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info@nrgpc.net info@nrgps.co.uk01323 388211 

Damp Treatment

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating water is the most common cause for damp related issues in the UK, penetrating damp is classed as any water that finds its way inside from the outside.

 

It occurs at all levels of the building but is more prevalent higher up and on south west facing walls.   Overflowing gutters, missing roof tiles, downspouts, leaking pipes, badly fitting windows or doors and damaged pointing, cladding, flashing or render are all sources of penetrating damp.

 

If air bricks are covered that too can cause problems because it prevents the building “breathing” by restricting the flow of air and trapping moisture which in turn leads to damp.

 

 

What are the symptoms of penetrating damp?

 

You’d think it would be fairly easy to locate the ingress of water into your property but the problem is that it can often be weeks or months before any problems appear. Typical signs of penetrating damp are:

  • growing circles of damp on walls or ceilings
  • blotchy patches on walls
  • wet and crumbly plaster
  • signs of spores or mildew
  • drips and puddles.

 

Rising Damp

Rising Damp is simply, water from the ground that enters a structure by capillary action. Water that enters or affects a building through any other route can move about in various ways but is not rising damp.

Rising damp is a commonly encountered problem in some types of building, however it is often misdiagnosed. It is important that the investigations into dampness are undertaken by a competent surveyor who can recognise and understand the problem.

Decayed skirting boards, crumbling or salt stained plaster, discolouration and staining, decayed timber floors, peeling paint and wallpaper are all common when walls are affected by rising damp. These defects are not always evident but when they are, a specialist inspection is always recommended.

Most types of masonry used in the walls of buildings will allow some water movement by capillary action; however, this is usually controlled by a physical barrier or damp proof course. If this physical barrier is absent, has broken down or is damaged then it is often possible to install a remedial damp proof course (DPC) to control water rising from the ground.

Water rising from the ground often introduces contaminating salts into the walls and plaster coats. This contamination will often result in a need for the plaster to be removed and replaced using specially formulated salt resistant plasters.

NRG Property Solutions have the skills needed to survey, report on and repair buildings affected by rising damp.

If you feel that you may need to have your property checked for rising damp issues please do not hesitate to contact us.

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