by David Sutcliffe

Created on: February 05, 2010   Last Updated: February 11, 2010

Flood Damage? Damp Proof Membranes Can Help

Flood damage can cause major problems in the home as we know. That awful smell of damp walls, spoiling to wall finishes and watermarks on the walls. There is an extensive choice of damp proofing products, so it can be very confusing to know where to start. Damp proof course, damp injection or damp proof membranes? I have been a damp specialist for many years and in the case of flood damage I would always recommend using damp proof membranes from a reputable supplier. They are ideal for dealing with damp walls as they can be installed directly over the damp wall surface and then a new wall surface can be applied. The damp proof membrane facilitates a space for ventilation between the old damp surface and the new surface which allows the damp wall to dry out over time.  Many damp proof membranes on the market are meshed, which means that plaster can be applied directly to it. The damp proof membrane then acts as an impermeable barrier between the old wall surface and the new plastered surface. This allows the damp wall to dry behind without affecting the new wall surface to the front. By acting as a barrier, these damp proof membranes have the added advantage of holding salt and other contaminents away from the damp wall. Damp proof membranes are made in a stud formation and work by allowing any moisture and moisture vapour to evaporate.

If you need some guidance about which damp proof membrane to use, do consult a trained damp specialist about your specific project as they can advise on the best solution.


Do I Need To Install Damp Proof Course With Damp Proof Membranes?

Not necessarily. Damp proof course failure is a leading cause of damp problems in properties.  Indeed many older properties there was no damp proof course installed so once you have established this then you will know whether you need to install a physical damp proof course, a chemical injection or a dimpled sheet membrane as a choice.  DIY damp proofing websites show you all these products above but which one do you chose in which circumstance?Thus many factors are required when looking into installing or fixing a damp proof course. With damp proof membranes you get a much easier, cleaner solution to your damp wall problems.

The simplest damp proof membrane application for damp proofing walls is in my opinion a dimpled damp proof membrane.  These damp proof membrane products negate the need for a damp injection, picks up defects in applications of other diy damp attempts (black jack, waterproofing paint) even poor quality damp proofing jobs. The 'does what it says on the tin' motto i.e. paint it on and it stops damp doesn't always work and many people have come to me with a solution after their paint on repellent has pushed dampness to other areas in the property or condensation damp issues have been created. In my experience it can be easily avoided with the right materials and the right ventilation.  

Are Damp Proof Membranes Suitable Below Ground?

Below ground use of damp proof membranes can be tricky.  Be careful here as you may not be dealing only with damp.  Tanking membranes need careful choice and careful installation and really should be installed by a professional.  Damp injection, rising damp and penetrating damp above the ground is less risky, at least we are not dealing with the potential of water here.

Thus when looking at flood damaged properties, I would recommend damp proof membranes as the ideal solution for damp walls.

Learn more about this author, David Sutcliffe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.