Wondering what is penetrating damp? Penetrating damp is damp which has entered the property from the exterior or from leaking plumbing. This is also known as water ingress.
If water is entering a wall, floor, or ceiling at a faster rate than it can dry out or drain, the structure will saturate with water, leading to deep, damaging damp. This issue can occur in both cavity walls and solid wall construction.
Water that penetrates from the ground can be particularly dangerous as it often carries hygroscopic salts. These salts attract and hold moisture from the air, even after the initial source of water has been dealt with. If a wall becomes contaminated with these salts, it can create a vicious cycle where the salts continue to attract moisture, keeping the wall damp and worsening the problem over time.
Penetrating damp can be dangerous
Penetrating damp is more than just an eyesore; it can lead to damp patches, mould, and rot, which can cause severe damage to the structure, sometimes to the point that it’s no longer safe to be inside. Identifying and treating penetrating damp problems early is crucial to prevent further damage.
Huge chunks of plaster can suddenly crumble off a wall or ceiling, and if damp spreads to the timbers, it can lead to wet rot or create the ideal habitat for wood-boring beetles. Both of these can damage timbers to the point that they need to be entirely replaced. So, it’ss much easier to get proper penetrating damp treatment and damp proofing in place to prevent penetrating damp and avoid dealing with the consequences.
Mould has also been proven to be linked to a variety of medical conditions and can worsen symptoms in people who are asthmatic, have respiratory conditions, or have weakened immune systems.
How to Identify Penetrating Damp Problem
In many cases, a musty smell may be the first sign of a damp issue, which could indicate the need to treat penetrating damp.
To identify penetrating damp effectively, inspect both internal walls and external walls for signs of damp penetration, such as damp patches, discoloured paint, or peeling wallpaper. Proper inspection of window frames, cavity wall insulation, and exterior wall conditions is essential, as these are common entry points for moisture. If left untreated, severe penetrating damp problems may lead to structural damage that can only be remedied by comprehensive penetrating damp treatments. This could involve measures to stop penetrating damp from causing further issues and to address any associated damp penetration in interior walls.If you are battling damp problems, whether penetrating or rising damp or any other type, Environ Property Services has the expertise to solve them. Schedule a consultation today.
