When most people hear the term damp proofing, they immediately think of protecting against rising damp. However, while rising damp can be a concern, it is over-diagnosed and not as common as people think thanks to damp-proof course (DPC) – the real risk is moisture in general, which can cause significant damage to your home. That’s where damp proofing comes in.
What is Damp Proofing?
Damp proofing refers to a set of techniques and treatments used to protect a property from the harmful effects of moisture. This can include rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation, and other moisture-related issues. Proper damp proofing is essential to maintain the structural integrity of your home and ensure a healthy living environment.
Time to call in a damp proofing specialist…
There are several types of damp that could be affecting your property, and correctly identifying the type is essential for successful damp remediation:
- Condensation: This is the most common form of damp and happens when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface.
- Penetrating Damp: Occurs when water enters the building through floors, walls, roofs, or gaps in windows and doors.
- Rising Damp: As mentioned earlier, rising damp is caused by ground moisture being drawn up through the walls/ brick/ stone of a property.
Regular maintenance of your property is one of the most effective ways to prevent moisture issues. Addressing minor external repairs, improving ventilation, and checking your damp-proof course (DPC) can go a long way in preventing damp problems (see our maintenance calendar for your year-round list of maintenance jobs!). However, if you’re unsure about the source of moisture in your home, a damp proofing specialist can help you diagnose and resolve the issue.
When you spot damp in your home—whether it’s dark, damp patches on a wall, condensation on windows, or mould growth—it’s essential to act quickly. Before deciding on a solution, understanding the source of the damp is key. Damp proofing isn’t just about fixing damp; it’s about addressing all the potential causes of moisture in your home.
Common External causes of damp
Most damp issues begin outside the property. External defects can lead to moisture seeping into your home, and damp proofing efforts should always start by addressing these. Some common causes include:
- Chimneys and parapets often forgotten flaunchings and flashings
- Roofing problems, such as missing or damaged slates or tiles
- Blocked or undersized gutters
- Defective pointing in brickwork
- Spalling bricks (where the surface of the brick deteriorates due to moisture)
- High ground levels around your property, which can direct water toward the walls
- Drainage issues, like blocked or overflowing gullies
Common External causes of damp
Most damp issues begin outside the property. External defects can lead to moisture seeping into your home, and damp proofing efforts should always start by addressing these. Some common causes include:
- Defective pointing in brickwork
- Spalling bricks (where the surface of the brick deteriorates due to moisture)
- Drainage issues, like blocked or overflowing gullies
- Blocked or undersized gutters
- Roofing problems, such as missing or damaged slates or tiles
- High ground levels around your property, which can direct water toward the walls
Download our FREE eBook guide
Q&A: Common Questions About Damp Proofing
Q: Can I ignore small signs of damp?
A: No, even small damp patches can lead to serious problems over time. Ignoring the early signs of damp can result in structural damage, mould growth, poor health and costly repairs.
Q: What’s the difference between rising damp and penetrating damp?
A: Rising damp is moisture that moves upwards from the ground through the walls and walls that have no DPC or DPM while penetrating damp comes from external water entering through walls, roofs, or windows.
Q: Will my insurance cover damp repairs?
A: In some cases, damp-related damage may be covered by your insurance policy under specific peril clauses. However, the exact cause of the damp needs to be accurately diagnosed for a successful claim. A damp proofing specialist can provide the necessary inspection and documentation.
Protect Your Home with Professional Damp Proofing
If you’ve noticed mystery damp or moisture issues in your home, it’s time to act. The first step in protecting your property is getting a correct diagnosis from a damp proofing expert. Our specialists can identify the root cause of the damp and provide the right solutions to get your property back on track.
Contact us today to speak to a damp proofing specialist
Don’t let damp issues spiral out of control. Get in touch with our experienced team for a comprehensive damp proofing survey. We’ll assess your property, identify any moisture-related problems, and recommend the best course of action to keep your home damp-free.
By working with a damp proofing specialist, you can protect your property from the damaging effects of moisture. Whether it’s rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation, our team is ready to help you solve the problem and maintain a healthy, comfortable living environment.
Call back request
If you're looking to cut costs, improve your home's comfort levels, reduce heat loss, get rid of damp or discuss insurance claims, drop us a line and one of our expert team will be in touch.