Rising Damp
This is a condition where groundwater is drawn upwards through direct contact with bricks and mortar.
Water rises by capillary action where inadequate or damaged damp-proof courses are present in the walls of the home.
Water rises by capillary action where inadequate or damaged damp-proof courses are present in the walls of the home.
Causes of Rising Damp
- Old home dampproofing cause (method) was made from a bitumen-based product and had a life span of plus or minus 20 years
- No DPC (Damp Proofing Course) as in homes with suspended wooden floors
- High subground water levels
- Bridging ground or pavements above the DPC
- Pipes leaks, crack in the exterior plaster
- Sub-soil water rising through the floor slab
Dampfinda Do’s & Dont’s
Do's
- Remove all contaminated plaster till there is at least plus or minus 200 mm of dry brick showing on the wall.
- Drill and inject a new DPC on the correct mortar line
- Drill and inject vertical DPC to prevent dampness from entering the adjacent walls
- Remove contaminated skirting boards
- Remove contaminated cupboards
- Replaster with the correct chemical added into the plaster mix (salt retarding) to allow the walls to dry out plus retaining the salts to add strength to the walls
Dont's
- Scrape and paint over the damp
- Replace the plaster without creating a new DPC
- Leave any contaminated plaster on the wall
- Do only the side of the wall
Conventional Treatments of Rising Damp
Since the 1950’s the conventional method to treat rising damp has been to inject silicone diluted in water or a hydrocarbon solvent into the wall. Silicone would cure inside the wall and block further moisture rising from the ground however solvent-based systems are flammable and release harmful hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. Water-based systems introduce large amounts of moisture into the walls which prolongs the drying period and are also caustic.
Dampfind’s Injection Method
- Our Cream is introduced into a 12mm hole every 10mm into the mortar line.
- The cream reverts into a liquid which is diffused into a mortar line.
- Once diffused it cures to form a waterproof barrier
OUR ” VAPOUR PHASE ACTION” TECHNOLOGY
As diffusion occurs, it releases a silane vapor that permeates the masonry beyond the penetration zone. The silane reacts with silea structure within the masonry to form water-repellent resins.
