Penetrating Damp
Understanding Penetrating Damp by Complete Damp Proofing
Penetrating damp is one of the most common causes of dampness in properties. It results from water infiltrating a building, often due to external defects. Sometimes referred to as water ingress or lateral damp, penetrating damp can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly.
Contrary to popular belief, buildings are not constructed from waterproof materials. Most bricks are porous and can absorb moisture, especially during wind-driven rain. This issue is worsened by cracks and damage to the brickwork.
Damp Proofing
Damp proofing is a method used to prevent moisture from affecting the walls and other areas of your home.
Rising Damp
Rising damp is a recognised damp issue that requires expert diagnosis and specific treatment for effective remediation.
Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp is one of the most common causes of dampness in properties. It results from water infiltrating a building, often due to external defects.
Render Repair
Maintaining the external render of your property is crucial for protecting your home from the elements. Any damage should be addressed promptly to ensure your house remains safeguarded.
Keep reading our expert guide to learn about:
What causes penetrating damp?
Can cavity wall insulation cause penetrating damp?
How to identify the signs of penetrating damp
Problems caused by penetrating damp
The difference between penetrating damp and rising damp
Can penetrating damp spread from next door?
Does penetrating damp cause mould?
How to Identify a Penetrating Damp Problem
Signs of penetrating damp can appear on both the internal and external walls of your property. Damp patches on internal walls, windows, and ceilings, which often worsen after prolonged rainfall, are indicators of a penetrating damp issue. If there is corresponding damage or vegetation growth on the external wall, it’s likely the source of the problem.
Common signs of penetrating damp include:
- Damp staining on external walls
- Damp patches on walls or ceilings
- Wet and crumbly plaster
- Isolated signs of spores or black mould
- Moss and algae growth on the building’s exterior
- Cracked and damaged brickwork
- Damp staining from leaky or overflowing gutters and downpipes
Causes of Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp usually occurs due to defects in the building’s structure allowing moisture to enter. As bricks age, they can become more absorbent, exacerbating the issue. Water repellent coatings can sometimes mitigate this problem.
Common causes include:
- Leaking or blocked gutters and downpipes
- Ageing porous brickwork or stonework
- Defective pointing or flashing
- Missing or damaged roof tiles
- Spalled bricks and degraded mortar
- Inadequate drip grooves under window sills
- Defective seals around doors and windows
- Burst pipes and other plumbing defects
Since penetrating damp results from structural faults, the signs are often more noticeable during or after rainfall.
Can Cavity Wall Insulation Cause Penetrating Damp?
Properly installed cavity wall insulation should not cause penetrating damp. However, if the wall is porous and pointing is defective, moisture can affect the insulation. If the insulation is not installed correctly, it can lead to issues such as moisture bridging to the inner wall, creating cold bridges, and promoting mould growth.
Problems Caused by Penetrating Damp
If left untreated, penetrating damp can cause significant structural damage, including deteriorating plaster and wet or dry rot in structural timbers. It can also cause aesthetic damage to wallpaper and paint and produce an unpleasant musty smell.
Difference Between Penetrating Damp and Rising Damp
Penetrating damp and rising damp can both cause damp marks on walls, but they are distinct issues. Penetrating damp can appear anywhere on walls or ceilings, while rising damp typically shows up on the ground floor, no higher than one metre from the ground.
Can Penetrating Damp Spread from Next Door?
Yes, penetrating damp can spread from defects in a neighbouring property, especially in terraced or semi-detached homes. If your neighbour has penetrating damp in a shared wall, it can spread to your property’s bricks, timber, or cavity wall.
Does Penetrating Damp Cause Mould?
Penetrating damp can cause localised mould patches where water ingress has occurred. However, if black mould appears on multiple walls, it is more likely due to condensation.
Penetrating Damp Treatment
Complete Damp Proofing can conduct a professional damp survey of your property, providing observations and recommendations for any penetrating damp issues. We will perform a detailed external and internal assessment and suggest appropriate treatments to prevent further dampness.
This ensures a correct diagnosis by a trained and qualified professional, giving you peace of mind.
Contact Complete Damp Proofing
For expert rising damp diagnosis and treatment, contact Complete Damp Proofing. Our specialists provide thorough surveys and effective treatments to protect your property from rising damp.