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The Causes of Dampness in Building and Preventive Measures

Introduction

Dampness is one of the most common defects found in buildings. It can affect many different types of structures and materials, including concrete, masonry, steel and timber. Dampness can lead to a number of problems for buildings and should be prevented with the use of DPCs (Damp Proof Course). This article provides some very helpful insight as to how and why dampness forms and the preventive measures.

What is dampness

Dampness is the presence of moisture in a building. The moisture can be in the form of water vapour or liquid water and it may be caused by different factors.

Dampness can be caused by many factors, including:

Moisture trapped between layers of plaster, which causes mold growth and corrosion;

Moisture trapped under carpets and padding;

Water seeping through cracks in foundation walls or floors;

Water leakage through plumbing pipes that do not have an effective seal around them (for example: copper pipes);

The most common types of dampness are:

Insulation condensation (IC) – when air inside an enclosed space has become saturated with water vapour, causing moisture to condense on surfaces within that space; this is usually caused by poor ventilation through cracks or holes in walls, ceilings and floors; this type can lead to mould growth if left untreated for long periods.

Leakage through foundations – like IC, leakage from underneath foundations causes trapped air inside spaces such as basements where it slowly leaks out into surrounding areas until the pressure becomes too great for some wayward spouts or drains at nearby houses around them (for example). This type can also cause increased dampness over time due its effect on surface area sizes which increases risk factors associated with them becoming blocked up again later on down line too!

Dampness in buildings is one of the most common defects found in buildings. It can cause structural damage to the building and health problems for occupants.

Dampness is the condition of the wall where moisture penetrates the wall of a building. It is a common problem in buildings, especially old ones that lack proper ventilation or drainage.

Rising damp is caused by the capillary action of water that causes moisture to rise from the ground or floor.

Causes of rising damp

Rising damp is caused by the capillary action of water that causes moisture to rise from the ground or floor. This happens because there is a greater surface area for the water to fall into than it can evaporate into, so it pools at higher points in your building.

The most common causes of rising damp are:

  • Water leakage from drains (especially if they haven’t been replaced properly)
  • Leaks around windows and doors that let in air but prevent water from escaping through them

There are many causes of dampness in buildings.

Dampness is a problem that can affect any building, but it’s most common in older buildings. There are many causes of dampness in buildings.

The presence of water in the building can cause dampness:

Water on the ground outside the building

Heating and cooling systems that leak into walls or cavities (or both)

Damp proofing can be done to prevent dampness from forming and developing into structural damage.

Damp proofing is the process of preventing dampness from forming and developing into structural damage. The primary method of damp proofing your home is through laying a layer of plastic or membrane over the ground, which prevents moisture from entering your foundation. This can be done by installing batt insulation on top of this layer using fiberglass tape (the most common method). Another option would be installing vapor barriers in between walls and floors with polyethylene sheeting; this will also help avoid condensation problems as well as mold growth issues if not done correctly!

A number of factors are responsible for damp development in buildings.

The building’s location

The age of the building

The orientation of the building and its design

Dampness can be caused by many factors, including:

The type of construction (for example, brick or concrete walls)

Whether or not there are any cracks in walls or ceilings (if so, they should be sealed)

Furnishing materials used throughout your home (such as wood floors)

Dampness can be caused by many things including: humidity levels, lack of ventilation, poor construction techniques and materials or improper maintenance.

Causes of ground water ingress

Causes of ground water ingress

  • Poor drainage
  • Leaking gutters
  • Leaking pipes
  • Leaking windows/roofs/walls

The preventatives that can be used against rising damp

The preventatives that can be used against rising damp include:

DPCs (damp proof course)

Membranes such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), polyvinylidene fluoride, polyurethane and polyvinyl alcohol.

A course of grouting or porous-type concrete.

A membrane between the floor and wall or floor and roof with a single layer of insulation on top of it.

Protecting against penetrating damp

Protecting against penetrating damp is the most effective way of preventing it. This can be done by:

Using DPCs (damp proof course) to cover your building’s walls, ceilings and floors. The surface of the DPC must be smooth and free from cracks or holes, but it should also allow for proper ventilation.

Installing a damp proof membrane on your roof to reduce moisture ingress through leaks into the structure below. A good quality membrane will seal any cracks in its surface as well as making sure water cannot enter through them again after being taken out by rainwater during storms or other weather events that occur regularly throughout the year!

Protecting from ground water ingress

You can also use a DPC to prevent dampness from rising and penetrating the wall. A DPC is installed on the outside of your building, and it acts like a fence between your building and ground water.

Damp causes many problems for buildings and should be prevented with the use of DPCs.

Dampness is the most common cause of damage to buildings, especially in old properties. It’s important to understand how dampness can affect your property and what you can do to prevent it.

Dampness causes many problems for buildings and should be prevented with the use of DPCs (damp proof course). These are designed to prevent rainwater ingress into your home or business premises by creating a barrier between the outside world and inside walls, floors and roofs so that no water enters through cracks or joins between materials such as mortar joints or wooden members of external walls etc., making them more resistant against moisture penetration which would otherwise lead over time towards extensive decay/damage if left untreated – see diagram below:

Conclusion

Dampness is one of the most common problems in buildings. It can cause a number of problems, including rising damp and penetrating damp. The causes of dampness are many and include: soil conditions, rising water levels, structural damage due to water intrusion, and ground water ingress. Damp proofing is the best way to prevent these issues from occurring within your building; however, there are other preventatives that should also be considered before taking action on this issue.

Recommendation on Damp Proof Course products include Velosit WP 120Velosit Wp 100. Contact us for more inquiry.

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