Skip to main content
Services

Penetrating Damp Treatment London

Are you struggling with damp patches or water ingress? Our expert penetrating damp treatment offers lasting protection for your home.

What Is Penetrating Damp?

Penetrating damp is a common damp problem that occurs when water from outside enters a building through defects in the external structure. Unlike rising damp, which travels upward from the ground, penetrating damp moves horizontally through walls, roofs, or around windows.

It’s typically caused by issues such as cracked brickwork, damaged render, faulty pointing, broken roof tiles, or leaking gutters and downpipes. When these parts of a property are compromised, rainwater can seep through and create damp patches on internal walls or ceilings. Over time, this can lead to mould growth, plaster damage, and a deterioration of the building’s materials if not treated promptly.

Signs Of Penetrating Damp

Here are the most common signs of penetrating damp you should look out for :

  • Damp patches on walls or ceilings
  • Staining or discolouration
  • Peeling paint or wallpaper
  • Mould or mildew growth
  • Crumbling plaster
  • Musty or damp smell
  • Damage around windows or doors
  • Wet or cold internal surfaces
  • Visible external damage

Spotting these signs early can help prevent more serious damage and costly repairs.

Is Penetrating Damp Dangerous?

Penetrating damp can be dangerous if left untreated, not only to the structural integrity of the property but also to your health. It may start as a cosmetic issue that can be fixed easily, but it can lead to some serious issues further down the road.

Here are some issues that may occur:

  • Structural damage: If the moisture isn’t removed from the structure, it weakens brick, plaster, timber, and other building materials. This can seriously affect the safety of your home!
  • Health risks: Damp conditions cause the growth of mould, mildew, and bacteria, which can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, asthma, and can even affect your mental health.
  • Electrical hazards: If moisture sits in the walls for too long, it can affect the wiring throughout the property, causing short circuits or electrical faults.
  • Wood rot: Damp timber like floorboards, skirting, window frames, and more can develop wet or dry rot, which will compromise the safety of the property.

In summary, penetrating damp is not just a cosmetic issue; it can cause serious and costly damage to a building’s structure and pose significant health risks. It’s crucial to address the issue promptly and effectively. Refresh has over 50 years of experience in diagnosing and treating penetrating damp. If you think your home is being affected by penetrating damp, contact our specialists or take a survey.

Our Pentrating Damp Treatment

Treating penetrating damp involves identifying the source of water ingress, repairing the damage, and preventing future moisture penetration. Having professionals with over 50 years of experience ensures an accurate assessment and long-lasting results.

Our Treatment process:

  • Diagnose And Assess

    • At Refresh, we begin with a detailed damp survey to assess the severity of the problem.
    • Following the survey, we carry out a thorough inspection of external walls, the roof, windows, doors, and gutters.
    • We also check for common causes of penetrating damp, such as cracks in brickwork, missing mortar, defective flashing, and leaking pipes.
  • Identify And Fix the Source

    • Fix the brickwork: Replace damaged or eroded mortar between bricks.
    • Fix or replace roof tiles: Seal any gaps that allow rainwater in.
    • Seal around windows and doors: Repair damaged seals and install weatherproofing.
    • Unblock and repair gutters and downpipes: Ensure proper drainage away from walls.
    • Patch cracks or render: Use appropriate waterproof materials.
  • Treat and Dry Internal Areas

    • We will remove any damaged materials like damp plaster, wallpaper, or mould-affected materials.
    • Allow the area to dry and add a heat source (if needed), like a dehumidifier or heater.
    • If the area has been infected with mould, we will add an appropriate mould or mildew cleaning solution to prevent it from coming back.
  • Apply Damp-Proofing Treatments

    • Once everything has been sorted, we will use a water-repellent coating or a breathable sealant on the interior and exterior walls to prevent penetrating damp from happening in the future.

Need a Survey or Consultation? Penetrating Damp expertise in London

If you’d like to book a site survey, consultation, or no-obligation quotation for our dry & wet rot proofing services in London, please click here or call 0208 959 6424.