Damp Penetration in Walls
Penetrating wet wall problems are typically caused by rain water being forcibly absorbed by the porous external skin of the substrate and then soaking through the structure by capillary action to lastly show up as moist blotches or black mould on the inside. The British winters are always harsh on external wall surfaces such as stucco and common stone faces and over decades they become more porous and liable to water absorption from wind driven downpours. penetrating damp
A small percentage of penetrating damp in walls is not a big concern.In fact it is essential that some water is let into the external leaf of the substrate as explained below.
A minor amount of dampness in our walls is therefore vital to a building and typically an external wall should have around 10% to 15% moisture content as the norm. This very minor amount of penetrating wall moisture acts to drop the temperature of the wall just enough to guarantee that the warmer damp air inside our properties is drawn through the substrate and passes to the outside ie the house breathe and regulates the moisture levels in the house. This necessary process keeps us warm and keeps a ambient internal atmosphere.
Over time, due to ageing and the decay of brick surfaces, cement renders and other weather prone systems such as pebble dash or tyrolean renders, the exteriorsof our homes lose the ability to prevent water penetration.
In Great Britain in particular we notice a majority of wet wall problems occur in south west facing elevations which are most vulnerable to the winds that sweep across the ground.
Whilst having an excess of water penetrating and seeping through our homes is not good news,there will be no long term damage if remedial action is taken quickly enough to damp proof the house.
Obvious signs of open masonry surfaces are missing pointing in mortar joints and spalling brick or stone faces when the outer protective layer has blown off through harsh frost damage as well as the obvious wet spots on the internal side of the house wall. waterproofing for bricks
So,if you are experiencing damp problems from porous brickwork,cracked wall render or flaking masonry paints then call in a qualified from a renowned damp company.
Remember to get at least 3 estimates before you make your choice of contractor and always get testimonials.damp walls
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