Unfortunately, moisture infiltration is common in older homes. The harsh weather conditions take their toll after several decades. Bricks become more porous, cellars can no longer withstand the pressure of groundwater, and cracks appear in the facade. The result: moisture infiltration. Fortunately, there is an appropriate treatment for every form of moisture infiltration that banishes moisture from your home once and for all.
What is Moisture Infiltration?
Moisture infiltration is the penetration of moisture into your home. This can happen in various ways. In any case, it’s important to combat moisture infiltration at an early stage. Moisture in the house has many adverse consequences for your beloved home.
Moisture problems often bring mold with them, which in turn causes health issues.
- Molds reproduce with harmful spores that can cause respiratory complaints, headaches, sore throats, and skin irritation.
- But your home itself also suffers from moisture. It affects the bricks, compromising the stability of your home. A porous brick can crumble when saturated with moisture.
How Does Moisture Infiltration Occur?
Moisture can penetrate your home in many ways. From roof leaks, high water pressure, and condensation to cracks in the facade and too high humidity levels.
Rising Damp and Moisture Infiltration
When thinking about moisture in the house, you probably immediately think of damp spots at the bottom of the wall. That’s the typical image of rising damp and it’s one of the common moisture problems in older Flemish houses.
With rising damp, water from the ground can penetrate the bricks of your home. It rises higher and higher until damp spots appear on your walls.
Condensation and Moisture Infiltration
Another common cause of moisture infiltration is condensation. In this case, the moisture originates in the space itself, often in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms.
The water vapor that hangs in these spaces can condense on the walls and ceilings. These water droplets infiltrate the building material and thus create moisture problems.
Moisture Infiltration Due to Penetrating Damp
In older homes, penetrating damp can also occur. A porous facade is then the problem. Rainwater penetrates through small cracks and fissures and can even cause damp spots on the interior walls over time. Facades infiltrated with moisture are also extra sensitive to green deposits.
Leaks and Moisture Infiltration
Leaks can also cause moisture infiltration. Think of broken water pipes or moisture infiltration due to leaking gutters or roof coverings. Gutters and roofs are sometimes overlooked during renovations, which is why leaks occur more often than you might think.
Moisture Infiltration in the Cellar
Cellars are particularly susceptible to moisture infiltration. Not strange, of course, as the space is completely surrounded by moist soil and seeping rainwater. This takes its toll on the building materials of the facade. Cellar walls and the cellar floor can show cracks, or the water pressure can be so high that moisture accumulates in the cellar.
How Do You Combat Moisture Infiltration?
How you combat moisture infiltration depends on the cause of the intruding moisture. For each source of moisture infiltration we described above, there is a different solution.
- Of course, you have leaks fixed by a plumber. Normally, the wall should then dry out on its own, provided there is sufficient ventilation.
- Penetrating damp is tackled at the facade itself. This is almost always done with a hydrofuge or facade impregnation.
- A water-repellent agent is then sprayed onto a thoroughly cleaned facade.
- Moisture in the cellar? Then cellar waterproofing is often the recommended treatment.
- Rising damp can, on the other hand, be combated with wall injections.
However, the walls may need to be undercut to apply a new water barrier. - When condensation is the source of moisture infiltration, a ventilation system is necessary. This replaces the humid air with dry, fresh outdoor air.
Solusio Resolves Moisture Infiltration in your Home
The experts at Solusio have extensive experience in renovating facades. One of our craftsmen would be happy to visit you to inspect the facade and prepare a precise quotation. This way, you’ll know the cost of having your facade renovated. Contact us for free advice or make an appointment.