Houses are usually built with a damp proof course dpc just above floor level to prevent moisture rising up but if this has failed or the property did not have a dpc then rising damp can occur.
Floor damp proof course.
Rising damp is the effect of water rising from the ground into property.
In suspended timber ground floors between the timber and materials that can carry moisture from the ground.
A damp proof course may also be required.
The damp proof course may be horizontal or vertical.
Rising damp can be resolved by injecting a damp proof course dpc chemical gel or paste into the base of the walls at a minimum of 15cm 6 above ground.
The selection of materials for the damp proof course and its various methods of applications in buildings is discussed.
Concrete floors are susceptible to rising damp through the same capillary process as walls.
Damp below damp proof course level.
The damp proof course dpc is generally applied at basement levels which restricts the movement of moisture through walls and floors.
Of course these can be harder to spot unless you have exposed floorboards.
You may also notice damage to your flooring and floor joists.
Standards for damp proof.
Depending on the extent of the rising damp this can be a more costly and extensive job to repair.
Damp proofing concrete floors above ground damp proofing for extensions.
In the joints between walls and door and window frames.
When constructing an extension or a new build home it is important that damp proofing measures are taken during the initial construction phase itself.
Damp rising through concrete floor slabs is fairly common causing damp issues on carpets and floor coverings warping wooden floors and increasing the likelihood of low level mould growth.
The damp proof membranes used during construction of concrete floors are often thin and can easily become torn before they are laid rendering them.
Damp proofing is accomplished several ways including.
It s worth bearing in mind that depending on the severity of the problem and whether the floor is affected it might be a case of repairing the existing damp proof course and membrane.
Tip 1 if a concrete floor is damp all over it is hard to isolate the moisture source.
In this article we look at how you can spot rising damp and how you can fix it diy.
A quick summary checklist.
These days damp proof membranes are required in the construction of all new buildings to prevent rising damp.
A failed damp proof course can cause a lot of damage due to rising damp.
As it dries out the damp retreats slowly back to the points of ingress so if you are not able to see any isolated damp areas either ventilate and heat or shut all the doors and windows and use a dehumidifier.