Should I Use A Damp-Proof Membrane On My Damp Walls?
The choice of damp proofing materials is extensive and can be confusing to those who are dealing with damp issues. Damp-proof membranes offer a good solution as they can be installed on virtually any wall surface. Many membranes on the market are meshed, which means that plaster can be applied directly to it. The membrane then acts as an impermeable barrier between the old wall surface and the new plastered surface. This allows the damp wall to dry behind without affecting the new wall surface to the front. By acting as a barrier, these membranes have the added advantage of holding salt and other contaminants away from the damp wall. Damp-proof membranes are made in a stud formation and work by allowing any moisture and moisture vapour to evaporate.
MEMBRANE
If in doubt about which membrane to use, it is always advisable to consult a trained damp specialist about your specific project as they can advise on the best solution.
Do I Need A Damp-Proof Course?
Not necessarily. Damp-proof course failure is a leading cause of damp problems in properties. Indeed many older properties there was no damp proof course installed so once you have established this then you will know whether you need to install a physical damp proof course, a chemical injection or a dimpled sheet membrane as a choice. Do-it-yourself damp proofing websites show you all these products above but which one do you chose in which circumstance? Some products just do not work in certain builds. For instance I have witnessed properties with cavity wall insulation damp and builders installing a cream into the cavity wondering why they are using so much material! The simplest damp proof membrane application for damp proofing walls is in my opinion a dimpled membrane. Why? Well these membrane products negate the need for a damp injection, picks up defects in applications of other do-it-yourself damp attempts (black jack, waterproofing paint) even poor quality damp proofing jobs. The 'does what it says on the tin' motto i.e. paint it on and it stops damp does not always work and many people have come to me with a solution after their paint on repellent has pushed dampness to other areas in the property or condensation damp issues have been created. In my experience it can be easily avoided with the right materials and the right ventilation.
What About Below Ground?
Below ground use of damp proof membranes can be tricky. Be careful here as you may not be dealing only with damp. Tanking membranes need careful choice and careful installation and really should be installed by a professional. Damp injection, rising damp and penetrating damp above the ground is less risky, at least we are not dealing with the potential of water here.
Damp-Proof Membrane Solutions - The Options MEMBRANE
0 comments:
Post a Comment