Choosing the Best Damp Proofing Method for Your Home

One of the most important threats which homeowners in the UK must protect themselves against is damp, which comes in several different types that infiltrate your home in different ways. This means that you need a different damp proofing method to defend your home against each type. Here’s how to understand the types of damp that threaten your home the most and start choosing the best type of protection for your needs.

The Different Types of Damp

There are three main categories of damp that affect properties in the UK: rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation. What divides them is the source of the moisture that causes the damp problem. Rising damp originates in groundwater and rises up through the foundations and ground-level walls of buildings. Penetrating damp is when water leaks in through the exterior because of structural defects or damage, and condensation results from moist air settling on cold surfaces.

Each type of damp requires a distinct treatment approach, so accurately diagnosing existing or likely damp issues is an important first step towards protecting your home.

Rising Damp Solutions

Rising damp often results from a missing or defective damp-proof course (DPC). This is a barrier within a building’s foundations that stops moisture in the ground from entering porous bricks and mortar. Therefore, rising damp is often resolved by installing a new DPC, which can be either a chemical or physical barrier. Chemical courses are installed via DPC injection and tend to be fast and easy. Installing a physical DPC after a building has been constructed often requires extensive work.

Penetrating Damp Solutions

Penetrating damp solutions typically involve identifying entry points for water on the outside of your home. These can be things like cracks in the wall or broken roof tiles that need fixing. Regularly inspecting your home for these and repairing them promptly is an effective means of prevention, but there are also external damp-proofing treatments and water-repellent coatings that can be applied to your home’s exterior for added protection.

Condensation Solutions

Controlling humidity and improving ventilation are the keys to stopping condensation. Even something as simple as opening the windows in the morning and evening to let fresh air circulate can help, but there are also effective mechanical methods like extractor fans and dehumidifiers.

Which Solution is Best?

As you can see, there are several ways to treat each type of damp. This begs the question of which one is right for you, and to answer that there are a few more things to consider. Firstly, there is your budget, but it is also important to think about the materials and techniques used to construct your home. Some damp proofing methods may not be appropriate for your property.

The most effective way to ensure that your home is protected from damp is to consult a damp specialist. They can do a survey of your home to reveal the biggest threats and take appropriate preventative steps. Reach out to London Damp Proofing Ltd by calling 0208 226 6330 to schedule your survey today.