Print this pageDAMP PROOFING
Damp proofing is a protective process to ensure moisture cannot pass through the walls of a building to the interior. Damp proofing places a barrier in walls that prevents rising damp problems prevalent in modern homes.
Rising damp is unhealthy, unsightly and can lead to timber decay and heat loss. In addition it carries with it hygroscopic ground salts such as chlorides and nitrates which can absorb moisture from the atmosphere leading to wall dampness in conditions of high relative humidity.
The cyclical nature of the crystallisation and rewetting of these salts can break down internal plaster and ruin internal decorations.
What causes it ?
What appears to be rising damp can be due to various factors - the failure of an existing damp proofing course (dpc), bridging due to the raising of external ground or internal floor levels, or in older buildings, the complete absence of a damp proofing course. Wall dampness may also be due to condensation or an incorrect re-plastering specification.
Other factors such as failed rainwater disposal systems have to be taken into account and it requires a trained and qualified specialist surveyor to make an accurate diagnosis.
Where rising damp is diagnosed, Peter Cox will install a remedial damp proofing course using their DryWall Silane Diffusion system, the very latest in damp proofing technology.
This involves the introduction into the wall of a concentrated thixotropic silane/siloxane ‘cream’ to form a barrier against rising damp. As the cream slowly diffuses, it releases a silane vapour which reacts with the silica in the masonry to form a water repellent resin.
No liquid is involved so the wall is quicker to dry out and it is not injected under pressure which means that there are no problems with party walls.
It is important to note that the provision of a barrier against rising damp will only prevent further moisture rising from the ground and that all other sources of dampness must be eliminated as well. Our surveyor will advise you on this.
For more on rising damp - click here.
Replastering - click here.
Problems
Rising damp is unhealthy, unsightly and can lead to timber decay and heat loss. In addition it carries with it hygroscopic ground salts such as chlorides and nitrates which can absorb moisture from the atmosphere leading to wall dampness in conditions of high relative humidity.
The cyclical nature of the crystallisation and rewetting of these salts can break down internal plaster and ruin internal decorations.
Installing a DryWall remedial damp proofing course
What appears to be rising damp can be due to various factors - the failure of an existing damp proofing course (dpc), bridging due to the raising of external ground or internal floor levels, or in older buildings, the complete absence of a damp proofing course. Wall dampness may also be due to condensation or an incorrect re-plastering specification.
Other factors such as failed rainwater disposal systems have to be taken into account and it requires a trained and qualified specialist surveyor to make an accurate diagnosis.
The Solution
Where rising damp is diagnosed, Peter Cox will install a remedial damp proofing course using their DryWall Silane Diffusion system, the very latest in damp proofing technology.
This involves the introduction into the wall of a concentrated thixotropic silane/siloxane ‘cream’ to form a barrier against rising damp. As the cream slowly diffuses, it releases a silane vapour which reacts with the silica in the masonry to form a water repellent resin.
No liquid is involved so the wall is quicker to dry out and it is not injected under pressure which means that there are no problems with party walls.
- Low hazard, non-caustic and solvent free
- Non-flammable and virtually odourless
- Recommended for brick or stone
- Suitable for walls of any type and thickness
- For both internal and external use
- Can be used on 280mm cavity brick walls
- The system carries an Agrement Certificate No 02/3976
It is important to note that the provision of a barrier against rising damp will only prevent further moisture rising from the ground and that all other sources of dampness must be eliminated as well. Our surveyor will advise you on this.
For more on rising damp - click here.
Replastering - click here.
Arrange a Damp Proofing Survey
There is nothing I can add – the whole process from initial enquiry to work being completed was excellent. Thank you.
Stoke on Trent, Feb 2012
