RISING DAMP
Rising damp is a very common problem that can occur around the home. Without damp proofing treatment, this can cause structural damage to affected areas, become costly to cure, and be a risk to your health.
At Cobalt Carbon Free, we have over 30 years’ experience diagnosing and treating rising damp problems. It is our job to provide a professional service to eradicate your damp problems.
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What are the symptoms?
There are a number of symptoms associated with rising damp.
A damp problem could exhibit few or all of the symptoms.
However, the longer the issue goes untreated, the more likely other symptoms will become present.
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Damaged, discoloured and rotted, skirting and floor boards
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Crumbling or salt-stained plaster
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Peeling paint and wallpaper
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Black mould on walls
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Tide marks along the bottom of the wall
What are the causes?
There are a number of causes for rising damp. These causes can often occur in conjunction with each other which can exasperate the problem.
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Failure or absence of damp proofing course
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Existing damp proofing course below ground level
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Defective ground or surface drainage
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Upward capillary action through permeable building materials
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Moisture condensation inside the building
How do we treat rising damp?
There is no quick fix for rising damp if the cause is not resolved. Failure to address the root cause will lead to persistent problems with rising damp.
A Damp Proofing Course may be necessary in order to treat rising damp effectively. A Damp Proofing Course (DPC) is a waterproof barrier that spans the width and length of your wall. DPC’s inhibit upward capillary action through permeable building materials.
DPC’s come in a variety of different forms, from sheet materials such as plastic through to chemical formulations.
Phases Involved:
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Phase 1 - Preparation
Inspection of rainwater goods to ensure they are fit for purpose. Clean, repair or install drains as required to carry away surface water. If the internal floors are below external ground level, form a trench along the external wall. For cavity walls, it’s important to ensure no blockage or bridging within the cavity. Clean away any debris or blockage before installing a new DPC.
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Phase 2 - Drilling and Injection
Walls vary in thickness and type of construction. These factors determine the appropriate drilling and injection pattern. The drilling and injection pattern are undertaken during this phase.
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Phase 3 - Hole Size, Depth and Location
The size, depth and location of the holes are determined.
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Phase 4 - Chemical Injection
Cream injection into pre-drilled holes. Each hole filled with cream to within one centimetre of the surface. For cavity walls from one side, the holes filled in each leaf.
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Phase 5 - Finishing Works
Re-pointing holes on eternal walls using a matched mortar or plug with plastic caps. On internal walls, leave holes open and stop the plaster short of the DPC.
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Phase 6 - Re-Plastering
Removing and replacing salt contaminated plaster is important part of damp proofing works. Rising damp salts are hygroscopic (absorbs water) and can cause future staining. Before removing excess salts and commencing re-plastering, injected walls must be dry.