Penetrating Damp
Penetrating Damp & How it Impacts London Homes
Damp comes in many forms and penetrating damp is one of the most destructive forms of moisture that affects London buildings. Penetrating damp is defined as moisture that enters a structure via the roof or external walls, while moisture than comes from the ground is known as rising damp.
Harsh British Climate
Many years of gale force winds and driving rain can cause masonry, render and brickwork to erode and eventually, rainwater will penetrate the external walls and start to damage the internal walls. Damp plaster is one of the first visible signs that external walls have been compromised and in the winter, severe frost is another common cause of brickwork degeneration. Render is not designed to last for 50 years and older London houses have crumbing render, which is usually accompanied by penetrating damp.
Potential Causes of Penetrating Damp
The many potential causes include:
- Missing or broken roof tiles
- Blocked or damaged guttering
- Defective fascia and soffit boards
- Damaged masonry, render and mortar
- Leaking water pipes
- Decaying timber window and door frames
- Excessive moisture in the air
Repairing damage caused by penetrating damp is pointless if you do not find the root cause of the moisture and carry out effective damp-proofing.
Tell-Tale Signs of Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp can be recognised by the following signs:
- Moss growth on external walls
- Persistent damp patches on internal walls
- Discoloured masonry and brickwork
- Mould on walls and timber frames
- Peeling wallpaper
- Flaking and bubbling paint in skirting boards and architrave
- Condensation forming on hard internal surfaces
- Salt lines on walls and ceilings
- Missing roof shingles
- Blocked guttering
If you should notice signs of damp or mould in your London home, contact London Damp Proofing and we will arrange for one of our accredited damp surveyors to closely inspect the building and should damp, mould or timber rot be present, we will find it.
Best Long-Term Solutions to Treat Penetrating Damp
There are numerous treatments that can be used on penetrating damp, which include:
- Applying waterproof render to external walls
- Replacing missing/broken roof tiles
- Unblocking guttering
- Removing and replacing damaged plaster
- Removing and replacing decaying timber
- Re-sealing timber window and door frames
- Injecting a chemical foam into cavity walls
If your home is impacted by rising damp, contact us and we will arrange for one of our PCA-certified inspectors to assess the building.
The Importance of Roof Inspections
The roof is one component of a building that is difficult to inspect and all it takes is a couple of missing roof tiles that are out of sight to allow rainwater to enter the internal roof structure. If the occupants do not visit the loft for months, the damp can cause significant damage to rafters and joists. Early detection is critical when it comes to roof damage, which is many of our customers book an independent damp survey every year, usually just prior to the arrival of winter.
Checking External Walls & Timber Frames
External walls need to be closely inspected; our surveyors use drones to do this and any signs of damp are immediately investigated. Door and window frames are also potential points for moisture penetration and if mastic seals are compromised, they need to be repaired. Any vegetation growth on external walls is a sure sign that moisture is present and needs further investigation.
Free No-Obligation Quote
When we survey a London property for signs of damp, mould and timber rot, we are happy to provide the property owner with an all-inclusive quote and there is no obligation to move forward with the project. Our prices are very competitive and we are confident that you won’t find a better price from an established damp-proofing company in London.
Full & Unconditional 30-Year Guarantee
We have been damp-proofing London properties for more than 4 decades and we are so confident in our work that we issue an unconditional 30-year guarantee on all damp-proofing work we carry out. This gives our customers peace of mind, knowing that they would not have to pay should further work need to be carried out.
Damp can attack a building at any time, which is why you should have your home surveyed by a professional on a regular basis.