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.
Signs of a damp problem
– Damp and musty smell
– The unwanted moisture enables the growth of various fungi in wood, causing rot or mould health issues
– Plaster and paint deteriorate and wallpaper loosens
– Stains such as dark patches & damp walls
– Rising damp may also be visible on skirting boards
– The appearance of salt stains on outside walls
– Mortar on the outside of the property begins to crumble away
What causes damp?
There are a variety of reasons such as lack of building maintenance or the deterioration of building fabric. Damp is usually due to one of the following issues:
1. Rising Damp
Rising Damp
Failure of an existing damp proofing course, bridging due to the raising of external ground or internal floor levels, or even the absence of a damp proofing course.
Where rising damp is diagnosed, Acorn DPS will install a remedial damp proof course using the industry leading range of BBA Approved remedial Damp Proofing products from Wykamol. During treatment, it will be necessary to remove and replace the plaster to ensure the hygroscopic salts are removed. Acorn DPS use Wykamol’s renovating plaster, which provide the ideal solution for long term and effective damp proofing treatment.
Where plaster has to be renewed because of contamination with hygroscopic salts, it is vital that a special salt retardant additive is used to hold back any residual salts while still allowing the passage of water vapour.
Standard plasters such as Carlite should not be used as many have hygroscopic content and failure to follow this instruction is the most common cause of continuing wall dampness after a remedial dpc has been installed.
Treatment can be carried out to individual walls or full properties.
Contact us now for a free survey.
Damp proof course with DPC injection
Completed Section
2. Penetrating Damp
This occurs due to water entering your building through walls, roofs, window or door surrounds. This may be due to issues with roof tiles, cracked pointing, defective seals or damaged guttering which will allow water to penetrate and enter the property. If the problem is caused by building defects, these can be easily repaired by a builder. Once the wall has dried out and there is no damage to plaster or decay in timbers, then you can re-decorate.
On some occasions, rainwater may be building up against your building and therefore a ‘Aqua Drain’ many need to be inserted to channel surface water away as pictured below. Contact us now for a free survey.
Channel Drain System (before)
Channel Drain System (complete)
3. Condensation Damp
Home Vent system
Condensation damp usually causes black mould growth in the worst affected areas. When treating condensation it is essential to tackle the source of moisture. This form of damp could be simply eradicated by opening windows, turning on extractor fans whilst cooking and drying clothes outside rather than inside. The aim is to remove the moisture from the air ensuring that black mould cannot grow at all.
For more serious condensation problems you may need to consider installing an air ventilation system.
If you believe you have condensation problems then please contact us so we can provide advice on how to rectify the problem.
