What Is Damp Proofing?

A step-by-step process into damp-proofing

Damp is a common issue across properties in the UK, and nearly all properties are likely to suffer from damp at some point. Damp can be extremely damaging to the structure, fabric, interior, and exterior of your property, which is exactly why damp proofing can be a somewhat ‘life saver’ in preventing irreversible damage to your home.

Before we dive into what is involved in the damp proofing process, let us first discuss what can cause structural dampness and why it happens…

Why Does Damp Occur?

Damp is not uncommon, and there are a multitude of ways property damp can be caused. The most common proportion of damp problems is typically caused by penetrating damp and rising damp.

Penetrating Damp
Penetrating Damp typically occurs within older buildings, but it can occur in properties of any age and at any level of the building. It is the result of water infiltration through an external wall into the property, typically due to a defect in the building or the stone/brick walls degrading over time to allow water to pass through. Penetrating damp is caused by bridged moisture in the cavity, for example, damp and defective cavity wall insulation or pointing missing.

Rising Damp
A more common form of dampness, it is one of the most discussed forms of dampness. Rising damp in buildings can be defined as a slow upward movement of water from the ground, found in the lower section of walls, by capillary action. Water from the ground travels upwards through the port structure of the building materials, normally due to an electrical charge drawing moisture up the wall. Rising damp typically rises to around 1 meter, although it has been known to rise further!

What does damp look like?

If you are concerned about whether your home has damp, you may be wondering what exactly damp looks like and how it presents itself.
Typical signs of damp may be:
• The appearance of mould or tide marks on the wall or ceiling
• An unpleasant musty smell
• Floor covering beginning to lift
• Lifting or peeling wallpaper

If you find your home is presenting any of these signs of damp, you may find you need damp proofing to prevent moisture intrusion. Damp proofing refers to keeping moisture out of a structure, so let’s find out what’s involved.

A step-by-step example process of damp-proofing at CavClear: The type of damp in this case is Rising Damp!

Step 1
All furniture in the relevant area is removed or covered up for protection, and the door is sealed to prevent dust circulating in the house.

Step 2
Black mould and damp has been identified on this internal wall. This is an obvious sign of rising damp coming up from the ground.

Step 3
The old and defected damp plaster has been knocked off at the height of approximately 1.2m, as the rising damp has not gone above this level. This is in preparation to fit the membrane.

Step 4
Holes are then drilled every 110mm, along the lowest mortar line accessible, ready to inject damp proofing cream (DPC Cream).

Step 5
DPC cream is then injected into the holes; the cream spreads out through the capillaries to create a barrier that prevents further damp from rising.

Step 6
Each hole then gets capped off once it has been injected with the cream. This keeps the cream in place and prevents it from leaking out.

Step 7
The full area is then cleaned and prepared, ready to membrane.

Step 8
Damp proof membrane is then plugged into the brick, along the affected area, to the height of 1.2m. This is secondary protection measure and will again prevent any damp coming through to internal walls providing a longer lasting damp proof system.

Step 9
Once the membrane has been placed, plasterboard is then dot and dab fixed onto the plastic membrane and left to harden.

Step 10
All joints/gaps are filled to ensure the area is then ready to be skimmed with the finishing plaster.

Step 11
If necessary, external pointing may be carried out to prevent any ingress of water getting into the property.

What next?

Did we mention… Here at CavClear, we specialise in providing cost effective damp proofing solutions to homes across Greater Manchester & North West. If you think you have damp related issues in your property, don’t wait to get in touch. We can arrange a expert, no-obligation survey. Click Here to find out more… or call us on 0333 220 2463.