Penetrating Damp
Professional diagnosis and expert treatment of Penetrating Damp in Somerset and Dorset
Expert Penetrating Damp Services
What is Penetrating Damp?
Penetrating damp is most often due to rainwater ingress and for the most part occurs in solid wall constructions where no cavity is present. Reports of penetration in modern cavity walls are often because of poor build quality such as mortar droppings or incorrectly positioned wall ties causing a bridge. Penetrating damp is normally identified by stains on the internal walls on any level and at any point on the wall.
If you have symptoms and your walls are of a solid construction, there may be factors which are exasperating the problem such as
- Damaged or defective guttering, downpipes or hoppers.
- Deteriorating or missing pointing.
- Cracks in render or notably hollow sections (blown).
- Gaps or cracks around windows, doors, airbricks or external vents.
- Where a single skin construction has been converted to habitable use.
Solutions to Penetrating Damp
Correct diagnosis of penetrating damp can be difficult and symptoms are often misleading with dampness occurring some distance from the point of entry. Often condensation can also be present due to the reduced temperature of the wall (high water content makes the wall colder) and if hygroscopic salts are present then stains can appear at times of heavy rain simply due to moisture in the air.
There are a number of solutions to the problem of penetrating damp including cavity clearance, repointing, replacement or repair of rainwater goods and in solid wall construction there is a range of specialist external treatments. In many case due to logistics and cost issues internal works are completed which include membranes and insulated boards preventing internal spoiling at the same time as improving insulation.
If you have visible symptoms, then call us today 0800 161 3078 or complete the contact form and we can provide advice or a free of charge survey.
Wessex Damp and Timber are an industry leading company who provides services to help cure dampness and condensation in both the home and commerical environments.
Services We Offer
Some of the services we offer in property preservation
If you have issues in your home such as peeling paint or loose plaster, mould spotting or visible stains and ‘tide’ marks then you may have a damp problem and if so we have the solution. Whether it’s rising or penetrating damp we will provide you with a diagnosis and the solution.
Condensation in its simplest form is when moist air comes into contact with colder air or a colder surface and the water contained in the air is released to form condensation in the air or on the surface. It often results in black mould growth on walls and surfaces or you can see water droplets.
Aged and Period properties can often be cold and condensation will form on external walls, we can provide various types of solid insulation and often incorporate this with a level of damp proofing. Internal temperatures will improve and mould spotting reduces.
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