Understanding Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp, also known as water ingress or lateral damp, is a pervasive issue in older buildings and can affect residences of any age. It occurs when external walls allow water infiltration into the home due to structural issues or porous brick or stone walls. The resulting moisture can lead to mould growth, with black mould being a common concern in areas with high humidity levels. This type of dampness requires immediate attention as it can cause significant damage to the building’s structure if left untreated.

The main difference between rising damp and penetrating damp

The most prominent differentiation between rising and penetrative damp is their respective height levels. Rising damp is limited to a maximum of one metre above ground level while penetrating damp can manifest at any elevation.

Causes of Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp is caused by water infiltrating through walls from the outside, and it can occur on any level of a building. However, it is more common further up. Unlike rising damp which moves vertically, damp can travel horizontally within walls. The most frequent causes of penetrating damp are porous walls, spalled bricks and degraded mortar, as well as building faults such as defective guttering and downpipes, roof damage or poorly installed windows. As bricks age they lose their ability to keep out rainwater leading to porousness in the wall structure that allows moisture penetration into your home’s interior spaces. Water can also seep through damaged brickwork due to spalling or degraded mortar joints between them. To prevent this issue from happening again in the future address the underlying cause before applying Stormdry for added protection against future water infiltration issues.

Our Guarantee

  • upto 30 year guarantee
  • customer focused team
  • 20 years combined experience
  • portfolio of satified customers
  • attention to detail
  • Construction line accreditation
  • public liability insurance
  • CHAS accreditation

How to Identify Penetrating Damp?

Identifying penetrating damp can be challenging as its symptoms are often mistaken for other types of damp. However, there are certain signs that indicate the presence of this type of damp regardless of size or scale. These include damaged internal decoration, blistering plaster, rotting skirting boards or floor timbers due to wet rot decay caused by moisture saturation in timber, localised dampness with random patches at high and low levels that grow when exposed to moisture, mould growth resulting in a musty smell and spoiled decoration, and brick damage on external walls leading to spalling and cracks allowing moisture to enter the property. Watermarks on walls, windows or ceilings also suggest a penetrating moisture problem. If left unaddressed after continuous rainfall periods, condensation may form in chilly areas causing water droplets if the issue has progressed significantly. Contact our team today at 01273 257 212 or fill out an online form for a survey as early intervention is key in preventing further damage from penetrating damp.

Areas Are Most Affected by Penetrating Damp

Properties built with solid walls are more susceptible to penetrating moisture compared to those constructed with cavity walls. The use of hollow wall construction provides protection against moisture intrusion, as the air gap between internal and external walls prevents rapid entry of moisture into the building’s interior. However, property owners should be aware that having cavity walls does not automatically eliminate the risk of penetrating damp. Cavity wall insulation can obstruct the walls, allowing water to enter despite an air gap’s presence. If damage occurs on the outside wall of a cavity, cracks may allow moisture to seep in and reach its interior. This could result in damage to cavity insulation and the transfer of moisture from damp insulation onto inner walls. To ensure your property is free from such issues, contact Sussex Damp Treatments for a no-obligation site survey by our expert team at 01273 257 212.

Related Links

A Specialist Can Identify Penetrating Damp

If you suspect that moisture has penetrated your home, it is wise to have a damp specialist inspect the property to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Our expert survey will thoroughly examine all areas of the property for signs of damp and other timber-related issues. Upon completion, we will provide you with a comprehensive report detailing our findings from the inspection, including identifying the source of the problem and outlining procedures necessary to prevent future recurrence. To schedule a survey, please contact us online or by calling 01273 257 212. Trust in our team’s expertise to accurately diagnose any penetrating damp problems and provide effective solutions for your peace of mind.

Booking a Penetrating Damp Survey

For professional penetrating damp treatment, Sussex Damp Treatments is the company to call. Our team of experts will accurately analyse and diagnose your problem using cutting-edge diagnostic technology before treating it with advanced procedures. With over a decade of experience in treating properties affected by damp, rot and woodworm, you can trust us to deliver exceptional results. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide top-notch service that exceeds expectations every time. Contact us today at 01273 257 212 or click the button below to book a survey with our skilled surveyors who are ready to tackle any challenge thrown their way.

Free No Obligation Site Damp Surveys

Contact Sussex Damp Experts Now to Speak With an Expert.

Identifying Penetrating Damp with a Specialist

If you spot signs of damp, it is a good suggestion to have a professional in moisture penetration take a look at your house to make sure the issue is accurately identified.

Our expert will survey the entire property for signs of damp and timber-related issues, then provide a comprehensive report upon completion.

