What Is Damp Proofing, and What Makes It Beneficial for Property Owners?

18 November 2018

The definition of damp proofing is to make a structure resistant to the problem of rising damp that can cause major issues when left unaddressed. Rising damp is when ground water travels up through the wall structure or it also can occur when condensation is trapped within the structure. Problems that result from the rising damp range from mould to structural damage for the foundation, walls and other parts of the structure.

How to Damp Proof a Structure

Along with treatments for rising damp when it is already present in a structure, the following are ways to damp proof it:

• Damp course injections place a special cream right into the mortar course at or just below ground level to create a water-repelling barrier.

• Damp proof membranes prevent moisture transference from happening. One example of this is when the membranes keep the insulation from absorbing moisture from the walls.

• Protective coatings on the ground level walls is yet another preventative measure from the harm that rising damp can do to a structure.

• Cavity wall construction is comprised of two masonry walls with an empty space in between.

• Adding proper ventilation is another part of damp proofing in certain cases.

*Note: One or all of the above methods may be necessary for your structure, depending upon the situation.

The Benefits of Damp Proofing Your Structure

• Preventing mould and mildew growth is a major benefit of damp proofing your structure. These elements can cause respiratory distress for people. In addition, they will give off a musty, unpleasant odour that will taint your structure’s air quality.

• Another advantage of damp proofing is that it will keep the structure safe from unnecessary damage. When the foundation absorbs too much ground water, it can lose integrity, and this can cause damage to occur in other parts of the structure, such as cracks.

• If the moisture moves high enough up the foundation, it can continue to travel up through the walls of the upper levels of the structure. This excess moisture can damage plaster, make paint peel and loosen the wallpaper. It also can soften the drywall in the walls and cause it to give way. By damp proofing your structure, you prevent all of this damage from happening.

• You will retain the value of your property by damp proofing it. No one wants to purchase a structure at its full value when there are signs of rising damp.

For further information about damp proofing and why it is beneficial to property owners, consult with MDR Waterproofing. We specialise in waterproofing issues and other remedial issues that can occur in industrial, commercial, industrial, residential and strata properties in the Melbourne, the Gold Coast and the Sydney areas of Australia.

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