Friends International Center, Ngong Rd
Nairobi, Kenya

Damp Control

Damp Control & Repair

Damp proofing in construction is a type of moisture control applied to building walls and floors to prevent moisture from passing into the interior spaces. Damp problems are among the most frequent problems encountered in homes.

Types of Damps

Rising Damp

What is Rising Damp & its Cause?

Rising damp (dampness) is where ground moisture containing salts rises up a masonry wall. It occurs when building system fails to resist underground water from rising upwards.
In technical terms, rising damp occurs as a result of capillary suction of moisture from the ground into porous masonry building materials such as stone, brick, earth and mortar.

It potentially occurs where there is no damp proof course (DPC) or where the DPC has been damaged or bridged.
Since rising damp is often misdiagnosed, it is therefore necessary to have your damp problem investigation carried out by a trained and competent surveyor who can recognize and understand the problem.

How do I know I have Rising Damp problem?
Here are several common signs to look for:

  • Damp musty smell
  • Persistent peeling of paints
  • Crumbling or salt stained plaster
  • Chalking, discoloration & staining
  • The growth of black moulds
  • Algae and moulds on the external walls
  • The surface of the wall and floor will feel cold or damp

It is recommended that these evidenced defects always be inspected by a specialist.

Why you should be worried about Rising Damp?
Not only does damp cause structural damage on your building infrastructure but it can also have health implications too. It’s absolute nuisance!

Damp or mould in your property can have a negative effect on your respiratory problems and exacerbate asthma problems you may have. This is can be particularly harmful for young children and the elderly.

No need to Worry, we have solution for you…

We are experts at repairing & control of rising damp in residential and commercial buildings. Contact us today and let’s get started in solving your rising damp problem.

We also help address other forms of Damp Problems:

Falling Damp 

It’s caused by downward water penetration from the top of porous masonry walls.
This could be as a result of the top of a boundary wall (coping) not being adequately waterproofed, failed flashing, blocked or leaking gutters, joints that have lost their mortar and the build-up of dirt and moss on upper surfaces of stone or brickwork.

 

 

Penetrating Damp

It occurs as a result of the horizontal ingress of water through gaps (sometimes tiny) in a building’s substrate.
Penetrating or horizontal damp can be due to leaking water pipes and unprotected plaster or brick. Air-conditioning drips and hot water system overflows can also cause problems. Penetrating damp tends to produce localized patches of dampness and decay.

 

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is where an appreciable quantity of soluble salts is present in the masonry.
Damp carries these salts up the masonry to where the damp evaporates. As the water evaporates, it leaves the salts behind as a white fluffy deposit. This deposit can normally be brushed off when dry.
It’s more of an aesthetic concern and not a structural one, unless it occurs in excess.

 

 

Penetrating damp source repaired

Penetrating damp