subject: Get a Damp Proof Course before it takes hold [print this page] Get a Damp Proof Course before it takes holdGet a Damp Proof Course before it takes hold
You should call in an expert if you are thinking about a damp proof course fro your property.
Very often , what you believe to be a damp issue in your home could actually just be as simple as condensation, but without an expert opinion you could be wasting your hard earned cash on something you actually don't need to.
If your existing damp proof course has failed it could be because you have recently raised the ground level outside, for example, or possibly the level of your internal floors, both of these can cause you to suffer from rising damp.
In a lot of older type buildings, there was never any kind of a damp proof course at all.
A variety of health issues can be brought on by a damp problem, such as asthma or other common allergies such as respiratory problems.
If you allow a damp problem to continue, once it has taken hold it can lead to other related issues such as mould so then it will be an even bigger job to put right.
The problem with rising damp is that it defies gravity as water travels up your walls through your brickwork, or masonary and often occurs if your damp proof course is bridged, say by pointing the brickwork outside or rendering maybe even a blockage at the base of the cavity wall structure of your home.
Black mould on your walls and ceilings are caused by condensation, this can cause some issues with certain people, such as asthma sufferers due to the airborne spores floating around in the air so as soon as you see any sign of mould or damp, it's a good idea to get somebody in as soon as possible to investigate.
Many years ago your home would be full of holes due to the way it was built so you would not need a damp proof course, but with today's modern living with everything so tight to keep the heat in condensation really is a modern day living issue.
So why not do it yourself?
A bit of damp proofing DIY?
Some people have a natural gift for DIY and can put their hand to pretty much anything given the chance and make a good job of it too.
Putting in a damp proof course is a skill just like anything else, this is why we have experts because damp proofing is not a job anyone can do by themselves , and you need to know exactly where you should drill, where to put the damp proof, and what height and so on.
The way to do it is to inject a penetrating liquid into holes you have drilled into the walls, but they have to be the right distance apart so you don't waste your efforts.
A waterproof barrier will be formed once the chemical you have injected in has been absorbed into the brickwork.
Another reason why you should always use a damp proof specialists is that the success of your damp proofing will depend on a number of factors such as the strength of the product used and the type of formulation.
Don't forget when you have done all your drilling and injecting, there is a bit of rendering and decorating to do too, plus all the cleaning up.
