Tackling dampness in floors and walls

 

Damp walls are never a good thing, regardless of whether you own or rent your property. They can, at best, create a frigid, uninviting atmosphere; at worst, they can result in structural damage and health problems. Building materials can be harmed by moisture, which also helps mold grow. It is essential to go for professional companies like Mapei to resolve such dampness and find right solutions like wall waterproofing, waterproofing for terrace, etc.

However, regardless of the cause of the wetness, the primary symptoms, like peeling paint or wallpaper, are basically the same. Prior to beginning treatment, it is crucial to accurately identify the origin of the dampness because different causes of dampness call for distinct approaches to treatment.

Understanding how to handle moisture is crucial. Much more than a building's aesthetics can be harmed by dampness. It might cause the deterioration of brickwork and plaster, encourage the decomposition of wood, and produce unhealthful circumstances for occupants. Unfortunately, ineffective damp-treatment methods can do more damage to old structures than centuries of deterioration.

 

Dampness In Walls

A significant source of water entering the wall and moistening it is defective roof leakage hence roof waterproofing solutions are a must. Poor building materials can also cause damp walls. Additionally, because they draw moisture, porous bricks used in buildings are a constant source of wetness in walls. Dampness in walls could result from the construction of an earthen bank next to a building or from a side slope that covers a portion of the wall's height above the damp-proof course. Another factor attracting moisture is improperly and unevenly built mortar joints.

Temporary Remedies for Dampness in Wall

To temporarily rectify the dampness in walls using waterproof wall paint for painting is a good idea. After washing the surface, either commercially available such solutions or a homemade solution as detailed subsequently may be applied as directed.

Another method can be Sylvester’s Process. Alternately coating the walls with soap and alum solutions, allowing them to penetrate the surface pores. the initial coat to be used following surface cleaning. After the first layer has dried, apply the subsequent applications.

 

Permanent Remedies for Dampness of Walls:

To permanently rectify the dampness, it is important to know the cause of dampness. It is necessary to determine the origin of the dampness before choosing any precaution like wall waterproofing. The necessary activity for a corrective measure would not be challenging if the problem was identified. The primary goal would be to eliminate the cause. Removal would not typically be challenging.

If vegetation is the root of the problem, the vegetation must be uprooted, chemical solutions must be applied to prevent future development, and any cracks must be sealed. The area around the structure needs to be prepared to prevent water splashing on the wall if earth backing, a bank, sloping terrain, etc. are the reason.

Destroying the affected areas and rebuilding them with better bricks and materials would be the remedy in cases of dampness brought on by the use of porous brickwork and inferior materials. If for financial reasons this is not feasible, the solution would be to remove the plaster from either side and then repaint with fresh mortar that is richer in proportion and contains water-proofing compound.

Dampness In Floors

The dampening of concrete floors is a common issue that develops in many structures. Concrete slabs are susceptible to moisture from a variety of sources because of their porous nature.

One of the most frequent causes is when there is too much moisture in the air, which causes it to rise from the building's foundation and spread to the floor layer. By identifying the underlying source of a problem, it can be efficiently resolved.

 

Causes Of Dampness in Floors

Let's start by looking at the floors. There are three main types of subfloors: concrete, wood, and specialty. Determine the subfloor you are working with first. The advice that follows is for concrete because it is the most typical.

When there is too much water in the concrete mix ratio, moisture might also develop. In concrete, this substance is referred to as "free water," which suggests that the proportions of cement, aggregates, and water are out of balance. This implies that the clusters are not dry and that there is more water present than can be absorbed by the aggregates. As a result, free water rises toward the concrete flooring, dampening it.

 

Remedies For Dampness

Apply a good quality damp-proof membrane

You can use a DPM if your damp subfloor is located in a space that requires a specialized floor, like a kitchen or a moist environment. Dry general circulation zones can benefit from the application of pressure-sensitive adhesive. Make sure the glue you use can withstand moisture before proceeding. If you don't use a moisture-tolerant levelling compound on a damp subfloor, it could fail. It's similar to when you remove a plaster from your finger and it becomes wrinkled; the moisture has been pulled out of your skin.

Use a fiberglass underlay sheet

If an adhesive-free floor is not an option and RH levels are above 75%, a fiberglass underlay layer can also be used. Another more appropriate flooring can then be bonded to the surface using a two-part adhesive after being loose-laid to a smooth substrate.

 

Conclusion

Damp is not prejudiced. It can happen in any house, whether it's a small apartment or a large mansion. It is crucial for everyone to understand how to stop the dampness with right wall water proofing, water proofing for terrace, using roof waterproofing solutions, etc.

Damp can be a big pain in the neck and is frequently brought on by neglecting routine home upkeep. In addition to causing damage to furniture and clothing, it can also set off health issues like asthma. Therefore, it is best to address the issue as soon as you see any indications of dampness. As generally recommended, it’s always good to for expert companies like Mapei, to find the root cause of any dampness and treat your space rightly.