Penetrating Damp in Sheffield
Penetrating damp is classed as any water that finds its way inside from the outside. It occurs at all levels of the building, damaged pointing, faulty rain water goods, such as gutters, downpipes, leaking valleys or a combination of these can all cause problems within a building.
It occurs at all levels of the building, damaged pointing, faulty rain water goods, such as gutters, downpipes, leaking valleys or a combination of these can all cause problems within a building.
In garden level rooms or basements, if the soil or path is higher than the damp proof course, if an incorrect plastering specification is used or if the exterior walls become porous and are allowing rain water through, these are all sources of penetrating damp.
Furthermore, the problem of penetrating damp in Sheffield, if not addressed, can also cause secondary damage to a building. The unwanted moisture enables the growth of various fungi in wood causing rot and leaving it susceptible to insect attack. It can also damage plaster and decoration causing it to deteriorate and loosen. It requires a trained and qualified specialist surveyor to make an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of damp penetration and recommend the correct course of action.
How to Identify Penetrating Damp
There are a number of signs to help determine if your property has penetrating damp, For example:
- Damaged internal decoration – damp, discoloured tidemarks in line with external ground level on internal surfaces.
- Damaged Plaster – blistering, salting and disintegration.
- Rotting skirting boards, floor timbers – wet rot decay.
- Localised dampness – Random damp patches at high and low level that do not dry out
- Mould Growth – musty smell, spoilt decoration.
PDC was very professional and responsible in their services. They had repaired my roof and after 3 months some tiles had fallen off due to storm. They responded promptly to check their repairs and identified another issue that the storm has caused. It is this type of responsible service that should be much appreciated.
Dennis Wang – March 12, 2020