Monday 22 August 2011

Damp Problems - Comparing Damp Injection and Damp Proof Membranes


What Is The Damp Injection Method?

The damp injection method is quite a common way of dealing with damp problems. It consists of of injecting a chemical damp proofing cream into the mortar bed course within a damp wall. The mortar presents the only continuous passage ascending up a wall through which water is able to rise, and so the mortar bed joint functions as a damp proofing layer which moves dampness away from the wall. 

Note: for damp cellars or damp tanking where the problem is below ground, a full waterproofing membrane system would be highly recommended. Please contact a local damp proof expert if this is required.
Damp proof membranes would not be suitable for a damp cellar as additional waterproofing requirements would be needed.

Where Damp Proofing Membranes are better

in many instances, the damp injection method is not necessarily the best approach. Damp proofing membranes are an alternative for the damp injection method for use on damp walls. They act as a permanent remedial solution for problems such as penetrating damp and rising damp whether it is above the ground or in a damp cellar. Staining and discoloration, peeling paintwork/finishes, blown plaster, salt and oil contamination etc are signs of damp walls and when untreated will continue to make the wall damp. Damp Proofing Membranes have been used for many years as an alternative to the damp injection method, to permanently treat such problems. When it comes to damp treatment membrane systems, Damp Proofing Membrane Systems are considered to be an effective alternative to most conventional damp proofing methods such as a chemical damp course (DPC), damp injection, cementations and bibulous paint on coatings and external water repellents. This is because membrane system generally require minimal preparation, are quick to install, are considered to be most sympathetic to the structure, reversible and can be ventilated which make them particularly ideal for use on conservation and historic projects as well as for refurbishment, renovation and new build. When a damp injection or injected damp coursing used, part of the processing almost always includes hacking off existing plaster which is an extremely disruptive and messy process.

What's The Procedure?

In the damp injection system the holes are drilled to the correct size, with correct spacing and correct depth to ensure that the installation is effective. The gauge of the DPC fluid should correlate to the wall thickness. Due calculation has to be made for injecting effective diffusion. The buildings which are trickily constructed with different kinds of materials in poor condition require this damp injection treatment. Damp Proofing Membranes can be applied to almost any substrate, membrane application is made to walls, duly drilling, quick and clean fixing. The damp proof membrane acts as a barrier, protects internal finishes by avoiding any material changes to the original structures. 

So What Do I Do If I Have A Damp Cellar?

Damp Proofing Membranes are made for dealing exclusively with moisture held in capillaries and thus are exclusively appropriate for applying above ground. When external ground levels are greater than internal levels like cellars, there's a water ingress and hydrostatic water risk. Damp proofing cellars with damp proofing membranes won't work if there's running water. In below ground circumstances, a full waterproofing membrane system is a must, comprising pumping and draining systems and cavity drain systems.
Read a cool article on Damp proofing membranes here

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