Why Rising Damp Occurs
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- Why Rising Damp Occurs
- Posted date:
- 15-03-2017
Why Rising Damp Occurs
Rising damp or salt-damp generally occurs on the base of the wall. This moves from the ground upward. This happens when the damp proof course which is fitted is not capable of its job. A poorly fitted damp course will fail to stop the moisture from rising.
Most building materials are absorbent. The moisture coming from the ground has the tendency to rise to the building structure. This will continue unless the owner constructs a barrier preventing it from rising.
Rising damp is basically in the form of water coming from the ground. It enters the structure of the building through capillary action. It might be sometimes difficult to determine unless serious signs have already appeared.
Most often, a rising damp appears to be a damp area on the ground wall. This is the area which is a height of 1.5 meters from the floor. Here, a tide mark can be visible at the top of the profile.
This is because of the water salts from the ground which can result to be a health hazard. The salt remains present as long as the damp problem has not been resolved. This may be prevented if the wall is resurfaced with a salt resistant plaster.
The truth is, there are several different factors why rising damp occurs in a building. The following statements will give a clearer overview of the main causes for rising damps:
Insufficient sub-floor ventilation
A lack of ventilation in the sub-flooring. This may result in humidity build up.
It may also result in minimal evaporation in the soil where the base of the wall meets the ground.
Damaged damp-proof course
The damp proof course ( or DPC ) may be already damaged. Therefore it cannot handle various changing conditions. This includes the rise from the ground level. There is then a great possibility for rising damp.
Poor drainage
This is caused by poor drainage or damaged pipes, guttering or even sloping grounds or build-up of garden beds.
Then the ground water will be directed below your house.
Any building structure not protected by well-installed course is prone to natural rising damp. Damp rises through the capillary action in the pores of the building materials. It results in evaporation. This moisture continues to rise until it extends the height where there is no possible evaporation. Gravity takes over and pulls it down again.
So, with all the reasons above, you have now the better understanding why rising damp occurs. This will help you to be more aware of the real situation of your building structure where you need to put attention to.
Do you have a damp problem?