Waterproofing

Damp - the problem

Due to the way they are constructed, many old buildings are often not protected well enough against laterally penetrating and rising damp and the salts associated with this kind of moisture intrusion.

More than half of old buildings suffer from damp on the ground floor and in cellars or basements. This kind of moisture intrusion can cause a number of problems:

• structural problems - damage to timber elements and to interior plaster and finishes;
• health and hygiene problems - the formation of fungi, such as mildew, can cause problems, especially due to the airborne spores;
• masonry problems - efflorescence, bursting salt crystals, cracking and spalling;
• render problems - loss of strength, sanding, spalling and detachment;
• problems in living spaces - such as damage to wall-coatings, wallpaper and wooden fittings, cold rooms and increased heating costs due to loss of heat insulation caused by dampness.

Damp - the causes

Water containing dissolved mineral salts is the main cause of damage to buildings. This can cause considerable loss of heat due to reduced insulation, not to mention creating an unhealthy environment for its inhabitants.

• Rising damp - is absorbed by capillaries in the masonry. The dampness transports dissolved mineral salts into the masonry. As this evaporates, the salts are deposited in the masonry. This process is continuously repeated, causing internal and external damage.
• Laterally penetrating moisture - attacks masonry situated below ground-level.
• Hygroscopity - is the moisture-absorbing properties of the salts to absorb moisture from the air. This can cause damage both within and on the surface of building materials.
• Condensation - can be a vicious circle due to loss of insulation caused by dampness. The cool surface from dampness in the masonry causes the moisture from the air to condense into liquid on the surface, which is then drawn into the interior.
• Rainwater - splashes and penetrates façades causing dampness

The solution...

Prokem offers a range of products to halt dampness in its tracks and to restore damaged masonry.

For information or a no-strings free quote call
+44 (0) 114 289 9281 or E-mail us at info@prokem.co.uk