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.
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 liquid dpm can quickly stop water ingress on walls and help prevent the spread of penetrating damp. Smartseal Damp Proof Paint is a ready-to-use, liquid damp-proofing paint which can help to protect against water ingress on porous substrates, such as concrete brickwork and render.
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.
There are several ways to damp proof a wall. One is to install a damp proof course, which is a layer of material that helps to prevent moisture from penetrating the wall. Other methods include painting the wall with a waterproof paint or sealant, or covering the wall with a waterproof membrane.
Treating bricks with a breathable masonry protection cream is the best way to protect your property from penetrating damp when property maintenance is not the root cause. Masonry Protection Cream provides protection from rain penetration by lining the pores of the masonry to form a water-repellent silicone matrix.
Use fans to move air around the damp walls. Also use dehumidifiers, which can help remove moisture from the air and walls. Professionals use tools like moisture meters, infrared imaging devices, dehumidifiers and heavy-duty fans. That ensures the walls are truly dry before further repair, painting or refinishing.
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.
Polycell One Coat Damp Seal has been specially formulated to seal patches of penetrating damp on interior walls and ceilings in just one coat, preventing them from showing through and spoiling decorations.
Can you paint over damp walls? No. Never paint over damp – it doesn't address the root cause of bubbling paint or peeling wallpaper, and you'll need to paint it again very soon. Fix the source of the damp then let the wall fully dry out before painting it.
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.
If a penetrating damp problem is left untreated it can cause deterioration to the fabric of your property including damage to walls, floors, ceilings and can even cause rot to timbers. Unlike rising damp penetrating damp, can happen at any level of your property. Damp penetration can affect any age of property.
Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants.
Damaged guttering and pipes- This is the most common cause of penetrating damp problems. It is a simple fix that can be carried out by yourself. Simply unblock the gutters and pipes or if there is any damage then it will need to be repaired or replaced.
Grab a room fan to dry small damp spots. If the area that is wet is a small one, then it is possible to use a standing oscillating fan to try it out. 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.
When the cause of penetrating damp has been rectified, the internal walls will take some time dry out, typically at a rate of 1mm per day. With large, solid walls, this can mean that the walls are still damp for a year or more, damaging new internal finishes.
Open your windows to improve air flow – Ventilation matters
Open the bathroom windows after having a bath and the windows of the kitchen and home to let the fresh breeze come in, allowing the damp air or excess moisture to pass out the window and not to settle down in fixtures or walls.
Tanking is a reliable way of dealing with the effects of penetrating damp once the root cause has been fixed.
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.
Penetrating dampness occurs when water leaks through roofs, windows, and cracks in walls, causing damp patches on internal walls. Penetrating dampness is generally not covered by buildings and home insurance, as the gradual deterioration of the building materials mostly causes it.