Damp Proofing

 

Protect your property from damp

Rising damp and damp proofing Rising damp is the movement of moisture upward through porous building materials by capillary action. It becomes a problem if the moisture penetrates vulnerable materials or finishes, particularly in the occupied parts of a building.

“Damp” can lead to the following problems:

  • The moisture content of the structure may rise to a level at which decay organisms may grow, or the materials themselves may be adversely affected. For example, timber skirting boards or built in bonding timbers along the base of walls may become infected and decayed by dry rot, wet rot, weevils or woodworm.
  • In very damp conditions, the inorganic materials themselves may lose their structural strength. This occurs most spectacularly with walls made of cob (earth) soaked with water.
  • Damp conditions on the surface of walls, particularly in conjunction with condensation, allow the growth of moulds both on the surface and within porous or fibrous materials, such as wallpapers or carpets fitted against the base of the wall. Not only is this aesthetically unacceptable and damaging to finishes, but it can be a significant health hazard* to occupants.
  • Where evaporation takes place, the deposition of soluble salts on the surface or within the pores of materials can cause aesthetic and structural damage.

 

How we deal with rising damp

Site Inspection

Our qualified surveyors can inspect sites throughout Lancashire, the Preston, Blackburn and the North West of England. They will report findings and provide estimates for any remedial work.


Damp: Rising Damp

Rising Dampness occurs when water rises through the pores of masonry due to capillary action. The extent of dampness can vary due to wall thickness, the size of the pores and the local water table. As the wall becomes wet, hygroscopic salts are carried upwards from the ground and evaporate on the wall surface causing damage to the wall finish and any decorations. AHB Contractors provide the following:
  • Professional installation of a damp-proof course
  • Re plastering walls using a proprietary system able to prevent salts from migrating to the surface.

Damp: Waterproofing

AHB Contractors are specialist at protecting basement environments. Our surveyors are able to determine and recomend treatments for converting damp basements and cellars into dry liveable spaces.


Each project is unique and our surveyors will select the most effective solution according to your properties construction, the localised water table conditions, the planned use of the space, the practicalities of treatment and any factors such as structure movement. AHB Contractors provide the following:

  • Traditional cementitious waterproofing systems. For example, SIKA tanking and VANDEX
  • Cavity drainage systems.