Penetrating damp
Penetrating Damp
Understanding Penetrating Damp
Understanding Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp is a common issue that occurs when water enters a property from the outside. This can be due to defects in the building’s exterior, such as damaged brickwork, faulty gutters, or cracked render. Unlike rising damp, which moves upwards from the ground, penetrating damp can affect any part of a building, leading to unsightly damp patches, mould growth, and structural damage.
Signs of Penetrating Damp
Identifying penetrating damp early can help prevent extensive damage. Look out for the following signs:
- Damp Patches on Walls: Moisture marks or stains on walls, often worsening during or after rain.
- Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Dampness can cause paint to bubble and wallpaper to peel away.
- Musty Odours: A persistent damp smell in your property.
- Black Mould: Mould growth on walls, ceilings, or around windows.
- Watermarks: Water stains on masonry or internal walls.
Causes of Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp is typically caused by:
- Damaged Brickwork: Cracked or porous bricks allowing water to seep through.
- Faulty Gutters and Downpipes: Blocked or broken gutters and downpipes causing water to overflow and penetrate walls.
- Defective Pointing: Deteriorated mortar joints that let water in.
- Cracked Render: Damaged external render that fails to protect the underlying structure.
- Roof Defects: Broken or missing roof tiles allowing water ingress.
Penetrating Damp Treatment
At Cannon Clarke, we offer a range of solutions to effectively treat and prevent penetrating damp:
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- Repairing External Defects
The first step in treating penetrating damp is to identify and repair the source of moisture ingress. This may involve us recommending:
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- Replacing Damaged Brickwork: Removing and replacing cracked or porous bricks.
- Repointing Mortar Joints: Replacing deteriorated mortar to seal gaps.
- Fixing Gutters and Downpipes: Repairing or replacing faulty gutters and downpipes to ensure proper drainage.
- Repairing Render: Fixing or replacing cracked render to restore the protective barrier.
- Roof Repairs: Replacing broken or missing roof tiles to prevent water ingress.
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- Applying Waterproof Treatments
To provide additional protection, we apply high-performance waterproof treatments to the external walls:
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- Waterproof Coatings: Applying water-repellent coatings to brickwork and render.
- Masonry Protection Creams: Using creams that penetrate the masonry, providing long-lasting protection against water ingress.
Why Choose Cannon Clarke?
- Certified Experts: Our team includes CSRT & CSSW qualified surveyors who deal with all kinds of damp and timber issues in buildings and design waterproofing systems to BS 8102:2022 standards.
- Quality Materials: We use industry-leading materials and techniques to ensure the highest quality of work.
- Customer Satisfaction: We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and have a proven track record of satisfied clients.
Contact Us
If you are experiencing condensation issues in your property, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact Cannon Clarke today for a survey and quote. Call us at 0800 197 4488 or fill out our online contact form.
Our Process
Survey
We start by conducting a thorough survey of the space you want inspected. There's usually a fee for our initial consultation.
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Scoping discussion
We collaborate with you to marry your objectives with our findings from the survey. We’ll discuss how you want to use the space when it’s finished and the best way of achieving your vision.
02
Design
Once we have the physical specifications, and your input on your requirements, we’ll design a system that works for you.
03
Approval
We’ll send you a specification, together with a report which explains the technical aspects. We’re happy to chat through this with you and make any changes you’ve identified.
04
Work begins
With an approved plan in place, we’ll get to work on the date we’ve agreed between us.
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