Damp Proofing: A Quick Information Guide

wise PROPERTY CARE DAMP PROOFING BUILDING VALUE A quick information guide What is it? Damp proofing is a generic term to describe a variety of treatments and solutions applied to prevent damp problems affecting a property... Leaks? Condensation? Penetrating Damp? Rising Damp? ..so, how do we identify problems that require damp proofing? Rising Damp Rising damp is an issue that can affect all buildings. It is a particularly prevelent in older houses where the original damp proofing treatment has deteriorated or where the ground level around a property has been raised with the addition of a new path or drive way. Common signs of Rising Damp: Wet Skirting Damp Staining Damp Stonework Condensation Condensation is simply the moisture caused by everyday living. Moisture is absorbed into the warm atmosphere of your house and when the house cools down the moisture condenses on cool surfaces. Common signs of Condensation: Damaged Plaster Black Mould Moisture on Windows Penetrating Damp Penetrating damp (or moisture ingress horizontally through the the wall fabric) is an issue that can affect all buildings. Typically, penetrating damp is caused by issues with the building, or plumbing, where a problem has allowed water to enter the property. Common signs of Penetrating Damp: Broken Pipes & Gutters Watermarked Masonry Leaks Generally, leaks will be localised to one area of a wall. If you notice localised damp patches, think about sources of water near the problem that could have leaks: Burst Water Pipes Poorly Fitted Windows Blocked Guttering Broken Flashing & Tiles Treatment and Solutions When considering any damp proofing treatment, it is vital to correctly diagnose the actual damp problem and the source of dampness. Get the diagnosis wrong and the damp issue will continue and the costs incurred with the damp proofing treatment will be totally wasted. A professional damp proofing technician will: Identify the nature, type and extent of the damp issue. Determine the cause of the damp by repairng the source of moisture. Determine a long term damp proofing solution and, if necessary, a cure for any damp related issues. Devise a list of further steps that are required to safeguard the property. Ensure the property is left safe and clean About Wise Property Care Wise Property Care is Scotland's leading damp proofing, timber preservation and woodworm treatment organisation. For more than 15 years, Wise Property Care has been building value back into people's homes through property repair treatments and our real and meaningful 20-year guarantee. For more information, help or advice visit our website - www.wisepropertycare.com f www.facebook.com/wisepropertycare E www.twitter.com/wisepc wise 8 www.youtube.com/wisepropertycare Sources http://www.wisepropertycare.com/damp-proofing http://www.wisopropertycare.com/rising-damp http://www.wisepropertycare.com/oondensation PROPERTY CARE BUILDING VALUE www.wisepropertycare.com/damp-proofing