Rising Damp
Rising damp occurs when water in the lower parts of walls gradually move upwards along with other ground-supported structures by capillary action. Although damp rising as high as 5 meters in height has been witnessed, the peak is often far lower and is seldom over 1.5m.
More often than not, the damp is not given serious attention, and the symptoms are simply covered with paint or one of the many waterproofing plasters available. These brush on solutions may seem to work for a while; however, it should be kept in mind that they only take care of some of the minor symptoms of damp. Unless the rising damp itself is cured, it will keep spreading, and its symptoms will keep on re-appearing.
What causes Rising Damp?
Damp is due to surplus water accumulation, weakened or broken waterproofing membrane or poor drainage. A leaking roof, gutter, downpipe or internal pipe will result in moisture build up over time and can lead to plaster or exterior render to become loosened and flaky which are typical tell-tale indications of a severe damp problem. Even the smallest of leaks in your roof can, eventually result in a damp issue and can affect your timber and overall roof framework.
It can also be caused by a porous wall soaking water up from the ground. This is typically prevented by a damp proof course which is installed on the wall when the wall is built. Old houses were frequently built with no damp proof courses; alternatively, the materials they used have broken down, causing rising damp in the walls.
How to fix Rising Damp?
Stripping off the damaged plaster and twice drilling each brick in a line at floor or ground level cure rising damp. Silicone is then administered to create an artificial damp proof course. The plaster is substituted with a waterproofed plaster. Under the damp proof course level, the wall is usually excavated to foundation level and tanked with a waterproof plaster in specific cases. Specialised drainage systems have to be installed around your home wall surfaces in severe circumstances.
Lateral Damp
Water penetration through walls due to the lack or perforation of a vertical Damp Proof Membrane barrier, use of moisture resistant bricks, bad brick joining, poor quality cement or sand in the plaster mix, painting before plaster is completely dry, and use of low-cost, inadequate and improperly applied paint coatings.
The existence of lateral damp is verified similar to rising damp, by white efflorescence, damp brown patches, green algae and a degeneration of the plaster and paint.
Verticle Damp
Water entering the masonry through the roof or upper floor exterior balcony.
Condensation Damp
Caused by insufficient ventilation and severe variations in temperatures between the interior and exterior surfaces. Condensation is usually a lot worse should there be an existing
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