Rising Damp
Problems with dampness due to rising damp can lead to serious overheating, as well as negatively affecting health and being dangerous for the structure of the building.
Our aim is to understand what this type of damp is, what characteristics it has, the reasons why it occurs and at the same time we will also discuss the best solutions to get rid of it.
What is rising damp and how can it be identified?
Rising damp is the moisture that is produced inside the building due to the absorption by the materials of the moisture contained in the ground where the structure is located.
This happens because the materials have a certain porosity, so that water seeps in and rises upwards, affecting the different materials it encounters along the way.
These dampnesses gradually deteriorate these materials and produce different problems ranging from stains to salt accumulation.
Rising damp can be identified by its
- It is present throughout the year, and moisture levels increase during the months when there is more rainfall and the ground is wetter.
- This is a uniform type of damp that spreads through the walls.
- It can cover the whole house.
Reasons why rising damp occurs
We mentioned that the main reason for rising damp is due to the water content of the soil on which the dwelling sits.
However, these humidities can vary depending on three main factors: :
- Groundwater: if there is groundwater under the structure of the building, it can rise and provide damp throughout the year, and a very high volume.
- Construction errors: if the waterproofing work has not been carried out in the most appropriate manner, it is easier for rising damp to occur.
- Defects in insulation: it is also possible that, although the work has been carried out correctly, some of the materials used for waterproofing buildings are defective, in which case rising damp can enter.
How to solve these moisture problems
In order to solve this problem, it is important to take into account a series of recommendations as detailed below:
Improving the waterproofing of walls
In order to put an end to rising damp, it is essential to waterproof the wall.
The problem does not come through the walls of the home, as this is the means by which dampness can rise from the ground.
For this reason, the solution is to create an insulation reinforcement that prevents the passage of humidity upwards, something that can be done without any problem and that will not only prevent annoying stains and unhealthy high humidity levels, but will also help to protect the home, keeping everything from furniture to installations and construction elements in better condition.
Depending on each case, the building waterproofing professional must study the real needs in order to offer a personalised solution and, above all, guarantee that rising damp will disappear completely from your home in a very short time.
Tips to reduce humidity levels
There are also some tricks that can be used to reduce humidity levels inside the house.
- Installing a dehumidifier is an inexpensive, quick and effective solution to reduce the amount of moisture inside your home.
- Remember to ventilate your home every day, including all rooms.
- Bear in mind that there are electrical appliances and devices such as cookers, ovens, cookers, etc. that favour the concentration of humidity, so when you use them you should open the windows a little or use the extractor fan.
However, it is important to bear in mind that these tricks only serve to slightly improve the damp conditions in the house, but in order to put an end to damp and really achieve good results, it is essential to hire professionals in building waterproofing.
