Damp Proofing Services in Cape Town
Damp Proofing is the process of treating damp damaged plaster and walls. Rain and moisture, from external cracks, window frames and weep holes penetrate the internal walls and cause damage. The moisture rises up the internal wall by capillary action and evaporates, leaving efflorescence and hygroscopic salts. In such cases, it is necessary to remove the contaminated plaster and apply a waterproof sealant to the underlying brickwork to prevent rising damp. a high-quality DampProofing system is then utilized to replaster the area. Failure to address dampness can pose risks to the structural integrity of your home or building.
What is Damp and what are the causes of dampness within a building or home?
The presence of moisture in excess varies across different materials, depending on their structure, porosity, and density. Dampness is primarily caused by the infiltration of moisture from the air or substrate. It can result from water entering through cracked walls, water penetration from irrigation systems, leaking pipes, seepage through window frames and doors, or high water tables in the ground. Dampness can be identified through visual inspection, detecting a musty smell, or using a damp moisture meter. There are mainly 4 types of Damp.
Rising Damp
Rising damp often occurs in older buildings when the damp proof course (DPC) fails or is missing. Signs of rising damp is the presence of damp on internal off-leading walls which include a band or tide mark which is clearly visible. Hygroscopic salt deposits e.g. chlorides or nitrates on the wall, bubbling paint or damaged plaster confirm a problem exists or has existed previously. Aided with an electronic moisture meter, our representative will determine the extent and causes of the damp problem. A thorough investigation must take place before issuing a complete and proper recommendation or report.
Lateral Damp
Lateral Damp occurs when moisture moves horizontally through a substrate. It may or may not lead to Rising Damp depending upon the circumstances. Typically, this issure arises as a result of differing ground levels, commonly associated with outside gardens, flower beds, raised paving, and similar elements. Internally, it can be attributed to raised floor levels with backfill beneath.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when a vapour cools and transforms into a liquid. You can often find it in bathrooms and showers, particularly in poorly ventilated rooms. Water vapour will only condense onto another surface when that surface is cooler than the temperature of the water vapour. You can often detect condensation by observing moisture on glass windows and the presence of mould and dampness on walls and ceilings, accompanied by a musty smell. To mitigate condensation, you can improve ventilation and take simple measures such as installing extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom or opening windows to reduce moisture buildup. We can survey your home and provide you with a written report/quotation.
Penetrating Damp
A common problem in the Cape in particular and other parts of the country is that of Penetrating Damp. Builders typically observe this issue in face brick buildings that use porous bricks or have deteriorated pointing. Penetrating dampness is also usually due to external defects such as blocked or leaking pipes, open mortar joints and cracked porous brickwork or stonework. Damp penetrates the brickwork and then contaminates the inner surfaces of the walls with the same symptoms as mentioned above.
Ways to tell if you have some sort of damp.
- Blistering paint on the wall surface
- Visible wet patches on the walls
- Rotting or damaged skirting boards
- Wallpaper or Paint peeling off the wall
- Visible damp patches on the floor
- Lifting of Floor Coverings
So if you are looking to hire a damp proofing contractor in Cape Town, look no further than Damp Proofing Contractors you can trust. Hire our professional damp proofing contractors for your peace of mind. To book your FREE Quotation Call 082 3412707 or contact us via our website.