Damp proofing is used in the building of new homes and buildings. It is an compulsory treatment to the base structure to avert damp increasing and filtering through the walls of the building into the core spaces.
Look at how it helped this old village terraces to get a face lift as reported by hucknalldispatch.co.uk.

Methods Of Damp Proofing

There are various methods which can be used of which the laying of a horizontal barrier at base wall level is perhaps the most used. A membrane is used to create a durable surface through which damp cannot break through. If not done decently, water rises from the ground all the way through the building walls and causes damage to the building in the form of cracks, paint chipping, and spots on the wall surface. The membrane basically acts as a barricade.

Wrong Diagnosis

More often than not, paint chipping and condensation problems are accredited to rising damp. Only in desperate cases can such be correct. If a membrane was properly applied when the building was erected as part of damp proofing, there should not have been a problem. Other factors that can give to condensation problems include that of improper application of cement to the outside walls and usage of cheesy plaster material in the middle.

Damp proofing should be ready upon erection of a building to prevent salt from the ground to be absorbed in the walls. The membrane used in the procedure can consist of any of the following materials:

• Stones
• Plastic sheets
• Bitumen
• Asphalt

Plastic is the desired material for damp proofing. It is a strip that is laid between two layers of bricks at ground level. The plastic is normally made from polythene and can also be laid underneath a concrete floor slab.
If a building has no dampproofing membrane remedial work may be needed to prevent further structural damage and health problems associated with the dampness. Holes can be drilled into the walls and silicone used to fill the holes. Another method is to apply damp proof substances. Yet, a further method involves the transfusion of a silicone based substance. It is essential to avoid the usage of asbestos or lead based damp proof materials.

Roof Waterproofing

The roof of the building must be waterproofed successfully to avoid leaks and collapsing of the roof due to water build-up and structural damage. South Africa has a multifaceted climate. As warm as it can get, it is also a country known for storms and long periods of soft rain, making it vital to repair any roof damage immediately. Rather than attempting to do the water proofing, get an expert in as mistakes made can be costly, apart from the danger of working on the roof.

Damp and Waterproofing for Roofs

There are a mixture of methods that can be used to repel leaks. Liquid sealants are among the most common applications. Rubber or plastic coatings can also be applied everywhere the roof has a concrete slab. The plastic or rubber is flexible and can move along with the concrete.

Tar shingles are also used as one of the methods. It is vital to first revamp any crooked shingles. Synthetic applications can be used in the case of flat roofs where you don’t want gravel to be used on the roof. Gravel in many instances hinders the identification of leaks and as such is a method not often used. If there are only minute isolated leaks the experts will apply a silicon-based substance to fill the leaks. Make certain appropriate water and damp proofing by making use of a trusted company.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, January 26th, 2012 at 6:36 am and is filed under Home Remodeling. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.