Late September, the days are noticeably cooler and the nights are pulling in rapidly and many of you (myself included) have probably reached for the central heating already to check all is well before the weather turns more inclement and to avoid any costly emergency call outs at -5°C.
While you are “testing” the central heating, it is also a good time to closely inspect the walls for signs of damp and to check the exterior damp course is clear of soil and visible. The most destructive type of damp happens when the damp course on the house has been covered allowing moisture to permeate from the outside and effectively rot the brickwork from the inside out. During the warmer periods when the heating is off, the action that draws the moisture into the brickwork is reduced, but come winter and the heating is on full blast, the temperature and humidity disparity can make the brickwork act like a sponge and suck up large amounts of water.
Weathering can also contribute to damp problems, rain on the exterior brickwork driven by wind can also force its way inside the brick and that can happen at any point on the walls surface not just at ground level. If you find that this is happening then you will need to waterproof the brickwork.
Damp proofing can be costly, the average cost to damp proof is around £2500 and that may or may not include labour charges and it is also very messy and may require you to vacate your home while the work is being carried out as the interior plaster may need to be removed to allow access to the interior brickwork.
Fortunately there are less expensive options if you feel up to tackling the job yourself.
The Wykamol Group produce quality damp treatments used by professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. For well over 70 years the Wykamol name has been synonymous as the market leader in the field of property renovation and repair. CLICK HERE to visit their website where you can find extensive information to help you combat damp.
If you just want to give your exterior walls a basic water repellency that allows the surfaces to “breathe” We recommend Wykamol Enviroseal Water Repellent. Based on a solvent free silicone/ siloxane emulsion for use above ground on porous brickwork, cement renderings, asbestos, cement/mineral boards, unglazed tiles, cast concrete, roughcast, stonework (including calcareous materials, i.e. those containing limestone), wood, canvas and leather. Surfaces treated with Enviroseal remain permeable to vapour so that moisture within the structure does not remain trapped.
For a more complete seal against moisture, we recommend Wykamol Dry Seal Waterproofing Cream. Dryseal has been formulated to penetrate as deeply as possible into porous masonry substrates and this provides optimal protection against the absorption of water and pollutants as well as frost/salt damage. To show how effective Dryseal is at preventing moisture from penetrating brickwork, here is a video showing it in action.
If it appears that the damp is being caused by moisture breaching the damp course or you find that your damp course has failed over the years then you will need to renew it eventually but in the short term then you can not better Wykamol’s Ultracure Damp Proof Kit. Containing everything you need to provide a safe new chemical damp proof course. Requires no specialist equipment and quick DPC injection.
Non-hazardous active ingredients migrate through the bed joints to form an effective damp proof course. The video below shows how it works.
To view and purchase our range of Wykamol products CLICK HERE.
When it comes to damp in the home, prevention can be easier to deal with than cure and certainly less costly in the long run, so take the time now before the really cold and damp weather set in and maybe prevent any nasty surprises later.
*all videos have been used with permission. © retained to their respective owners.*