Rising damp can cause a lot of issues in the house such as damaging the floors, walls and structural integrity. This happens when groundwater comes up through porous building materials like concrete or brick. This happens with capillary action and with rising damp, you will see mould growth, damp patches and deterioration of building surfaces. You need to address this issue early on so that you can maintain a healthy living environment.
If your house or building has inadequate damp proofing measures,
It can lead to rising damp. This is most commonly seen in older buildings with porous masonry. Also, buildings that are located in areas that have high levels of groundwater also show signs of rising damp. Some of these common signs are staining or damp patches on the wall, crumbling plaster, blistering paint, musty odours and the development of mould or mildew. It is important to have good drainage around the house so that you can prevent groundwater from seeping into the structure of the building. You can clean downspouts and gutters so that water can be safely directed away from the foundation. You can also install drainage systems such as French drains to divert water away from the building.
It is important to check the ground levels around
The home routinely so that you can make sure they slope away from the building. Water can accumulate around the foundation if the ground is sloping towards the property and this can increase the risk of rising damp. To prevent this, you can adjust the ground levels so that drainage can be promoted away from the building. There are companies that can help with your rising damp issue and you can look into antidampwa.com.au to get an idea of what can be done. It is important to take immediate action if you see signs of rising damp as this can cause a lot of damage to the house. To prevent moisture from rising upwards, you can install a barrier in the walls of the building. This is a damp proof course and in some instances, this may be compromised which will require repairs.
A damp proof course is generally made out of materials like slate, plastic and bitumen.
This will be installed below the ground level. You also need to improve ventilation so that moisture levels inside the house can be reduced. This should be prioritised in high moisture areas such as kitchens, bathrooms etc. You can use vents or extractor fans in addition to natural ventilation. By opening the windows regularly, you can let fresh air into the house so that you can get some relief in humid weather. Make sure that you inspect the exterior of the house for any openings, cracks or gaps as these can allow water to penetrate inside the structure. You can use appropriate sealants or mortar to prevent water from coming in. Some of the areas to pay special attention to are the areas around doors, windows and utility penetrations.
