LABS is looking to offer advice on damp proofing in this post. When the customer’s property has an issue with damp. There are many solutions to resolve the initial issue with damp entering the property, there is an importance to discover the source of the damp issue. This page describes the different types of damps; https://l-a-b-s.co.uk/damp-proofing-sheffield/.
Once the source of damp is discovered. Here we offer advice on damp proofing solutions for the common damp problems encountered over the years.
Rising Damp
Rising damp usually comes up through the masonry from the ground because of hydrostatic pressure. Usually any internal plaster work in most cases would be removed to about 1200mm. The recommended treatment is to drill and injection the damp proofing cream (DPC). The DPC should be injected above the damp proof membrane (DPM), engineering bricks or the joists. Some older properties might not have a DPM or engineering bricks ideally from internally and externally. LABS would look to install a plastic membrane on to the wall which is fixed to the wall by special plugs. The plasterer would then replace the plasterwork to the original condition along with the replacement of any fixings and fixtures.
Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp usually occurs when external waters damages the outside of a property. The moisture breaches the wall into the property. The penetration of the wall can take place at many parts of the wall. The recommendation in this instance is to remove the plaster. The wall should be fully back to brick. A full wall height of plastic membrane with mesh would be installed. Followed by the insertation of the plug and seal to the wall. The plasterer would then replace the plasterwork to the original condition along with the replacement of any fixings and fixtures.
Chemical (Salt) Damp
Chemical damp is usually formed with nitrates from an area of the wall following a reaction from the contaminated plasterboard. This affected area draws moisture from the air as a form energy for the damp. The affected plasterwork will need to be removed. In some case salt neutralisers can be used to correct the masonry of the salt build up. However, it is generally recommended that the wall is strip back to brick and a plastic membrane is applied to the wall. The membrane will be fastened with plugs and seals.
Condensation Damp
Condensation damp usually arises from moisture laden air hitting a colder surface. Usually the prevention is easy than the cure of applying a plastic wall membrane. We would recommend using a specialist heat exchange fan unit like the ones in our range https://l-a-b-s.co.uk/product/positive-air-vents-heat-recovery-units/. This will remove up to 80% of the moisture laden air and replace with warmer moisture free air.