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Rising damp in South Africa.

Rising damp is when moisture from the ground rises up through the walls, causing damage to the plaster, paint, and structure of the building

 

Rising damp and salt damage to walls

Rising damp is a common issue in buildings, particularly in regions with high humidity or heavy rainfall, and especially older buildings, in South Africa.

It refers to the upward movement of moisture through a wall structure, typically through capillary action in the pores of bricks, mortar, or other building materials. Rising damp is when moisture from the ground rises up through the walls, causing damage to the plaster, paint, and structure of the building.

This phenomenon can cause significant damage to the structure of a building, including decay of timber, salt attack, and loss of structural integrity. It can also lead to unhealthy living conditions due to increased humidity and potential mould growth. The high rainfall in certain regions, coupled with often porous building materials, makes many South African buildings susceptible to rising damp.

Causes of Rising Damp.

The main cause of rising damp is the lack of or failure of a damp-proof course (DPC), which is a layer of material that prevents moisture from rising up the walls. A DPC can be made of bituminous felt, slate, metal, or plastic, and is usually made of a water-resistant material, which is built into the wall structure at about 150mm above ground level to prevent moisture from rising up the wall, usually installed at the base of the walls during construction. However, over time, the DPC damp-proof course can deteriorate, crack, or be bridged by debris, soil, or vegetation, allowing moisture to seep through.

Some of the signs of rising damp are:

  • A band of dampness or staining on the lower part of the wall, usually up to one meter high.
  • Peeling, bubbling, or flaking of paint or wallpaper.
  • Crumbling or blistering of plaster due to salt crystallization,
  • A musty or damp smell,
  • Rotting of wooden floorboards or skirting boards,
  • Mould or fungal growth on walls or floor.

Midas Paints Tygervalley recommends the following methods to reduce rising damp in South Africa.

What is rising damp
How to repair rising damp in South Africa using the Protimeter Surveymaster Dual-Function Moisture Meter BLD5365

How to repair rising damp in South Africa.

Rising damp is when moisture from the ground rises up through the walls, causing damage to the plaster, paint, and structure of the building

How to repair rising damp in South Africa!

The best way to deal with rising damp is to hire a professional damp proofing/waterproofing company like Midas Paints Tygervalley, as we have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and treat the problem effectively.

 

Identify the source and extent of the dampness.
You can use a The Protimeter Surveymaster Moisture Meter to measure the moisture content of the wall, or look for visual clues such as stains, cracks, or mould.

  • Remove any obstructions or sources of moisture that may be contributing to the dampness, such as leaking pipes, poor drainage, damaged guttering, or sub-floor debris.

     

  • Renderguard Gold is a high-specification plaster additive that forms an integral part of the Safeguard Damp-proofing System.
  • Remove the affected plaster, paint, or wallpaper from the wall, and let it dry completely. You may need to use a dehumidifier or a fan to speed up the drying process.
  • Apply a damp sealant product to the wall, following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will create a barrier that will prevent moisture from rising up the wall. You may need to apply more than one coat, depending on the severity of the dampness.
  • Apply a plaster primer to the wall, and make sure to seal all the cracks and joints. This will prepare the wall for replastering and painting.
  • Replaster and repaint the wall, using a breathable and moisture-resistant material. You can also use a fungicidal paint to prevent mould growth.
DampVent Rising Damp & Mould Prevention Ventilation Plugs.

Midas Paints Tygervalley recommends the following methods to reduce rising damp:

  • Installing Damp-Vent Ventilation plugs, the Rising Damp Ventilation & Mould Solution that are inserted into the brickwork to allow moisture to evaporate from the wall.
  • Dryrod Damp-Proofing Rods are the best possible barrier to rising damp thereby minimising moisture in the wall, blocking the build-up of ground salts, and reducing heat loss. The water-repellent material diffuses deeply into the damp masonry, curing to form a highly effective barrier to damp. This results in a damp-proof course which stops further rising damp from occurring and helps the wall to dry out.
  • Injecting a Dryzone® Damp-Proofing Cream, silicone-based fluid into the wall, which will create a water-repellent layer that will stop moisture from rising up the wall. The silicone cream is injected into holes drilled along a mortar bed, and once installed, the high strength formulation spreads along the mortar before curing to form a damp-proof course.

Rising damp is a serious issue that can damage your property and affect your health, therefore, it is important to act quickly and seek professional help if you suspect that you have rising damp in your building.

Contact Midas Tygervalley a professional rising damp proofing/waterproofing company.

Contact Midas Tygervalley a professional rising damp proofing/waterproofing company. 

Midas Paints Tygervalley 021 910 0134
64-70 Edward Street, Tygervalley, Bo Oakdale, Cape Town, 7530.
4J8P+H2 Bellville, Cape Town

Midas Paints Strand Somerset West 021 851 0913
7 Henry Vos Cl, Asla Park, Cape Town, 7140
VVV4+R9 Strand, Cape Town

Midas Pains Paarl 021 879 5095
41 Main Rd, Paarl, Cape Town, 7646
6XM6+W9 Paarl

 

Roofing and Waterproofing Institute RAWI
Green Building Council
Paintsmiths Group
Master Builders Association Boland
Master Builders and Allied Trades' Association, Western Cape