Structural dampness
Sources of Structural Dampness
Structural dampness can arise from a number of causes. It can be carried in the air as atmospheric humidity, it can break into the building envelope as liquid water precipitation such as via roof leakage and infiltration through damaged walls and, lastly, it can be drawn through the porous nature of the building materials used by either gravity or wicking.
Through judicious use of an adequate ventilation (including sub-floor), heating and air conditioning the wise house owner can limit the levels of humidity and condensation in the building. Similarly by attending to all necessary repairs to the roof, walls and other barriers to the elements infiltration of water via this pathway can be controlled.
Probably the least understood and controlled source of structural dampness are the unseen or 'silent' ones. These can be grouped into two broad areas which could result from direct contact of the walls and foundations of the building with ground water. Water moving under gravity can exert direct pressure to walls and foundations of buildings. Depending on the porosity of the building material and the presence or absence of a waterproofing layer this water can penetrate and both soak the material and penetrate it altogether.
Material which has become damp through either this gravity percolation or through direct contact with moist soil/rock surrounding it can then climb up the walls and other materials through a wicking type action in a process called rising damp. Whatever the origin of this rising damp, things are made much more complicated and difficult to deal with due to the fact that this moisture almost always contains dissolved salts which are deposited in the material through which the water has been drawn.
The Effects of Structural Dampness
Structural dampness of any type can lead to a multitude of problems if not promptly attended to. Some more serious issues are;
- The constant sensation of cold and damp which not only affects the comfort of the occupants but which have been implicated in bacterial infections, mite infestation and possibly rheumatic conditions to name a few issues.
- Aesthetically distressing discoloration of walls due to mould growth, water staining and blistering of paint.
- Health effects of mould per se. Mould particles, spores and toxins have been implicated in asthma, allergies, sinus conditions and a host of autoimmune diseases by numerous scientific studies.
- Deterioration of the range of materials making up the building envelope. These can be chemical such as salt damage through re-crystallisation in rising damp or biological, such as dry rot or termite infestation.
About Us
RISING DAMP SHIELD
- We are a firm based in the Inner West of Sydney dedicated to dampness restoration. Though we specialise in rising damp remediation we also are qualified and experienced in a range of dampness and restoration issues.
- We are licenced waterproofers (Contractors Li. No.332 188C) and retain a qualified chemist on staff.
- Because we believe that every job is different and deserves input from a variety of experts, we regularly consult with builders, structural engineers and specialised restorers.
- We have all relevant insurance cover.
OUR POLICY
We strive to keep abreast of the latest knowledge, equipment and techniques used in dampness restoration. We do this in order to provide the safest, most effective and most economical restoration services to our valued customers.
We place a very high value on rapport and communication with our clients to ensure that we fully understand your problem and can offer a suitable and affordable solution.