How to Damp Proof Your House?

Building a home can significantly dent a homeowner’s money account. It is frequently the most significant investment made by middle-class workers. As a result, it’s critical to safeguard the structure – and nothing is more vital than the structure’s foundation.

Damp is a significant problem for property owners. Internal decorating such as curling wallpaper, crumbling plaster, flaking paint, and rotting skirting boards can be damaged by dampness. The most noticeable effect is that it transforms your home’s environment from warm and inviting to one that is cold and unattractive. Moisture may cause structural damage to your home, but it can also cause health issues for family members or tenants. Hire a damp proof specialist like https://insituscp.co.uk/ because if your damp problem isn’t addressed, it can lead to more severe problems down the road.

Damp Proofing Your House

Damp proofing measures to reduce the amount of moisture that can enter your home, such as changes or enhancements to the structure, drainage system repairs, and insulation and ventilation improvements.

Installing Damp Proof Membrane and a Damp Proof Course

The groundwater movement up through the floor or wall is known as rising damp. A damp proof course or DPC is a horizontal layer of waterproof material installed within the building’s walls to prevent moisture from creeping up through the walls.

Besides, a damp proof membrane is waterproof to a water sheet of material. It is installed beneath a concrete floor, which should be connected to the damp proof course to seal the structure against wetness adequately.

Improving the Property’s Exterior

Penetrating damp is a type that damages exposed portions of a building, such as roofs and chimneys. In contrast to rising damp, which spreads vertically, penetrating damp expands horizontally over surfaces. Clearing gutters regularly will allow water to flow away from the house. As a property owner, you should check for obstructions in gutters and drains since the rainy season can inflict costly, long-term damage to your home. Ensure the exterior of your home is well painted, so that your home stands out, as well as is protected. Newer and more efficient options even include creating a thermal bridge to help protect against moisture travel, while also offering a fantastic insulation element.

Troubleshoot Plumbing Issues

In bathrooms and kitchens, there are a variety of potential damp issues. Water and sewage pipe leaks can cause damage and damp internal walls, as well as ceilings. Mould can appear due to this type of moisture, and if it is not handled, wood rot can develop. There is a considerable risk of collapse where floorboards affected by wood rot are left for a long time. Plumbing issues should be addressed as soon as possible by a competent tradesperson.

Damp-Proof Paint

Water might seep into your home through permeable old brickwork. If this is the case, you may have to replace them. However, coating the bricks with an external silicone water-repellent solution or limewash is a simpler choice to attempt initially. This will re-seal your walls while enabling them to breathe again. Exterior paint that repels water is also a helpful preventative strategy but get professional guidance to determine what would work better for your home’s age and construction materials.

Ventilate your home

Improving the ventilation of your house can aid in getting rid of condensation and preventing its recurrence. This one is relatively simple to put into action. The moisture-laden air that escapes the property is limited by double glazing and sealing air vents and chimneys. When using the kitchen and bathroom, close the doors to keep moisture out of other rooms, especially bedrooms, which are typically cooler. Avoid cramming too many objects into cabinets and wardrobes since this can prevent air from moving and produce condensation.

Keep Check on Leaky Gutters

Water dripping from walls causes penetrating dampness. It occurs due to structural problems such as inadequate roofing, guttering, or external wall fractures. It’s possible to treat penetrating damp for a very low cost. However, you should first identify the problem before deciding whether or not you require expert assistance. Water pouring from downpipes as well as gutters on the outside of your house can produce penetrating dampness, so examine them for cracks.

Repairing broken or clogged gutters and cracks in external walls or roof tiles is often the quickest solution to remedy penetrating damp issues.

Reduce Moisture Levels

Poor ventilation is a common cause of excessive moisture in homes, but it is aggravated by the activities of persons who live there.

To prevent moisture build-up and condensation, follow these steps:

• Windows with trickle vents should be opened.
• When sleeping, leave the bedroom doors open to enable air to flow.
• Open the windows for some time in the day to ‘air’ the property.
• When cooking and showering, open windows and keep doors locked when there are no extractor fans.
• When cooking or showering, keep the doors shut.
• When cooking and showering, use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom.

The Bottom Line

That’s all there is to it. Unfortunately, we all have to deal with dampness. However, you can do a few things to reduce the chances of it happening to you. By including even a few of these features in your rental home, you may be able to avoid costly repairs in the future.