Damp & Waterproofing

16 articles

Basement Tanking: Membrane Systems, Cementitious Coatings & Cavity Drain

Basement tanking: Type A (barrier), Type B (structural), Type C (cavity drain); BS 8102:2022 waterproofing grades
Chimney Damp: Rain Penetration, Condensation & Salt Staining Diagnosis

Chimney damp: distinguishing rain penetration, unused flue condensation, and hygroscopic salt contamination
Condensation Problems: Causes, Mould Prevention & Ventilation Solutions

Condensation and mould: dew point, cold bridges, ventilation solutions (PIV, MVHR), thermal imaging diagnosis
Damp Proof Course Replacement: Chemical Injection, Physical DPC & When You Need It

DPC replacement: chemical injection (silane/siloxane), electro-osmotic systems, physical DPC insertion, lime replastering
How Do You Diagnose Salt Damp and Cryptofluorescence in Old Buildings?

Hygroscopic salt mechanisms, chloride/nitrate/sulphate identification, moisture meter limitations with salts, poultice treatment, sacrificial plaster approach for heritage buildings
How Do You Survey a Damp Property? Damp Meter Readings, Diagnosis and Scope of Works

Damp surveying: moisture meter readings at multiple heights (>17% timber or >1,000 relative units = elevated), rising vs penetrating vs condensation diagnosis, source identification before scoping remediation
How Is a Cavity Drainage Membrane System Installed?

Cavity drain membrane installation (Newton 508, Platon, Oldroyd), floor-to-wall sequence, sump pump design, perimeter drainage channel, pressure ratings and guarantees
How Is Wet Rot and Dry Rot Diagnosed and Treated?

Serpula lacrymans (dry rot) vs Coniophora puteana (wet rot) identification, 600mm removal margin for dry rot, boron treatment, epoxy consolidant repairs, BS 8417
Mould Remediation: Kill, Remove, Prevent — Products & Ventilation Solutions

Mould remediation: identify cause, kill with biocide, remove, prevent with ventilation and PIV — Awaab's Law obligations
Rising Damp vs Penetrating Damp: How to Tell the Difference & Fix Each

Rising vs penetrating damp diagnosis: salt tide marks, hygroscopic salts, chemical DPC injection, cement render replacement
What Are the Requirements for Damp-Proof Membranes in Floors and Walls?

DPC vs DPM distinction, 1200 gauge polythene minimum, Approved Document C requirements, 150mm upstand, linking to wall DPC, radon membrane overlap
What Are the Waterproofing Options for Basements and Below-Ground Structures?

BS 8102:2022 Type A/B/C waterproofing systems, Grade 1–4 usage grades, cavity drain membranes, sump and pump sizing, CSSW qualification requirements
What Causes Damp in Flat Roofs and How Is It Fixed?

Flat roof damp sources: minimum falls (1:80), felt failure modes (blistering, cracking), EPDM vs GRP vs liquid systems, thermal imaging for wet decks, BS 6229
What Causes Penetrating Damp and How Is It Diagnosed and Treated?

Penetrating damp sources (pointing, flashings, flat roofs), diagnosis methods (moisture meter, thermal imaging, salt testing), remedies by source, distinguishing from rising damp
What Is Interstitial Condensation and How Is It Prevented?

Glaser method, BS EN ISO 13788, vapour control layer positioning, flat roof and IWI condensation risk scenarios, WUFI dynamic hygrothermal calculation
When and Where Should Breathable Membranes Be Used in Construction?

Vapour permeable vs vapour barrier, Sd values, pitched roof and timber frame membrane use per BS 4016, fixing and lapping, condensation risk per BS EN ISO 13788