Our inspection uncovered the cause of the penetrating damp issue. To stop it happening again, specific steps must be taken. Get in touch with us online or phone 01273 257 212 to arrange a survey.

Booking a Penetrating Damp Survey

Brighton Damp Treatments is the go-to company if you require professional penetrating damp treatment. Our surveyors and specialists will precisely analyse, diagnose, and treat your penetrating damp issue using cutting-edge diagnostic methods and procedures.

With a decade of expertise in safeguarding properties from rot, woodworm and damp, our team are available to help. To book your survey now, call us on 01273 257 212 or click the button below.

What happens if Penetrating Damp is left untreated?

Penetrating wetness can cause significant damage to your property, and there are several reasons why it may occur. Leaking pipes, cracked roofs, and blocked gutters are common sources of damp problems that allow moisture to permeate the walls of your property. Over time, the extent of the damage becomes increasingly apparent as paintwork lifts on interior walls. During winter months, trapped water in walls freezes and expands causing further peeling of paintwork. Rainfall is another culprit that can penetrate buildings via leaks in roofs or other entry points resulting in penetrating damp which could lead to substantial structural damage if not addressed promptly. Roofs, chimneys and parapets are often most vulnerable during heavy rains due to their inaccessibility for maintenance purposes.

Call Sussex Damp Experts Today

Call Our Sussex Damp Experts team now for a free quote, consultation and advice:

Penetrating Damp Treatment Services

Identifying the source of moisture

The most crucial step in treating penetrating damp is identifying and rectifying the root cause of moisture or water ingress. Typically, property issues are to blame for this problem. Even in residential developments, there are four potential points of water entry that can impact a home: defective pointing, porous brickwork, cracks in render, and defective rainwater disposal goods. To prevent the brickwork from becoming saturated with water, it’s essential to maintain all these areas properly by detecting any faults and correcting them immediately.

Expert Rendering

Hygroscopic salts, which are drawn from the earth and absorbed by brickwork due to increased moisture levels, can continue to attract water even during periods of high humidity. However, a damp-proof course can prevent further rising dampness. If this issue persists to an unsatisfactory degree, re-plastering according to PTL specifications is necessary. Fortunately, PTL has a team of expert plasterers who can provide quotes for this job upon request.

Penetrating Damp Treatment

Penetrating damp is a perilous and destructive issue that can plague your home. This type of moisture intrusion, also known as rain penetration, occurs when water from the outside infiltrates the structure. Identifying the source of water infiltration is crucial to treating it effectively with cost-efficient solutions. Our team of seasoned moisture-proofing specialists possess the expertise to assess and resolve penetrating damp problems efficiently. With hundreds of satisfied households in Sussex turning to our experts for their damp-proofing needs, you too can trust us for quality service. If you require assistance from experienced and qualified professionals, please do not hesitate to contact us at 01273 257 212 for a survey or treatment quote today.

The Benefits of a Damp Proofing Course

Damp proofing is a crucial method of preventing moisture from infiltrating a structure. However, performing minor repairs such as repointing or painting over the damp may increase long-term costs and require future redoing. At Sussex Damp Treatments, we offer various damp proofing options that each have their own unique advantages. A damp proof course (DPC) is an effective method for controlling dampness by regulating capillary action-induced moisture. Additionally, a damp proof membrane (DPM) can be added to a DPC to combat further instances of dampness using silicone material management techniques. This coating process protects buildings from water and moisture penetration caused by rain while also providing resistance against pressure and water damage through cement additives like shotcrete. Cavity wall construction creates space between inner and outer walls to prevent water infiltration, whereas masonry walls are filled with pressure grouting to seal any gaps present in them effectively.

What Is DPC Injection, And How Does It Work?

To combat the effects of increasing damp in brick and masonry walls, a silicone-based formulation is injected into a sequence of holes along the wall’s base to create a chemical damp-proof course. Contrary to popular belief, this method does not form an impenetrable physical barrier but instead fills the pores with a water-repellent silicone compound. The compound neutralises the attraction between water molecules and brick particles by lining the pores with silicone, reducing adhesive attraction to match cohesive force levels. Using an injection applicator, 12mm holes are drilled into the bed joint before injecting the cream. The DPC cream diffuses quickly before curing, forming an effective water-repellent solution that addresses dampness issues in walls. This procedure is critical for managing increasing damp in homes and provides a dependable and straightforward solution for homeowners seeking relief from these problems.

cavity drainage systems 408518213 img1

Where Should Chemical Damp Proofing Be installed?

