Rising damp can be very damaging to the structural integrity of your home. There are many things you can do to prevent this and there are many factors to be considered so that you can take a proactive approach to this.
The main way to protect
Your property from rising damp is installing a damp-proof course and maintaining it. This is a barrier that is made from plastic or bitumen and it will be installed in walls at the ground level of your home. This will prevent moisture rising up due to capillary action. If the existing damp-proof course has deteriorated or if you don’t have this barrier, you need to consult with a professional such as Anti Damp WA to repair it or install a new one. The exterior of your home has a big impact on preventing rising damp so you need to inspect the external walls regularly for cracks, deteriorating bricks or damaged render. If you notice any of these issues, these should be addressed immediately. Check whether the soil level around the property allow for proper runoff of water. There should not be any water accumulating against the walls at any point.
The landscape of your home can help prevent rising damp as well.
You need to slope the landscape away from the home so that rainwater drains away from the foundation. You should not be planting any garden beds against the exterior walls as this can lead to excess moisture and soil debris. You need to have sufficient drainage solutions with the use of proper drainage channels, gutters, downspouts etc. so that rainwater is always directed away from the structure of the house. You also need to clean the gutters and downspouts regularly so that clogs are prevented. If the gutter is blocked due to debris such as leaves and twigs, it will obstruct water flow. Water will then overflow the gutter and accumulate around the foundation. Always make sure there is a gap between concrete paths and exterior walls so that moisture is not transferred as a result of the porous nature of concrete. There are extra precautions you need to take if you are located in an area with high levels of groundwater or if your location is prone to seasonal flooding. This calls for effective drainage systems like sump pumps and French drains to control the groundwater levels around the foundation. You can also elevate the property and ensure proper grading.
Waterproofing treatments can be used for brickwork
And masonry where you apply water-resistant sealants or coatings to the exterior walls. It is best to consult with a professional on what is best for the materials of your home. Make sure to carry out regular inspections of the plumbing system. Internal plumbing issues like damaged or leaky pipes can lead to excess moisture infiltrating the walls. You can also improve the ventilation in your home by ensuring sufficient airflow. In bathrooms and kitchens you can use extractor fans to get rid of excess moisture. You also need to open windows regularly so that air can circulate around the house.