Besides being unpleasant, damp and mould can seriously harm both your property and your breathing. Untreated damp and mould can become a big problem.
It’s good news that protection against damp through Damp Proofing is now a common feature in new homes. Yet, when damp proofing is not installed faithfully or works for years, it can occasionally break down.
What is damp proofing?
Moisture can seriously damage a building from below, so damp proofing stops it from reaching the inside. This process means applying moisture control products to walls and floors to prevent Damp problems. This stops possible harm to your building materials, curtails the appearance of mold, and improves indoor air quality.
Why do I get damp in my home?
You may notice dampness in more than one way inside your home. There are three primary forms of damp about, “What is the Best Damp Proof cream?”.
Condensation
- Commonly occurs because water levels in the air are high.
- The usual places for mould are bathrooms and kitchens because of all the moisture they experience from showers, kettles, and cooking.
- Many problems with condensation can be fixed by ventilating the air through windows or fans (we’ll look at this further later).
Penetrating damp
- Walls or ceilings with dark blotches that make the plaster fall away
- Commonly, such situations happen because of leaky doors or windows.
Rising damp
- This type rarely appears, but when you don’t fix it, it can harm your flooring, skirting boards, and walls.
- Damp, increasing problems can damage your lungs and also affect the appearance of your house.
Damp that may be present in buildings has the following indicators. The hopes that planning and putting in damp-proof measures will prevent damp from affecting your home. Yet, it can be good to familiarize yourself with what is Damp Proofing.
Ways to fix condensation in your home without calling in experts
What, exactly, are the ways to protect your home from dampness? It will differ based on the type of damp and why it’s occurring.
- Let’s first examine condensation, which is the most widespread form of dampness at home. By using ventilation, bringing in airflow is the main way to stop condensation from forming in the house.
- Fortunately, there are many quick and cheap ways you can fix them, as long as you know what to do. There are simple things you can do to protect yourself:
- Open trickle vents in your windows whenever you can (if you have them).
- Frequently open your windows for a short time, keeping them open when the windows get misty.
- You should rely on extractor fans in both your kitchen and bathrooms.
- Set a bit of space between walls and furniture to improve airflow.
- Buying a dehumidifier can help keep the moisture down. You can get a good dehumidifier for £130 – £250 new or hire one.
What is a Damp Proof Membrane
DPM or a Damp Proof Membrane is usually a plastic layer placed in a building to block moisture from getting in through the walls or floor. To guard the structure and finishes in your home from the damaging effects of dampness.
Ways to fight rising and penetrating damp without hiring a professional
- Managing rising and penetrating damp in your home’s walls and floors is a major task that requires a lot of planning at the start.
- If you decide to do the project yourself, there are lots of DIY kits for purchase. At the same time, you should be aware that DIY kits don’t work if there is dampness in the house. This job isn’t simple or quick, and preparing it is very messy.
- People usually use either a damp-proof course (DPC) or a damp-proof membrane (DPM) to prevent dampness.
- Briefly, I’ll discuss both approaches.
- To do DPC, drill into the joints and inject a chemical cream. Moisture from the dirt below the bricks is kept from entering the building.
- STRONG POLYTHENE Rolls are put on top of the concrete. It is put between the concrete floor and your underlay to keep moisture from getting through.
How to apply a DIY damp-proof membrane on your floor
Place your furniture in another part of your house or safeguard it by covering it with dust covers.
- Take off the lower wooden trim on the walls.
- Replacing carpets or other kinds of flooring, such as laminate or wood flooring.
- Fix up any damage the existing concrete floor surface may have, then let it completely dry.
- Prime the device, if a primer is also used in its own package, to help the membrane stick well.
- Cut and measure the butyl rubber so there is some overlap along the edges.
- This membrane should be fully laid out across the floor and extend up the wall a little, with at least 5 -10 cm for a good seal.
- Ensure there are no breaks along the edges by taping your overlaps so that at least 15 cm of each sheet is taped to the other.
- Seal the laps in the membrane and all the edges where the pipes join the membrane with DPM tape.
- Gently smooth the membrane so it isn’t damaged.
- Always add an underlay beneath the membrane before installing your carpets, laminate floors, or wood flooring.
Compare quotes on What is the Best Damp Proof Paint
It is always a good idea to get three quotes from damp-proof companies. You’ll have more confidence that you are choosing the best service and rate after knowing the whole of what is damp proofing”.
Conclusion
Damp is something you should never ignore. It could affect your home’s condition and your well-being. Proper air circulation helps fight condensation and damp, or you may want to call in a professional Phoenix Driveways. Who offers outstanding damp-proofing service for clients. We have provided you with a detailed guide on this; we hope you have all the answers to your questions.