Penetrating Dampness

Kenwood Plc are dampness specialists and offer solutions for many dampness problems

Causes | Symptoms | Penetrating damp solutions / treatments | Costs

Penetrating damp, rain penetration?

Penetrating damp is classed as any water that finds its way inside your property from the outside

Penetrating damp is always caused by water leaking through your home or property’s walls. This type of damp may be due to external defects, plumbing leaks or lateral dampness from high ground levels or abutting structures such as staircases and abutting walls etc. Penetrating dampness is usually through horizontal movement rather than by travelling up walls (as is the case with rising damp). Properties that have penetrating damp or rain often have physical damage to the plaster work and visible staining where water penetration occurs.

Where is it found

You’re more likely to get penetrating damp if you live in an older building with solid walls, as cavity walls provide some protection. Often found on south west facing walls and on properties that are more exposed to the elements.

Causes

Penetrating damp is usually caused by structural problems in a property. These can include damaged or broken guttering, badly fitting windows, damaged pointing, flashings , defective external render or missing roof tiles etc.,

Symptoms

Penetrating damp often shows up through damp patches on walls or ceilings, which may darken when it rains. You may see growing circles of damp or damp marks where the rain or water has come into the property and subsequently dried out. Other signs include wet and crumbly plaster or mildew.

Solutions

The most important part of any solution or treatment for penetrating damp is to find the source of the problem. Penetrating damp does not just occur in properties for no reason.

What to do next?

Damp will only get worse in time. A solution is to book a survey with Kenwood to come a visit the property. Our surveyor will be able to get to the bottom of the problem and give you an indication of the likely source of water entering your property.