Rising damp occurs when moisure from ground travels up through the walls by capillary action.This can happen due to several reasons.
Faulty Damp proof Course (DPC)
The DPC, which is the meant to prevent moisure from rising, can become damaged or ineffective over time.
Bridge DPC
Sometimes, the DPC remains intact, but materials like debris, renders, or raised ground levels can bridge the DPC, allowing moisure to bypass it.
Inadequate Sub-Floor Ventilation
Poor ventelation in the sub-floor can lead to a buildup of humidity, contributing to rising up damp.
Sub-Floor Obstructions
Debris or obstructions in the sub-floor can block ventelation and contribute to dampness.
Damaged Guttering and Pipes
Poor site drainage or damaged gutters and pipes can direct water underneath causing dampness.
Signs of Rising Damp
Identifying rising up damp early is crucial to prevent extensive damage:
Tide Marks
Visible stain on walls, often appearing as a tide mark where the moisure has reached.
Damp Patches
Patches on walls, specially near the base.
Musty Smell
Adamp, musty smell in rooms with inadequate ventilation.
Decaying Skirting Boards and Floorboards
Long-term exposure to rising damp can cause wood rot in skirting boards and floorboards at ground level.
Efflorence
White chalky deposits of salts on the wall surface. Fixing any damaged guttering and pipes to prevent water from entering the sub-floor.
Rising External Ground Levels
Ensuring that external ground levels are below the DPC to prevent bridging.
Treatment Methods
Effective treatment of rising damp involves addressing both the symptoms and the underlaying causes.
Inserting a New Damp Proof Course
New DPC, such as chemical injection or physical membrane, to create a new moisure barrier.
Imroving Sub-Floor Ventilation
Ensuring Proper ventlation in the sub-floor to reduce humidity levels.
Cleaning Sub-Floor Ostractions
Removing any debris or obstructions that may be blocking ventilation.
Repairing Damaged Guttering and Pipes:
By addressing these causes and implementering appropriate treatment methods, they can effectively manage and prevent rising damp in your building. Koster Crisin 76 the smarter injection system for preventing rising damp