What is Penetrating Damp?

Many people confuse rising damp and penetrating damp and that can lead to misdiagnosis and ineffective repairs. Penetrating damp is moisture that enters a building via the roof or external walls, whereas rising damp specifically comes from wet ground. Due to the wet climate we experience here in London, penetrating damp is a serious threat to all properties; driving rain and gale-force winds can cause masonry, render and brickwork to crumble. Timber window frames are also points of potential issue where damp can penetrate the internal walls and damage plaster.

What Are the Tell-Tale Signs of Penetrating Damp?

There are signs of penetrating damp, which are as follows:

• Mould and mildew growth on external and internal walls.
• Damp patches on internal walls that do not dry out.
• Mushroom-like odour in the house.
• Moisture on timber frames.
• Salt stains on ceilings.
• Damaged or blown plaster.

If you should notice any of the above in your home, contact London Damp Proofing Ltd and order an independent damp survey for a definitive answer. You will receive a detailed report in your inbox the following day.

Leaking Roof

This is a common cause of penetrating damp, which might be due to missing or broken roof shingles, damaged fascia and soffit boards, or even blocked guttering. London homeowners should have their roof inspected every few months, as any breach might not be apparent from the ground-level view. If a leak goes unnoticed, serious damage to the joists and rafters can occur and eventually, the moisture will reach the upstairs ceilings. When you book an independent damp survey with London Damp Proofing Ltd, we thoroughly examine the roof and the loft, looking for any signs of damp and mould.

Waterproofing External Walls

All building materials can become compromised, especially those that are exposed to the harsh elements of the British climate. Gale-force winds, strong sunlight, frost and driving rain can eventually cause brickwork, render, masonry and mortar to lose their protective properties and moisture will penetrate the external walls. Once the root cause has been identified, use of a waterproof render should provide a resilient barrier that will protect the material from further moisture penetration.

Sealing Timber Frames

Wooden frames are usually sealed with mastic or silicone and over time, the seals can become compromised, leading to moisture penetration. You should check all door and window frames and don’t forget under the sills; if you find issues, use a tube of mastic or silicone to reseal the joints.

Cavity Wall Insulation

This treatment involves injecting a chemical foam into wall cavities and this provides both a barrier to stop moisture penetration and a level of increased thermal insulation. There are numerous benefits to this treatment, which can remove condensation, save on energy consumption and prevent moisture penetration.

The Importance of Regular Inspections

When a damp issue occurs, it isn’t always evident and the longer it goes unnoticed, the more damage will occur. Many of our customers book an annual independent damp survey as a matter of course, which makes sure that issues are detected in good time before too much damage is caused. If you have not had your London home inspected for a few years, contact London Damp Proofing Ltd and arrange for one of our PCA-certified surveyors to assess the property and provide you with a detailed report the following day.

Pre-Purchase Damp Survey

Those who are planning to buy a London property are well-advised to have the property professionally surveyed for damp and should there be any issues, you are in a position to negotiate with the seller. Damage caused by damp can easily be concealed with a layer of plaster and a coat or two of paint, which is something sellers will do, rather than pay the high cost of repairs and damp-proofing. We offer different levels of damp survey, depending upon your needs and if you get in touch with us, we can advise you on the best level of survey that meets your needs.

Call London Damp Proofing Ltd or fill in the online survey booking form at the bottom of this page and we will be in touch shortly.