Can you do damp proofing yourself? While it's possible to take steps to damp-proof your property yourself, more serious issues with rising damp and penetrating damp are usually best for professionals.
The most effective and economical way to treat rising damp is with a damp proofing injection cream. You can choose between complete kits or individual cartridges of PermaSEAL PRO DPC Injection Creams.
The average cost to damp proof an average-sized property is around £250-£2000. However, there may be some additional costs that you may also need to think about, such as re-plastering or re-rendering. These additional jobs could increase the overall cost of the work by a substantial amount.
Membrane Damp Proof Course
This method is well-suited for both new construction and older buildings, providing a reliable and long-lasting solution to dampness issues. Membrane DPCs offer excellent durability and resistance to water ingress, making them suitable for a wide range of building types and environments.
Common materials used for damp proofing include bitumen, polyethylene sheeting, and plastic membranes. Bitumen is applied to the surface of concrete and masonry walls to create a waterproof seal.
Damp proof paint can and does work, but only if there is no existing damp issue. If you have rising damp or penetrating damp and your walls are already damaged by it, it's not enough to simply paint over the problem – it won't solve it.
Damp proofing prevents rising moisture from the soil. Waterproofing, on the other hand, stops any moisture and liquids from penetrating your structure. Additionally, waterproofing can withstand hydrostatic pressure, whereas damp proofing is not effective for water under pressure.
Dehumidifiers seem to be the obvious way of reducing humidity, removing condensation, stopping walls becoming damp and preventing mould. But a more effective solution is to give your home a small but consistent background movement of fresh air. This will help keep your home feeling fresher, healthier and mould free.
Typically, a physical damp proof course lasts for 20-25 years and can fail due to it not being fitted properly or deterioration. If a damp proofing course has failed then this could potentially lead to rising damp. Rising damp is the movement of moisture through the walls and floors by capillary action.
The majority of home insurance policies (covering either the building itself or the contents within it) will not provide you with any compensation for the damage that occurs as a result of rising damp. What's more, it is essential that you report signs of any rising damp to your home insurance provider.
Rising damp is a serious problem – if left unchecked it can cause severe damage to your tenant's health and your property. But don't panic. The good news is fixing rising damp usually comes down to taking the right measures and fixing the damaged building areas.
A damp proof course, or DPC, is a preventative measure usually injected into a properties walls to stop rising damp from spreading upwards into a property and causing damage, dry rot, wet rot, or black mould from setting in.
Tanking membranes also known as damp proof membranes are sheets of specially designed plastic material that act as a waterproof barrier to protect walls and floors from water ingress.
To treat existing damp spots, you can apply a waterproofing paint or sealant to walls. An epoxy or latex-based paint works well for sealing out moisture. For heavy stains or water damage, a waterproofing sealant or membrane may be needed before painting.
If you're looking for an alternative to traditional damp-proof membranes, lime render may be the answer. Whilst it has been used for many years, lime render is becoming more popular as a way of providing protection against water penetration and damp problems in buildings.
Simply drill a 12mm hole, 90% though the wall at 100-120mm centres along the bed joint chosen for the DPC. Inject sufficient cream to fill the hole to within 1cm of wall surface and leave it to diffuse through the wall and cure to form a chemical damp proof course.
It is important to note that while a properly installed DPC can provide long-lasting protection against moisture penetration, it is not immune to wear and tear over time. Depending on the quality of installation and external factors, a damp proof course typically lasts between 20 to 30 years.