Rising damp occurs when your damp proof course breaks down allowing water present in the ground to rise into the brickwork and the internal plaster of your home.
This water contains hygroscopic ground salts (chlorides and nitrates) these will contaminate the plaster and will absorb moisture from the atmosphere which will increase the amount of water in the wall.
Some people think it is acceptable to have rising damp in their home and I am often told that they expect some dampness to be present in their property. I think you should consider that any damp entering your walls from the ground would be contaminated with all kinds of germs which would put anybody’s health at risk.
Treating Rising Damp
This would be carried out in accordance with British Standards BS-6576-1985, entitled, The Installation of a Chemical Damp Proof Course.
Plaster would be removed from the wall to a minimum height of 1.00 metre from the internal floor and a chemical damp proof course would be installed.
Brickwork would be treated with an anti-sulphate solution to stabilise the salts ensuring no further salt contamination to the new plaster, after which a lightweight renovating plaster will be applied to the brickwork and then the wall will be skim plaster finished.
All of these processes and products used ensure that our work conforms to British Standard BS-5492-1990 The British Standard for internal Plaster Finishes and BS-6576-1985 The British Standard for A Chemical Damp Proof Course.
On completion of the plastering, skirting boards will be replaced like for like where ever possible. We even remove and re-mount the radiators for you and ensure the waste is removed and legally disposed of.
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Beware!
Some damp proofing companies and builders would substitute the lightweight renovating backing plaster for cheaper products like sand and cement render with some additives.
This is not recommended because it does not conform to BS-5492-1990 and due to the weight and mass of the material it may attract condensation.
Request a Survey
My name is Jamie Johnson and I’m happy to take an enquiry and arrange a home visit with you.
If you think Stay Warm and Dry can help remedy your property’s damp issues, contact me by phone or email.
We provide services in Nottingham and Derby.