Damp Proofing
Award-winning damp proofing surveys and treatment solutions provided to domestic and commercial clients.
The term ‘damp proofing’ refers to the wider process of preserving a property through damp prevention services. Any property, both old and new, can be affected by damp and high moisture problems.
Older properties are particularly susceptible as building materials tend to deteriorate over time. Masonry can become porous; roofs can start leaking and damp proof courses can lose their effectiveness over time.
If left unchecked, damp can cause all kinds of damage, such as:
- Peeling paint
- Rotting timber
- Crumbling plaster
- Warped floor boards
- Rusting steel and fasteners
- Warped facing and skirting boards
Wither you have a flooded property, rising damp problems or condensation issues, we can resolve your problem and provide a cost-effective solution. Our damp proofing services come with guarantees you can trust.
What Causes Damp In A Property?
Damp is generally a symptom of a greater underlying issue. Therefore, the first step of rectifying damp in a home is identifying the source of the problem.
If you see damp patches on the walls inside or outside your property, it could be due to any number of the following problems:
- Rainwater penetration through defective masonry
- Condensation
- High ground levels
- Rising damp
- Defective roofing
- External flooding
- Leaking gutters and faulty down pipes
- Defective sealing to windows or doors
- Defective drains
- Defective Cavity wall insulation
- Tree roots damaging existing walls and damp proof course
- Defective internal plumbing
Once the source of the problem has been identified this should be rectified in conjunction with the fabric repair works.
Rising Damp
Most properties in the UK will already have an existing damp proofing course, but when this becomes compromised it leads to what is known as rising damp.
The existing damp proofing fails due to several reasons, the main ones being:
- It is outdated – Previously used system has deteriorated
- It is not installed properly – Installed at the wrong level
- It gets damaged – Usually by roots of trees or shifting foundations
- It gets bridged – Ground level is higher than the installed damp proof course
Rising damp can cause serious damage to plaster, timber and decorations in your property. We address rising damp by injecting the affected walls with a silicone damp proofing course, which prevents damp rising up the wall due to capillary action.
In addition, the walls could be fitted with a membrane that prevents the damp that is already in the wall penetrating to the new interior plaster.
Penetrating Damp
Essentially penetrating damp is water and moisture penetrating the external envelope of your property. If left untreated it can lead to internal fabric damage and even rot, which can cause serious damage.
It is often caused by the following problems within your home:
- Defective and porous masonry or render
- Poor window or door pointing
- Damage to roof coverings
- Damage to rainwater goods
Our qualified surveyors will assess the damage, identify the source of the water ingress and recommend the most appropriate remedial action.
Condensation and Black Mould Issues
These days most homes have excellent draft proofing properties thanks to modern insulation and double glazing. While these building improvements improve the heat retention in properties, they can also create some unforeseen problems such as moisture laden air and consequently – condensation. Continuous condensation can lead to the growth of moulds and it can damage decorations and furnishings.
Our specialist surveyor will visit your property to determine the cause of the condensation in your property. Following their survey, we will be able to advise on the most suitable remedial action required, this may include one or more of the following,
- Extraction fans to pull stale air out of your property and draw in fresh air
- Positive pressure ventilation systems to increase the flow of air through your home
- Repairing cold spots in your home so that the air does not condense on surfaces
- Additional damp proofing to lower the moisture content in your home
KDS Wall Coatings - Ipswich, Suffolk & Surrounding Areas
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