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Damp is a common problem in rented properties. The reason being is that often tenants do not understand the damage caused by damp and how expensive it can be to treat it. Rented properties without outdoor space are those most affected, as tenants have no choice but to dry their washing indoors. In the winter months, the stagnant air is compounded by tenants as they do not open the windows to let the moisture out. Overtime this causes mould growth which can lead to health problems such as asthma.

As basements are below ground level they are susceptible to damp as moisture gradually soaks through the walls from the surrounding earth. Basements need to be damp proof in order to create dry, habitable spaces. If your basement is suffering from damp, it may eventually cause problems throughout the rest of your house if left untreated. As the walls of the basement become saturated, the moisture begins to rise up into the connecting walls leading to the main house. In severe cases, damp can ruin the foundations of the building and cause structural damage.

Damp proofing cream is used to effectively control rising damp. Rising damp is caused when a masonry structure is unprotected from rising damp by a chemical or physical damp proof course. Naturally damp in the surrounding ground will rise by capillary action – rising through the capillaries in the masonry. The moisture will continue to rise to approximately 1- 1.5m. Often people will see a ‘tide-mark’ on their walls which is a clear indicator of rising damp. Unless protected by a damp proofing course, any masonry structure could be affected at some stage in the buildings life.

Did you know that basement waterproofing is a popular way to gain extra habitable space, adding more value to your home? As well as increasing square footage and gaining extra space for storage, basement waterproofing can reduce and eliminate moisture that causes mould which can have adverse effects on health.