Stop penetrating damp - DIY tips

In many instances, minor cases of penetrating damp are reasonably straightforward to identify and stop yourself using some simple DIY techniques.

Spotting the problem area is often as simple as noting where you are seeing the penetrating damp symptoms internally and then taking a look outside to the corresponding area to see if there are any visible causes of water ingress.

Whether or not you can remedy the issue yourself is completely dependent on the severity of the building defect(s). Our guide below offers useful DIY hints and tips to help stop penetrating damp, but it is important to note that we would suggest that you consult with a professional before attempting any risky repairs, such as fixing a broken roof tile. Moreover, alongside fixing the building defect, you may require professional advice and assistance to determine if the damp has caused any underlying problems like wet rot or dry rot.

Identifying the source of the penetrating damp issue is the key to resolving the penetrating damp issue.

Since penetrating damp can be caused by a variety of defects, we have listed some of the most common sources below and suggested solutions to remedy the defect:

Once the source of the penetrating damp has been stopped, you are then free to move onto the internal damage.

For minor cases, the internal damage may just be limited to the plasterwork. If that is the case, all you need to do is to replace the plasterwork with specialist damp resistant plaster.  

From our experience however, it is typically more than just the plaster that needs to be replaced. Be on the lookout for wet rot and dry rot issues that may be damaging the timbers, especially if you have had the penetrating damp issue for a while. To help you identify these types of rot, visit our dry rot and wet rot pages. There is supporting information on how to treat these forms of rot on our wet rot treatment and dry rot treatment web pages.

Of course the most effective way to stop penetrating damp is to prevent it from occurring in the first place! There are a number of things you can do to stop any penetrating damp works.  They include:

• Be vigilant – check seals, connections and waste pipes on domestic appliances regularly.
• Check your loft for signs of water coming through the roof.
• Check exterior walls for decay, crumbling or cracks.
• If you are replacing your driveway or any paving, do not raise the levels because you may bridge the damp proof course.
• If possible, twice a year, check moisture levels with an electronic moisture meter.

If you have tried the above DIY fixes and suggestions but still have a problem with penetrating damp, then we are here to help.

Simply call us on 0800 633 5712, click to find your local branch or or click the button below to book a survey.