Penetrating damp proofing, the process of damp proofing your home is something you should have done at some point in time. If you don’t, then now might be a good time to rectify the situation as these issues can cause untold damage to your property and enjoyment of it. Not only can they lead to very expensive maintenance bills but also hinder the enjoyment of your home for many people. So what are the causes of damp and why do you need it?
Damp proofing refers to any building or property that has been built to an exceptionally high standard and has been properly insulated. Even the smallest damp patches can turn into a huge problem if left unchecked or simply not dealt with sufficiently. It’s important to note though that while damp proofing is usually regarded as being an essential issue to protect your property from damp, this isn’t necessarily true and in some cases damp problems can actually be caused by poor installation or poor maintenance.
How can this happen? Quite simply by allowing excess moisture to penetrate the building and creating damp, which in turn can allow mould and other bacteria to form. In some cases this can be particularly harmful to the health and welfare of the occupants of the building as it can result in serious structural issues that can cause injuries or even death. However simple it may seem, damp problems aren’t always as easy to deal with as you might think. For example there are a number of different types of damp, some of which might not even be linked to each other meaning that you need to be careful with your damp proofing decisions to make sure that you get it right.
The two main types of damp are external and internal. External damp comes about when water accumulates on the exterior of the building and starts to seep in. This often happens during the winter months as this is the time when most of the cold weather begins to affect the roof, walls and other parts of the building. As long as the damp is kept in, it doesn’t become a problem but if it starts to spread then you will certainly want to damp proof your building as soon as possible.
Internal damp is much less common and is usually brought on by things such as condensation, drainage problems and leaks. If you have damp inside the building then it is usually obvious because it will feel very damp and very warm. It is often caused by water getting trapped in cracks and crevices and this can be very difficult to resolve by damp proofing. However if you do find yourself with internal damp, it is usually much easier to solve than external damp and there are a number of methods available for damp proofing your building.
Damp proofing isn’t only about making sure your building is as waterproof as it can be but also making sure that it stays that way. For example you can waterproof your windows with special coatings that keep the water out, you can seal damp basements and damp cellars and you can also use various products such as urethane film to seal the gaps around sinks and pipes. This will all mean that you don’t need damp proofing to keep water away from your building and if you think your building needs it then make sure you contact a professional damp layer right away. They will assess the dampness in your building and if it is something you can deal with on your own, then you will be able to install your damp proofing material yourself.