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Rising Damp and its Main Causes
Dampness in walls might be caused by a number of different factors, it is important that we identify all possible
sources of moisture. Apart from rising damp, examples would include the likes of leaking gutters, defective
flashings, masonry defects that allow moisture ingress and poor ventilation often leading to condensation. Each of these can result in damp, unhealthy buildings and provide additional possibilities for other problems such as wood rotting or fungi to develop.
Rising damp can surface for various reasons - failure of an existing damp proof course (dpc), or sometimes, in older buildings, the complete absence of a dpc, bridging due to the raising of external ground or internal floor levels. Most building materials are porous, thus allowing damp from the ground to rise via a capillary action. Brick, stone and mortar are particularly susceptible to this form of absorption, although their levels of porosity can vary.
This phenomenon also has the characteristic of carrying ground salts including chlorides and nitrates with it. These salts have the ability to absorb moisture from the atmosphere, leading to wall dampness in conditions of high relative humidity. In addition to this, their cyclical nature of crystallisation and re-wetting ruins most decoration and breaks down internal plastering. In addition to damaging your decorations, damp inside the home is most unpleasant and can, in more serious cases, pose a possible health risk.
If you think you have even a small damp problem in your home, we recommend that you get it dealt with before it gets any worse.
Devon Damp Proofing specialists Brixham Damp Proofing give a brief outline on the advantages of basement tanking / membrane waterproofing.
In recent basement and cellar waterproofing has become ever more popular as the price of property continues to rise throughout Great Britain.
With the modern lifestyles of today we all want that extra living space, therefore it makes perfect sense to extend your property by converting that damp cold cellar space into lavish and useable rooms without loosing valuable garden, patio and outside space.
It can be relatively inexpensive to convert a cellar but can increase the value of the property quite substantially. Another advantage is that in most cases converting a cellar or basement require no planning permission.
Waterproofed cellars and basements can be converted into bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, wine cellars, studies, living rooms, or even recording studios. You are limited only by your imagination. In commercial premises, common uses for basements include, extra storage / retail space, car parks, bars / nightclubs, and restaurants.
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At Brixham Damp Proofing we are experienced in surveying and correctly diagnosing your properties with damp problems enabling us to recommend the most effective solution for your property. We also have a 30 year insurance backed guarantee for all work carried out.
How do you transform Damp Cellars & Basements into habitable accommodation?
Floors and walls in rooms beneath ground level are subject to lateral damp penetration either by by hydrostatic pressure or capillary action.
Using specialist basement waterproofing techniques also known as "Tanking", basements and cellars can be transformed into habitable accommodation.
A number of systems can be used in order to achieve this, Brixham Damp Proofing recommend the following systems:
Cementitious Multi-Coat Render ( tanking )
This more traditional method of basement waterproofing involves using multiple coats of render with a waterproofing agent in a dense sand/cement mix which is then applied to the walls and floor.
Thorough preparation is critical, as the wall has to be bush hammered to remove any loose material and special provision has to be made for fixing points to avoid puncturing the waterproof membrane. A choice of finish is available.
This technique is also commonly known as "tanking".
Cavity Drainage Membrane
An alternative to the cementitious render for basement waterproofing is the installation of an high density polyethylene extruded membrane fixed mechanically to the walls, ceilings and floors but with an air gap for the movement of water vapour. Preparation is minimal, making installation quick and cost-effective with minimum disruption.
The internal finish can be either dry lining onto battens or plastering direct on the membrane. Fixing points can be accommodated without difficulty.
Perimeter drainage channels any free water to a sump and pump system.
For more information about the Damp Proofing services available from Brixham Damp Proofing please contact us on 01803 846200. |
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