Rising damp: a dreaded problem for homeowners and house hunters. Rising damp must always be treated quickly to avoid larger problems in the home. Moisture in the bricks can compromise the stability of the building and also creates an unhealthy living environment.
But what are the causes of rising damp? And how can rising damp be treated? You’ll find out here.
Rising Damp in the Basement
Rising damp always originates from water in the ground. When wet soil comes into contact with the bricks of your home, the bricks can absorb moisture under certain conditions. That moisture then slowly makes its way upwards until it causes a visible damp spot on the wall.
This rising damp is a major problem in basements. Basement walls and floors are surrounded by damp ground. Over time, the bricks and mortar become porous and absorb water more easily. If the groundwater pressure around the basement is high, moisture problems are almost inevitable and you suddenly have moisture in the basement.
Rising Damp Due to a Missing or Broken Damp Proof Course
However, most homes are protected against rising damp. This is done by means of a so-called damp proof course. This is a kind of drainage system consisting of a dimpled membrane. This system drains away moisture and forms a physical barrier between the building materials of your home and the moisture from the ground.
In old houses, however, this damp proof course is missing. That’s why rising damp is a bigger problem in older homes. In new homes, it can happen that the damp proof course was installed incorrectly or that it has broken. In this way, moisture still finds a way to the interior walls of your home.
Rising Damp Due to Bridging
And yet the presence of a damp proof course does not mean that moisture can never penetrate your home. This is due to other mistakes.
A classic example is when the plasterwork on the wall is placed too low and comes below the level of the damp proof course. Then rising damp is also possible. We call this bridging. The plasterwork applied too low then forms the bridge between the groundwater and your home.
Other Causes of Moisture Problems in the House
However, rising damp is not the only way moisture problems can occur in your home. Condensation also leads to moisture and mold in many houses and apartments. Less common is penetrating damp.
Condensation Due to Inadequate Ventilation
A large part of the moisture problems in Flemish homes is caused by condensation. This problem is typical for wet areas such as the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room, but also the basement. In these rooms, the relative humidity is much higher.
There is a lot of water vapor in the air that comes into contact with cold walls, ceilings, windows or mirrors. There, the water vapor condenses, resulting in damp spots. These, by the way, form an excellent breeding ground for molds.
Ventilation is the way to prevent and dispel condensation. No window? Then opt for a mechanical ventilation system.
Penetrating Damp Due to a Leaky Facade
Facades in poor condition can also bring moisture. Rainwater can seep in through cracks and crevices in the bricks or mortar. In that case, it is important to repair the facade and have a water repellent treatment applied .
The porous bricks are then sprayed with a moisture-repellent agent, which is completely transparent, so that rainwater can no longer penetrate the building material of the facade.
How Can You Treat Rising Damp?
The most common treatment against rising damp is wall injection. Our experts then come to drill holes in the affected wall, which are filled with a water-repellent gel. Once that gel has hardened, rising damp can no longer rise up into the wall.
In severe cases of rising damp that weren’t addressed in time, undercutting may be necessary. We then cut grooves at the bottom of the affected walls, below floor level, and install a new, physical water barrier. This involves significant demolition work. The earlier you address it, the better.
Is the moisture problem located in the basement? Then we might recommend basement waterproofing. We apply several layers of water-repellent cement and mortar, essentially creating a waterproof tub. This allows you to use the basement as before.
Invite a Moisture Expert for a Moisture Diagnosis
How a moisture problem should be tackled depends on the cause of the problem and how far the rising damp has spread. Therefore, a wall injection is not always the solution.
That’s why it’s better to invite an expert in moisture control for a moisture diagnosis. The experts from Solusio are happy to visit you to investigate the rising damp and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Solusio Combats Rising Damp in your Area
Solusio offers expertise and craftsmanship. We have the right tools to find the exact cause of the moisture problem in your home . This way, we can propose a suitable solution to definitively eliminate the moisture in your home. Do you think you’re dealing with rising damp at home? Contact us today and make an appointment.