Penetrating damp occurs when you get a development of moisture in the walls and ceiling or below the ground level of a building. As with other forms of damp, if this is left untreated, it can cause structural issues as well as damage to the fabric of the building.
Unlike rising damp, penetrating damp can occur at any level in the property. This type of damp can affect buildings of any age. That said, an older property that has not been maintained correctly is at a greater risk of penetrating damp.
Penetrating damp can occur in isolated areas or it might affect the full wall. This may worsen after bouts of heavy rain. It often affects areas of your home that are exposed to the most severe weather conditions. It may also affect homes with missing roof tiles or damaged gutters and downpipes.
In this article, we’ll look at the causes of penetrating damp and how to spot it.
How to Spot Penetrating Damp
When you first spot penetrating damp, you may see watermarks although these will continue to grow as water enters. Mould may start to grow too. In addition to mould, you may notice the musty smell that goes with it.
You may also see damaged or misshapen plaster or signs of salting. Salting is caused by water pushing out the salts that are found in the wall toward the surface. This results in a fluffy residue being left on the surface of the decor.
You may spot areas of localised dampness. These may seem completely random and may not dry out however you try and do it.
You may also find that there is damage to the internal decor. There may be damp patches or discoloured tidemarks. There may also be rotting around skirting boards and architraves.
What Are the Causes of Penetrating Damp?
Penetrating damp often happens when there are defects in the property. For instance, you may have defective or damaged roof coverings, faulty pointing, or a rainwater pipe with a leak.
Often, the major problem is that render, pointing, or brickwork has deteriorated over time. This can be caused by frost or physical damage. Storm damage is another common cause on older buildings.
If the structure of the property is at fault, then it might allow moisture to soak through the wall completely. This signifies that your waterproofing system is at fault.
You may also find penetrating damp in places where the external ground level is higher than the internal floor, or where the damp-proof membranes in your concrete floors aren’t doing their job properly.
It is also common to find damp in areas below ground level such as in your cellar.
It’s important that you get your penetrating damp diagnosed professionally so that the right course of action can be carried out.
How Can We Help You With Your Penetrating Damp?
At Atlantis Property Preservation, we have a team of experts who can successfully identify your penetrating damp. Not only will they resolve this issue you’re currently having, but they will be able to prevent it from happening again in future.
We’ll carry out a full investigation into the causes of moisture and penetrating damp in your property and find the right method for treating it. You’ll get a full written report which will include our recommendations and a breakdown of the costs involved to remedy it.
If you’re concerned about penetrating damp in your property, let our team of experts advise you on the best course of action to take. Call is today on 0800 0988 277 or email us at atlantisdamp@gmail.com for more information.
