Regardless of the type of property you own, damp is a serious issue that most homeowners will eventually have to deal with. Thankfully, there are various forms of damp proofing you can carry out to ensure that your property maintains its integrity and appeal.
With this in mind, the big question is, should damp proofing your walls be a DIY project, or do you need to call in the professionals? Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision.
The type of damp in your home
The type of damp you are looking to protect your home from is the first thing to consider when debating whether to DIY or call the professionals like damp specialists London. Some forms of damp like condensation are fairly common and easier to combat without the need to call in professionals. The other types of damp, like rising and penetrating damp may require more than just DIY methods. The nature and severity of the damage done should also be considered.
When is it okay to DIY?
For mild and early cases of condensation, DIY damp proofing can be a good idea. Below are some helpful steps that you can take by yourself to damp proof your walls.
Improving ventilation
Condensation occurs mainly as a result of too much moisture in the air. The moisture can come from various household activities such as drying wet clothing indoors, showering, and cooking. By improving the ventilation in the high humidity areas of the home (kitchen, utility room, and bathroom), air moisture gets to escape, and new air will circulate around the room. This will in turn, improve the air quality and reduce any smells associated with stale air. Alternatively, you can install extractor fans in your bathroom and kitchen to reduce any excess moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers are also helpful, especially in rooms with smaller windows.
Ensure to move bulky items away from the radiator as they can prevent air from circulating away from the radiator leading to wet walls and condensation.
Damp Proof Paint
Damp proof paint works by allowing moisture to exit the walls while its water-reactive component prevents any moisture from creeping in. In terms of application, the damp proof paint can be applied as either a primer or a top layer of paint. Although it can be used for all areas of the house, it is most suitable for basement and cellar walls.
It is important to note that damp proof paint only works as a preventive measure (that is when there are no existing damp issues). If your walls already suffer from damage caused by either rising or penetrating damp, the damp proof paint won’t be helpful.
When you should call in the professionals
Although improved ventilation and damp proof paint are good ideas for damp proofing your interior walls, there are some cases where these DIY methods just won’t cut it. Damp issues like severe condensation damage, rising damp, and penetrating damp may require more extensive work, such as the installation of a new damp proof course (DPC) or a damp injection cream- all of which should not be done by yourself.
Damp proof course
Although most properties are built with a DPC already installed, they will need to be renewed every 25 years. If your property is older and you have damp issues, chances are the existing DPC has been compromised and needs to be repaired or replaced. A damp injection cream can be used to repair a broken DPC, but for more serious damages, a new DPC installation might be the only solution.
If you find yourself in this situation, the best option is to hire a damp specialist or a damp proofing company to survey your property and carry out the necessary repairs.
Conclusion:
Damp walls can lead to serious issues if left untreated. However, whether or not you make damp proofing your walls, a DIY project depends on factors like the type of damp and the severity of the damage. In many cases, damp is usually a result of some underlying issue that needs to be resolved, so letting the professionals handle things is always your best bet for achieving a good and lasting outcome
