Damp can be unsettling for many homeowners, homebuyers and landlords, but what is damp proofing and do you actually need it?
What is damp and mould and why do properties suffer from it?
Damp can be caused by a number of factors, such as lifestyle habits (drying clothes in an unventilated, or poorly ventilated area). Damp can also be caused by moisture ingress, water that seeps into the building, which can be caused by a leak, defective brickwork, stonework or render, or even from a leaking gutter. What is damp proofing, do I need it?
There are many reasons why damp and mould occurs in a property. Once moisture has entered the building, often it becomes trapped and over time this can form a breeding ground for mould and other bacteria.
In some cases, the mould spores can cause health issues, such as asthma, respiratory illnesses, headaches and skin problems. One of the most common causes of damp is due to poor ventilation. A typical scenario is someone drying clothes in a room with the heating on and nowhere for the moisture to escape.
Damp proofing is a term often used by contractors that refers to a process involving damp proof course injection.
What is damp proof course injection (DPC Injection)?
If you discover damp in your property the first thing you’ll want to do is get an expert in to find the true cause of the problem and locate the source of the damp. Sadly, in todays modern world, there can be many unscrupulous companies who will simply want to sell you products and services that may actually exasperate the damp problem.
In some instances this can increase the damp issue within your home and then you could be left with a large bill to remove the unwanted and potentially damaging chemicals from the work carried out.
The best advice is to seek the assistance of a professional, independent, established company who only provide the assessment and report. This way, you can be sure they have no further financial gain in selling you any services or products.
Alpine Surveys are one such company, providing honest, impartial and unbiased advice to clients based only on their findings, using experience and qualifications to support their reporting.
For more information about Rising Damp & Damp Proofing, follow this link.