Frequenty Asked Questions
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What is rising damp
Rising damp (or salt damp as it is often called ) occurs on the bases of walls. It moves upwards vertically because the DPC (damp proof course) that all brick houses are required to have is not stopping the moisture from rising. The purpose of the damp proof course is to stop moisture rising up the internal walls of the house no matter how much water is sitting at the base of the walls.
2. Why do I have rising damp?
- A damaged DPC, a damp proof course in the wrong position or an old damp proof course made from slate, lead or bitumen paper (most damp proof courses last about 40 to 50 years. When the damp proof course is over 80 years old (such as terraces) it most definitely has failed.
- Inadequate sub-floor ventilation
- Sub-floor obstructions
- Poor drainage and/or damaged guttering and pipes
3.What is lateral damp and how does it occur?
- Lateral damp is when moisture is allowed to enter the structure in a horizontal direction.
- Common causes are
- leaking water supplies or waste pipes
- defective brickwork
- Poorly functioning membranes in wet areas
- cracked render
- poor flashings
- defect in adjacent property outside the owners control
4. Are there any health risks involved with any form of dampness or moisture problems in my HOME.
- Yes definitely there are, see mould & condensation; abc report ; telegraph report ………..
- respiratory illness or asthma
- watery, itchy, red eyes
- chronic cough
- headaches or migraines
- rashes (dermatitis)
- tiredness
- sinus problems, blocked nose
- frequent sneezing
5. My timber floor is rotting! Why?
- The reasons could be too much moisture under the floor or the moisture from rising damp is transferring onto the floor.
6. My new timber floor is “popping”! Why is this happening?
- Because there is not enough sub-floor ventilation. Call us for a site inspection.
- I think I have a leaking shower. How do you fix this?
7. Do I get any warranty with your work?
- Yes you get written warranty with all our work that is carried out..
8. I think I have a leaking shower . How do I fix this ??
- There are two ways , one is by sealing the tiles on top & the other is to remove the tiles & ‘re waterproof it again
9. Do I have to vacate the premises while works are carried out?
- No, 95% of our installations are carried out while people live in the house.
10. My house smells damp. Why?
- You may have rising damp & poor sub floor ventilation. Normally a house with severe rising damp smells like “dogs piss”
11. My plumber said more drainage fixes rising damp!!
- No: more drainage will reduce the movement of salts into the brickwork, but the real issue is :
- What is the purpose of a damp proof course?? It is to prevent moisture rising into the internal walls.
- So with the installation of a new damp proof course it does not matter how much water is sitting under the house the new damp proof course should prevent moisture rising up the internal walls of the house .
- It’s not a very good feeling to have water sitting under your house & drainage works are also sometimes required to remove this water to a stormwater system.
12. Fan companies tell me sub floor fans systems fix rising damp!
- No; These are stories to sell you more fans. Fans will only remove the stale musty air from under the floors & maybe fix minor rising damp. What fixes rising damp is a new damp proof course.
14. Im convinced, How much does it cost??
- Are you asking me what our average job is cost for rising damp?
- In the inner west it is
- In the eastern suburbs