DIY Damp proofing – Can I do the damp proofing myself? The million dollar question! Many DIY damp proofing enthusiasts are now “having a go” at diy damp proofing walls themselves with mixed results. With a wealth of information and products easily accessible and a trying economic climate, the DIY damp proofing approach seems simple in principle. However the mis-diagnosis of the cause of damp in structures and the wrong product for the site conditions can turn a relatively straight forward damp proof job into a recurring problem.
DIY Damp Proofing And Damp Proof Courses
Common building practice is to incorporate physical damp proof courses into the structure. This is easily achievable in new build construction but in existing properties the ability to assess the effectiveness of a DPC should be carried out by damp specialists. Professional contractors offer clients insured guarantees for curing dampness in structures. These guarantees are important in the future and are a requirement to have should the client wish to sell on their property in the future – something that would not be possible with a DIY damp proofing solution.
Some Tips For DIY Damp Proofing
Now if you are going to take the DIY damp proofing approach and do not require a insured guarantee, you first must establish whether you are dealing with a pure damp proofing job i.e. your property is all above ground. A damp cellar or basement is not a damp proofing job! Many DIY damp proofing jobs go wrong when an individual looks to treat damp walls in a basement with simple damp proof injection cream, or a cavity drain membrane without a provision for drainage.
If you can be sure that you property has no retaining aspects then the first step of DIY damp proofing would be to establish whether your property has an effective damp proof course. The damp proof course depending upon the age and style of construction should be visible 150mm above external ground level, it may be slate or HDPE and this does the job of protecting the property above the DPC from wall damp. A defective damp course or lack of is where DIY damp proofing can then be used. OK – injection creams, fluids, paint on bitumen, cavity drain membranes would all be reasonable DIY damp proofing solutions.
Damp creams are best diy damp proofing choice for damp proof courses for structures of brick, where the cream mixed with the mortar, stops any dampness coming up above that stage. But this diy damp proofing ethod is not an effective one for a structure done of random stones. We cannot expect that the damp proof material injected provide 100% protection with this type of structure. The dimpled meshed damp proof membranes available on the market are a suitable and effective technique on this type of structure. With this technique, the dampness on the wall allowed to dry out by the ‘air gap’ created by the dimples in the damp proof membrane. Plaster is then applied to the damp proof membrane and this acts as a new wall surface. It is not recommended that such work be carried out as a diy damp proofing job. A qualified damp proofing specialist should be consulted, who do this work very quickly with due insurance coverage guarantee. For a permanent solution, damp proof membranes are effective than any other damp proof course, and more reliable than diy damp proofing methods.
Thus for cellar or basement waterproofing, a diy damp proofing approach would not be recommended. Above ground there are some reasonable diy damp proofing solutions available for treating damp walls, but it is definitely advisable to consult a damp specialist before undertaking any work.
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