Damp patches on interior walls increase in size during periods of heavy rain. The best way to treat penetrating damp is to apply a water-repellent treatment like Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream to halt further dampness and allow walls to dry out.
The most important step in penetrating damp treatment is establishing and rectifying the source of moisture ingress. When the source of penetrating damp comes from structural issues like roof damage, defective guttering or cracked render you will need to repair these issues to prevent the water ingress at the source.
Microshield. Permagard's Microshield is an effective high-performing water repellent suitable for external use on masonry materials such as brick, concrete and stone. In one single coat, this microporous water repellent will protect masonry materials against penetrating damp.
Open windows and doors to allow air to circulate freely, and use fans to speed up the drying process. If possible, use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. A dehumidifier absorb moisture from the air, which helps to reduce dampness and prevent mould growth.
Penetrating Damp Internal Wall Treatment
Costs vary significantly between areas and suppliers, but a rough average is around £70 per metre of the treated wall or around £280 per wall. The costs could easily reach several thousand pounds if you need to treat every wall.
Most buildings and contents home insurance policies won't cover you for damage caused by damp and condensation. When you apply for home insurance, you need to agree to a list of assumptions, and one of them is that your home is in a 'good condition'.
Unfortunately, you can't just paint over damp or mould in the hope it will disappear. Even if you use waterproof paint, it can still seep through over time. Depending on how bad the problem is, you may be able to remove the mould by cleaning the area without repainting.
Other problems related to damp such as rising damp and penetrating damp are something that a dehumidifier cannot deal with. Having structural defects at your property will need a professional to provide an inspection at the property and identify what remedial action needs to be taken to resolve the problem.
Standard plasters, such as Carlite, should not be used after a damp treatment as they cannot prevent the migration of hygroscopic salts. Failure to apply a salt retardant plaster after treatment is the most common cause of continuing damp problems after a remedial damp proof course has been installed.
It is possible that penetrating damp can come from defects in a neighbouring property especially if you live in a terraced or semi detached home. Once damp has been absorbed by a properties brickwork and pointing, it will spread through any other absorbent material it can reach.
Unfortunately, standard masonry paints do not prevent this absorption as they are most often acrylic-based masonry paint. Acrylic masonry paints can actually absorb some moisture, which is why they are often referred to as 'weatherproof' or 'weather resistant', rather than waterproof.
Regular maintenance is key to preventing dampness. Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage. Clear any debris or blockages that can cause water to accumulate. Additionally, maintain the integrity of your exterior walls by repairing cracks or damaged mortar.
Unlike rising damp, which comes up from the ground, penetrating damp seeps in from the outside, making walls feel cold and damp to the touch. It's a particular problem for north-facing walls which don't get much sun and seem to never dry out.
Buildings are sometimes repointed to deal with deteriorated joints due to time and sometimes to provide a more durable finish and prevent Penetrating Dampness.
Damp specialists offer solutions such as damp proofing, waterproofing, and moisture control, ensuring your property remains safe and healthy. Hiring a damp specialist typically costs between £300 and £5,000, though this can increase for larger or more complex projects.
Structural problems in your property that cause damp, penetrating damp or plumbing / construction damp will usually be the responsibility of the landlord, however this is not necessarily the case when it comes to condensation.
Damaged Or Blocked Guttering – This is the most common source of excessive water affecting your property and causing penetrating damp. Fortunately, it is a very simple fix with regards to stopping penetrating damp. Unblock the gutters or repair the deficiencies in your downpipes and gutters.
At its most obvious, it penetrates the wall and displays as a damp patch on the internal wall. This causes discolouration, paint and wallpaper peeling and flaking. Even if it does not penetrate entirely through a wall, rainwater penetration can be damaging to a property.
Penetrating Damp:
Repair any masonry defects e.g. cracks in walls. If there are any problems then this will need to be fixed with a suitable render. Using a masonry protection cream on the external walls can help prevent rain penetration. Remove any excess moss and leaves from roofs and gutters.
Place one or more fans in front of the damp spot and turn them to their highest setting. This helps dry the wall and also gets moisture out of the air. If the fan has an oscillation feature, you can use this to clear more than one damp spot that is within its reach.
Dehumidifiers work by getting rid of excess moisture that's in the air. And that can help to stop mildew and mould from growing, as well as reducing any musty smells. It does this by drawing in air from the room it's in, which is then passed over a cooled coil.
But is DampRid as good as a dehumidifier? "While DampRid is nowhere near as rapid or effective as a good dehumidifier, it almost works the same as a poor-performing dehumidifier," says Chris.
Rising damp occurs at the ground floor level as water from the soil outside is drawn up the walls through capillaries in the masonry. Often rising damp is mistaken for condensation Penetrating damp is caused by water that has entered a building through ceilings, roofs or floors.
Penetrating damp in itself isn't dangerous. However, in the long run, it does pose a lot of associated risks. For example, penetrating damp can lead to mould.