Why have I got damp? Tests that you can do at home

Yes = Condensation (use our Condensation Test kit to confirm). Check ventilation and heating - redecorate with our Anti Mold Emulsion.

No = Probably not condensation

Yes = may be rising dampness - check exterior ground levels are at least 6 inches (150mm) below the Damp Proof Course level, check that the wall plaster does not 'bridge' the DPC or go down to a solid floor.Install a DPC and Replaster to our Specification - use Renderpruf Waterproofing Additive.

No = if the damp is higher up the wall or patchy, more likely to be penetrating dampness - check the exterior walls for defects, treat with Ultra Proof waterproofer.

Yes = you probably have penetrating dampness - the 'salts' indicate that wetting has occured and drying out is taking place - treat with Salt Neutraliser, if the plaster is not too damaged.Apply Ultra Proof waterproofer to the external walls.

No = your dampness may be due to 'hygroscopic salts' deposited in the wall from chimney deposits (after burning coal or wood), or from a previous use of the building (e.g. coal shed, animal food store, butchers shop). Treat with Salt Neutraliser and replaster to our 'tanking' specification using SBR.

Yes = you may have a water leak topping up your soil under your property - follow the water leak testing routine in the left hand column.

No = we give up - call us on 01626 331351 for a chat and we'll see if we can help.

How to diagnose dampness - Free Technical Help - 01626 331351 - Kathy, David or Angela answers your call - discuss your building problem with a Qualified Dampness Expert (C.R.D.S.)
1. Can you see any 'black spot' mold? 2. Can you see a 'tide' line or damp stain above the skirting board up to a height of about 6" - 18" (150mm - 450mm). Are the skirting boards damp or rotten? 3. Can you see fluffy white 'salts' on the wall or are they crunchy beneath flaking paint or lifting wallpaper? 4. None of the above - just dampness on the walls, or floors UNKNOWN WATER SOURCE - Testing A. Ask your local water Authority to test your Water Mains pipe for leaks. Particularly ask them to test your neighbour's supplies on both sides: if you live on a hill with properties above you check all those on the high side of your house. This service should be free of charge. B. If you have liquid water in your building (on a solid floor, or in a basement) ask the Water Authority for an analysis - this will tell you where the water comes from - mains, sewerage or spring/ground water. C. Test your own drains - test the foul water by finding the man hole cover, lifting it and running a tap to see which hole your water flows from. Block this hole with a rubber bung (Hire Shop or Builders Merchant - 4 inch or 6 inch). Then fill up a sink or loo with water and mark the level. Leave over night - if not at the same level next day you need a Drains Company with a camera to investigate. Don't forget to remove the bung! D. Test the surface water drains - place a Dye Bag or granules of drains testing dye (Builders Merchant) into the drain and fill up with water. Using a torch, at night, look for signs of the coloured dye - it glows in the dark.	Yes = Condensation (use our Condensation Test kit to confirm). Check ventilation and heating - redecorate with our Anti Mold Emulsion. No = Probably not condensation Yes = may be rising dampness - check exterior ground levels are at least 6 inches (150mm) below the Damp Proof Course level, check that the wall plaster does not 'bridge' the DPC or go down to a solid floor.Install a DPC and Replaster to our Specification - use Renderpruf Waterproofing Additive. No = if the damp is higher up the wall or patchy, more likely to be penetrating dampness - check the exterior walls for defects, treat with Ultra Proof waterproofer. Yes = you probably have penetrating dampness - the 'salts' indicate that wetting has occured and drying out is taking place - treat with Salt Neutraliser, if the plaster is not too damaged.Apply Ultra Proof waterproofer to the external walls. No = your dampness may be due to 'hygroscopic salts' deposited in the wall from chimney deposits (after burning coal or wood), or from a previous use of the building (e.g. coal shed, animal food store, butchers shop). Treat with Salt Neutraliser and replaster to our 'tanking' specification using SBR. Yes = you may have a water leak topping up your soil under your property - follow the water leak testing routine in the left hand column. No = we give up - call us on 01626 331351 for a chat and we'll see if we can help.
How to install a damp proof course
First, check for high ground levels, leaking gutters and downpipes, water leaks. 1. Drill 12mm diameter holes at 115mm intervals in the mortar course (or via the brickwork, angled down to meet the mortar course) selected to be at least 150mm above outside or abutting ground level 2. Fit the extension nozzle to the cartridge tube and load into the skeleton gun 3. Inject cream from the bottom of the hole outwards until the hole is full. 4. Replaster to our specification. Treat any skirting boards or joinery with Boron Ultra Gel. Holes can be capped with mortar or fitted with a plastic plug Replastering to a minimum of 1.2 metres internally, to our specification, using sand and cement and Rendapruf integral waterproofer, is required to finish the job and to prevent 'salts' damage to plaster finishes and decorations. Our Products required: Quick Cream DPC, Skeleton Gun - either a 400cc or professional 1000cc Optional Products: Rendapruf Replastering Additive (5 litre), Wall Plugs, Boron Ultra Gel (2.5 litre), UltraProof exterior wall treatment (5 litre or 25 litre), Anti-Mould Paint (2.5 litre), Condensation Testing kit, Salt Neutraliser (5 litre), SBR Tanking liquid (5 litre). Tools Required: 12mm masonry bit, electric hammer drill, eye protection Go straight to Price List and Order Form . Typical usage rates: 4.5 inch thick (115mm) single leaf wall - 1000cc (1 litre) per 9 metres, inject from either side 9 inch thick wall (230mm) double leaf solid or cavity - 1000cc(1 litre) per 4.5 metres, inject from one side or from both sides. 18 inch thick wall (460mm) solid or random fill - 1000cc (1 litre) per 2 metres, inject from both sides www.dampness-info.co.uk - how to treat penetrating dampness in walls and plaster www.deck-treatment.co.uk - how to treat patio decks and yacht decks www.dryrot.biz - how to cure and prevent Dry Rot www.epoxy-info.co.uk - epoxies, polyesters and polyurethanes for all applications www.facadeprotection.co.uk - epoxies, polyesters and polyurethanes for all applications www.joist-repair.co.uk - how to quickly repair joists and beams of any size www.timber.org.uk - systems of repair, with step by step methods www.timber-repair.co.uk - how to repair timbers in buildings without wrecking the place www.woodworm-info.co.uk - how to kill and prevent woodworm and death watch beetle	How Rising Dampness is Blocked Before Treatment After Treatment Property Repair Systems Olympus Business Park, Kingsteignton Road Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 2SN T: 01626 331351 F: 01626 331143 E: help@propertyrepairsystems.co.uk

	Check List - why have I got damp?

	Buy Direct online or ring us with your order - 01626 331351