Damp Proof Course Permanent Solution of Damp Problem

Damp problems in buildings are problematic whether they be above the ground - damp walls - or below ground in a damp cellar or basement. Damp injection has been the most popular remedial solution in recent years but this is not an effective solution in cellars, has limited effectiveness above the ground and certainly will not stop condensation damp, rising damp or penetrating damp.

Injected chemical damp proof course damp treatments need to be precisely installed to be anywhere near effective, they are often messy requiring the wall plaster to be removed and are especially hit and miss in random stone and particularly thick walls.

Injected damp proof course are only designed to be effective against rising dampness and will not give protection against penetrating damp caused by adjacent high ground levels or wind driven rain. So injected chemical damp proof courses should be considered to be a prohibitive measure against rising dampness but should not be expected to be a cure for the detrimental effects caused like damp plaster, staining, salting, peeling decorative finishes etc.

However, there are products and methods that can be used for treating damp that will provide a once and for all permanent solution to your damp problem whether it be penetrating or rising damp.

The damp protection I am referring to is cavity membrane systems. These damp proofing systems comprise high density polypropylene and polyethylene membranes which are moulded into a stud or egg box type profile. The damp proof membranes are applied directly to the walls affected by the damp problem, and also are suitable for floor surfaces with a damp problem. They are secured into position with purpose made fixings ready to receive the new internal finishes.

For above ground damp problems they can be used in conjunction with or instead of an injected damp course. For below ground projects with damp problems like damp cellars or wet basements the cavity drain damp proof membrane systems are installed to the walls and floors and supplemented by drainage to remove any water collected.

Once applied to the wall surface the membrane provides a separation barrier between the damp walls and new internal finishes. The damp problem is dealt with because the impermeable nature of the damp proof membrane protects the wall finish and does not allow moisture, moisture vapour or the associated ground salts to migrate and cause damage. The stud pattern of the damp proof membrane provides an air gap for moisture to evaporate into without changing the status quote of the wall which means that the damp problem is not just pushed to adjacent areas.

Some damp proof membranes have a mesh welded to them and this provides a base for plastering direct or 'dab' fixing plasterboard. Other finishes include timber battens and plasterboard and timber or metal dry lining systems.

Not only are the systems promoted as permanent solutions by the manufacturer, they can also benefit from an installation guarantee when installed by a damp specialist. Contractors should offer insured installation guarantees for between ten and twenty years and some have the ability to take on full design liability.

Read an interesting article about DIY damp proof cream here