Penetrating Damp Treatments
Penetrating Damp Treatments In Sunderland
What is penetrating damp?
Penetrating damp is quite simply moisture that passes through the roof or walls of a building from an outside source, and is often associated with defects in construction or plumbing.
What causes penetrating damp?
Generally, it is caused by water escaping from broken or damaged pipes or plumbing. Causes to look for might be cracked or obstructed gutters and overflow pipes, insufficient waterproofing, flawed pointing or brickwork, or defective windows and doors. When the moisture penetrates the structure, it can start to affect timber and damage any paintwork or plaster it reaches.
What should I look for?
If you spot any of the following signs, your building may have penetrating damp:
- Patches of black mould.
- Plaster and paint that appears stained and damaged, or has ‘tidemarks’.
- Damp spots on the wall that do not fade or dry.
- An odour of mustiness.
- Wood that seems damaged or decayed.
- Growth of moss or other plants on exterior brickwork.
What should I do next?
It is imperative that the source of the dampness be isolated and fixed. If no attempt to remedy it is made, penetrating damp can leave the building vulnerable to other damp-related issues such as wet rot, dry rot, and insect infestation, or cause damage to interior décor that is costly and time-consuming to repair and replace.
