Prevent Rising Damp Problems
Rising damp is not top of the list of damp problems
found in buildings, condensation is. But a significant number of older
dwellings have rising damp problems to a certain level.
Rising dampness issues are normally found by signs of a damp
line appearing on the inside wall. This is often combined with damage to
skirting board and decorations. Rising damp is a result of dampness in
the ground which is drawn up via the capillary channels in to any
building fabric.
The serious complaints about rising damp
relate to development of spoilage of decorations, decay of wood and wood
based materials, appearance of mites and possible adverse effects on
health.
The most rising damp problems in buildings exist
before they can be recognized by the human senses. That is why buildings
should be regularly surveyed for damp by use of a meter.
If
left unchecked it will rot any floor joists and other interior timber it
comes into contact with, culminating in the development of wet rot or
dry rot if conditions of lack of ventilation allow.
The
following will contribute to rising damp problems in
buildings:
Internal defects in cavity walls.
Internal
chimney defects- where a fireplace has been blocked in.
Blocked or
defective rain water goods (guttering).
Defective pointing, porous
brickwork, spalling bricks.
High ground levels, new drive ways,
paths or tarmac bridging the Damp Proof Course ( DPC ).
Faulty or
defective flashing on roofs or extensions.
Cracked or Missing roof
tiles or slates.
Cracked or Defective window sills.
The Damp Proofing London South warns you that Rising
Damp and any damp problems are risk for your health. All reputable
rising damp specialists in London will recommend that a survey is
carried out immediately if rising damp problems or any damp problem is
suspected.
It is important to know that the provision of a
barrier against rising damp will only prevent further moisture rising
from the ground and that all other sources of dampness must be
eliminated as well. Dampness, Condensation and consequential Mould
growth or Fungal Decay causes deterioration to the fabric of buildings
and can present a serious health hazard to the
inhabitants.
There are many sources of moisture ingress, from
missing slates of Damp Proof Course ( DPC ) to defective Damp Proof
membranes, and to identify every defect which is allowing water to
degrade a dwelling requires an expertise which can only be gained from
many years of training, experience and practical involvement in building
construction and refurbishment.
It is only by practical
involvement that knowledge can be gained as to the hidden sources of
water ingress and its consequences.
The damage caused by
water is very often concealed behind plaster, under floorboards, in
brickwork etc. Leak can remains undetected for long periods allowing
huge reservoirs of water to build up and be contained within the fabric
of the building and only by following a 'Trail of Suspicion' can the
original source be traced and remedial measures contemplated.
Contact rising damp specialists in London
Need to prevent rising damp problems in your property? Call rising damp specialists in London on 020 7498 2837 or 07912 306337.