One of the most common forms of dampness that people come across is penetrating damp. Penetrating dampness is usually caused by the movement of water through the walls from the outside of the building. Generally it tends to affect older buildings but not exclusively.
The causes of penetrating damp
There are 2 main causes of penetrating damp problems in buildings – Lateral penetrating damp and building defects.
Lateral penetrating damp
This is caused when the external ground against the wall is above the internal floor level.
Penetrating damp from building defects
There are many issues that fit into this category. Defective roof coverings, poorly fitted windows and door frames, cracked brick work and faulty guttering and downpipes (as can be seen in our photo!). For more photos of dampness check out our Timberwise Facebook page.
Identifying penetrating damp
There are a number of tell tales signs to help property owners determine if they have a penetrating damp problem. These signs include:
- Damage to internal decoration
- Damage to plaster work
- Signs of wet rot and decay on skirting boards and floor timbers
- Localised damp patches. Random patches of damp and varying heights that show no signs of drying out.
- Mould growth. Normally accompanied with a must smell and spoilt internal decorations. (Mould can be removed with a mould removal kit)
Tips to prevent penetrating damp
The following tips are designed to give a little guidance on what to look for is you suspect a penetrating damp problem.
- Check Downpipes, gutters, flashing, rendering and window frames for sign of damage.
- Downpipes should always be clear to allow good water flow.
- Replace any damaged guttering.
- If the rendering is cracked as well as re-sealing any gaps that may be evident around window frames.
- Check window sills and in particular the drip groove. This is designed to shed rain water prior to it reaching the house wall. Any dirt of forms of blockage on the drip groove need to be removed.
Further penetrating damp help
Should you require advice call your local Timberwise office on 0800 288 8660 to arrange a damp survey or complete our on-line dampness survey request form. Our surveyor will visit the property at a time convenient to you and give an experts opinion on how to solve your damp problem.