Damp proofing FAQ

As the market leading damp proofing specialists since our formation way back in 1951, there is not much about damp that we have not experienced. We would like to use our position of authority to clear up and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about damp proofing that we encounter on a daily basis.

• What does damp proofing mean?
• What is a damp proof course?
• Is damp proofing covered by building insurance?
• What causes Damp?
• What is the difference between damp proofing and waterproofing?
• Can you DIY damp proofing?
• Do you have damp proofing specialists near me?

If you find that we have not addressed your damp proofing question amongst that list then simply give our damp specialist team a call or arrange a property survey using the button below.

Damp proofing is simply the generic term used to describe the various forms of damp treatment that can be used to address problems caused by conditions like rising damp, penetrating damp or excessive condensation.

In common usage though, damp proofing generally refers to the installation of a remedial damp proof course through the damp proof injection method.

A damp proof course is the installation of a barrier to prevent water ingress and rising damp problems in properties.

Most buildings in the UK since the 1920’ have been constructed with an in-built damp proof course, typically a layer of some form of slate or damp proof membrane near the bottom of the structure.

However these original damp proof courses are susceptible to age and deterioration and can fail resulting in the home taking on moisture and suffering from damp problems.

This is why we specialise in the installation of remedial damp proof courses, particularly through the method of damp proof injection. This is a time proven, effective, efficient and fast acting damp treatment that involves injecting a damp proof solution into the walls at the lower level of the property, you can read more about remedial damp proof courses here:  https://www.petercox.com/our-services/damp-proofing/course/injection

Most household or contents insurance policies are unlikely to offer protection against damp.
 
To give you full assurance and protection against damp problems, we back our damp treatments with long lasting guarantees of twenty years and we provide a unique Peter Cox insurance policy against any future cases of rising damp.

Damp in the home is caused by either rising damp, penetrating damp or condensation. The method of damp proofing you require to effectively solve the problem will depend on the type of damp problem at play.

Damp underground, in basements and cellars is a slightly different matter and is often caused by hydrostatic pressure. To solve this you may require the services of our specialist waterproofing team.

When people refer to damp proofing they are generally talking about measures to keep ground water out of the building, while waterproofing is used to describe treatments that prevent any water entering a property.

A useful guideline when thinking about the differences between damp proofing and waterproofing is to remember that damp proofing is typically used to prevent damp problems above the ground, while waterproofing is generally employed to solve damp and flooding problems below ground.

Damp problems come in different shapes and sizes, and for some it is perfectly sensible to attempt to solve them yourself. You can introduce measures around the home to combat condensation, and if you are handy at repair work then you can attempt to fix and simple problems like cracks in render or guttering faults that are creating penetrating damp problems.

Unfortunately rising damp is far more difficult to resolve and we would advise that you should at least consult with a qualified and trained professional before you attempt any remedial treatment. You may want to read more about what is involved in rising damp treatment.

Our damp proofing specialists work from a network of local branches that cover the length and breadth of the UK, so no matter where you are, we guarantee that we have a team of experts capable of attending the property.

You are never more than a phone call away from our damp proofing team so give us a call or click the button below to book a survey.