The causes of dampness are often difficult to diagnose, sometimes because the problems are hidden, though the symptoms may be all too visible, and sometimes because there are several causes acting simultaneously. Neglected houses are likely to have suffered from lack of maintenance in ways; misguided or inexpert attempts to cure dampness often fail and sometimes make matters worse, or, concealing the symptoms, make diagnosis more difficult.
Damp in buildings is a serious problem and accurate measurement of the moisture content of materials which may be subject to deterioration. With these measurements, you may be able to reach a decision on whether remedial action is necessary and, if so, form some idea of the urgency with which the remedial work should be undertaken.
Rising damp is identified by having a high moisture reading at the base of the wall, with a sharp cut off at the top, where the wall becomes immediately dry. Masonry with a pore size of 0.01mm gives a theoretical height rise of 1.5 metres above the source of moisture (the ground), therefore any damp
Rising Damp can develop within walls due to the lack of an effective damp proof course or the omission of damp proofing during earlier construction or renovation. Damp proofing treatment is required were hygroscopic salt contamination has occured from rising damp and removal of the wall plaster to approximately 300 mm above or the last sign of dampness (depending on the salts within the masonry and several other factors).
In addition to this, installation of a new damp proof course within the damp walls and re-plaster with a salt retardand render.
Our fully qualified PCA (CSRT & CSSW) surveyors will will discuss your damp problem with you and provide you with a quote and recommendations.
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