Penetrating Damp
Penetrating Damp is common in properties by the sea
Penetrating damp in damp walls is often caused by faults in the building or plumbing work which has allowed water to enter into the structure. Coastal properties can suffer from penetrating damp due to the high levels of driving rain hitting the external brickwork. This penetrating damp results in serious deteriorating affects to the internal finishing like
- damp staining
- salting
- blown plaster
- spoiling
- peeling of the finishes in the internal areas
A watermark might be noticeable on the internal wall and grow if the water continues to enter thus penetrating the damp walls. Penetrating damp is caused by the porous nature of the building which permits external moisture to enter through the external walls which ultimately affects the internal surfaces. The defects in the construction of the building which are the root cause of penetrating damp include defective roof coverings/lead flashings, damaged mortar joints etc. Even when these defects have been cured, the affects of residual moisture within the building can continue to create problems for months and sometimes years. This is the case because a damp wall will take one month for each inch of the wall thickness to dry out after the source of the penetrating damp is removed. Many older buildings have very very thick external walls and thus the affects of penetrating damp will continue over a longer period of time if nothing protective is done. Penetrating damp can also be a problem in damp cellars due to the external soil pushing against the brickwork. In below ground buildings a full damp tanking system would be recommended to treat the damp cellar.
The correct identification of the cause of the damp (rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation damp etc) is important and if it can be cured or removed with a DIY solution then that is great. However, the residual moisture aspect must always be considered to completely remedy the problem.
DIY Damp Remedies
Numerous DIY damp remedies can help you treat penetrating damp. The first thing you should do is check everything in and around the property. Check gutters, downpipes, rendering and window frames for leaks as penetrating damp will get into the property through them.
Look for cracks in the property where water can enter – fill the crack and you could cure the problem!
Blocked drains can also cause penetrating damp and you might find that you can get rid of the blockage and the problem might fix itself. In addition, cracked walls and poorly fitted roof felt can lead to penetrating damp and damp plaster.
Whether the penetrative damp is continuing or because of residual moisture, Damp Proof Membranes offer a quick and permanent solution for treating damp problems. Once they are installed, they provide a permanent separation barrier between the damp walls and internal finishes meaning a dry interior surface and protection is maintained always and the damp walls can dry out – meaning no more damp mould!.
As a damp expert with years of experience, I would recommend a full check for leaks and cracks is made first, and if this does not remedy the problem I would always recommend Damp Proof Membranes as the solution for penetrating damp.
Tags: condensation damp, damp cellar, damp cellars, damp injection, damp mould, damp plaster, damp tanking, damp walls, diy damp, dpc damp, penetrating damp, treating damp
