Damp Proof Membranes can be installed to almost any surface
Looking For Permanent Damp Proofing Solutions
There are many different types of damp proofing products available for treating damp problems and it can be hard to know which is the best solution for dealing with damp problems. Common solutions include: damp injection methods, damp proof course and damp proof membranes. As a damp specialist with over thirty years experience in treating damp problems, I am often asked about which damp proofing method I recommend. In most cases, I would recommend installing damp proof membranes to the damp walls. I believe that they are the best solution for damp walls as they can be installed to almost any surface, and are relatively quick and easy to apply.
Damp proof membranes are easy to install and a permanent solution to damp problems
Damp proof membranes can be applied directly to the wall or walls with the damp problem, and to almost any wall surface without the need for removing the old plaster. Damp proof membranes work by allowing ventilation around the damp wall, so the wall can dry out completely over time but behind the new wall surface. It can take many months for a damp wall to dry out, but this is made possible by the air gap between the damp wall and the damp proof membrane. Meshed damp proof membranes would be the most applicable choice in most cases as the mesh means that plaster can be directly applied so creating the new wall surface.
How Damp Proof Membranes Work
Damp proof membranes are installed directly to the damp wall using specially made fixing plugs. Mastic waterproof sealant is applied to the holes through which the plugs are inserted to ensure that the damp cannot come through the holes and affect the new surface. Plaster is applied over the top of the meshed damp proof membrane and then the internal finish can be applied. The space between the damp proof membrane and the old damp wall is created by the dimples in the membrane – in a stud or ‘egg-box’ formation – and this air gap allows the damp wall to dry out. The damp proof membrane have the added advantage of acting as an impermeable barrier to salts and contaminents between the old damp wall surface and the new plastered surface.
Installing Damp Proof Membranes
Damp proof membranes are easy to install and can be applied by a skilled DIY expert or builder. However, I believe it is usually best to have consultation with a damp specialist about your damp problem as they can advise on the best solution – you may just need some advice over the phone, or they could do a site visit. Installation of the damp proof membrane by a professional damp proofing company would have the added advantage of including a guarantee for their work, usually for ten or twenty years.
Is A Damp Proof Course Necessary?
Installation of a damp proof course is not necessary when using damp proof membranes. Failure of damp proof courses is often, in fact, a leading cause of damp problems in properties. The installation of a damp proof membrane negates the need for a damp proof course or other damp injection methods. Damp proof membrane systems are also a far more reliable solution than other diy damp methods like black jack and waterproofing paint.
Damp proof membranes are ideal for treating most damp problems, including
* condensation damp
* penetrating damp
* rising damp
* damp mould
Treating Damp In A Cellar Or Basement
When treating damp below ground – like in a damp basement or flooded cellar – specialist advice is required. Due to the probability of dealing not only with dampness but also running water from the earth pushing against the external walls, full drainage and pumping provision is required to allow the water to be redirected and removed out of the property. Tanking membranes require careful installation and should be installed by a professional company.
For below ground damp problems, professional advice from a basement waterproofing company would be highly recommended.
However, for dealing with damp walls above ground, I would always recommend damp proof membrane products as a solution for rising damp, flood damage, penetrating damp and other damp problems
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