able to identify the cause and the solution to the wetness.
Damp proofing your walls
The build-up of excessive water or moisture can eventually cause dampness on your walls. Dampness on internal walls is not only unsightly but also very unhealthy and could lead to wood or timber decay. Dampness on your walls should be addressed very quickly to prevent structural damage to your house as well as the health hazards associated with the wetness.
If you notice the following occurrences in your house, then your home could be suffering from dampness, and you need to resort to damp proofing:
l Peeling of paint or your wallpaper
l Discolouration of your walls
l Decayed timber floors or skirting boards
l Crumbling plaster or other wall finishes.
Recent Comments