Even with a chemical damp proof course system installed in the bricks or blocks along a stretch of brickwork, water can still rise through the perp-end joints. This is because water requires a continuous channel to travel through in order to climb a wall. The only layer that can act as an effective moisture-proof course is the mortar bed joint. Internally, beneath ground floor joists or close to solid floors, it’s recommended that a DPC be placed at least 150mm above external ground level. If these two are incompatible, further safeguards may be necessary to protect low-lying regions and flooring timbers.

When walls extend beyond the new DPC, such as when they’re part of an enlarged terrace, vertical upstands are required to prevent horizontal moisture transmission from surrounding walls. To create a vertical DPC, inject cream into holes in a zigzag pattern following the mortar line up the wall for at least one-metre height-wise. For cavity-walled brickwork we recommend injecting from both sides of the wall; however this isn’t likely to work for rubble-filled walls which are effectively cavity walls filled with rubble – electro-osmotic systems tend to produce superior results here instead of damp proofing chemicals.

Don’t Delay Solving The Damp Problem

Timely action is crucial when it comes to dampness in your property. Not only does it cause unsightly visual damage, but it can also compromise the structural integrity of your building if left unaddressed. Additionally, there is evidence that dampness can induce respiratory difficulties, which poses a significant risk to those with existing respiratory problems. Whether the source of dampness is condensation or leaking pipes and guttering, our team of expert damp removal and proofing specialists is on hand to provide immediate assistance. Our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service coupled with our extensive knowledge base has been instrumental in sustaining our success over time. Don’t hesitate; to contact us today for prompt resolution of any damp-related issues you may be experiencing.

Sussex Damp Treatments – Solving Any Damp Issues

With over a decade of collective experience in damp proofing, our team at Sussex Damp Treatments is well-equipped to handle any damp issues you may be facing in the Sussex area. To schedule a survey or treatment, simply reach out to us at 01273 257 212, and one of our CSRT and CSSW-trained surveyors will conduct a thorough examination before providing you with an extensive report, price quote, and treatment recommendations. If you choose to proceed with our services, rest assured that we have an entire team of specialists who possess a diverse skill set when it comes to tackling various types of damp problems such as dry rot and woodworms, wet rot, wood rot, basement waterproofing, internal dampness control as well as rain penetration and condensation management for both commercial properties and private residences. Trust us to provide you with comprehensive solutions tailored specifically to your needs.

Damp Proofing At Affordable Prices

The costs associated with addressing damp problems are dependent on a multitude of factors, including the dimensions and architecture of the property, the type of damp cause, and the materials involved. With such an extensive range of details to consider, it is recommended that you contact our fully trained team to book a survey. Our friendly team members will inspect your property thoroughly and gain a complete understanding of the situation at hand. This allows us to provide you with a comprehensive quote for treatment that is both cost-effective and tailored specifically to your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out today for expert advice on how best to tackle any damp issues in your property.

Why Choose Sussex Damp Treatments?

At Sussex Damp Treatments, we hold ourselves to the highest standards when it comes to our damp proofing treatments, professional re-plastering services, wood preservation solutions and damp inspections. Our team of experts provides customised and dependable services for homeowners, local governments, small businesses and large commercial properties alike. We take pride in offering top-quality repairs that are tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you require a simple fix or a more complex solution, we have the expertise necessary to get the job done right. Trust us to provide you with reliable service that will leave your property looking great while protecting it from future damage caused by moisture and dampness.

Damp Proofing Specialists

If you’re grappling with damp issues in Sussex and its surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact our team of damp specialists at 01273 257 212. Our CSRT and CSSW-trained surveyors will conduct a thorough examination, provide an all-encompassing report, furnish you with a price quote, and suggest the most effective treatment options based on your requirements. We boast a squad of adept damp proofing experts who have amassed extensive experience dealing with various types of damp problems such as penetrating dampness, dry rot and woodworm infestations, wet rot or wood decay, basement waterproofing concerns, interior moisture issues of all kinds as well as condensation control measures for both commercial and residential properties.

Areas We Cover

  • Battle
  • Bexhill
  • Brighton
  • Crowborough
  • Eastbourne
  • Hailsham
  • Heathfield
  • Hove
  • Lewes
  • Newhaven
  • Peacehaven
  • Polegate
  • Portsladebysea
  • Rye
  • Seaford
  • Uckfield
  • Wadhurst
  • Arundel
  • Billingshurst
  • Bognor-Regis
  • Burgess-Hill
  • Chichester
  • Crawley
  • Cuckfield
  • East-Grinstead
  • Hastings
  • Haywards-Heath
  • Horsham
  • Littlehampton
  • Midhurst
  • Petworth
  • Selsey
  • Shorehambysea
  • Southwick
  • Steyning
  • Worthing

Client Reviews

Free No Obligation Site Damp Surveys

Contact Sussex Damp Experts Now to Speak With an Expert.