July 02 2024 0Comment

Damp-Proof Walls: What Should You Do?

Dampened walls are never a positive indication. Many property owners in the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Westchester encounter dampness in the building walls during heavy rain or snowfall. It is a prevalent sight in most old constructions. However, damp walls imply severe waterproofing issues.

Damp can occur due to multiple factors; in all cases, moisture is the fundamental culprit. If you have dampness, you must promptly seek waterproofing contractors Brooklyn to address the issue effectively. Damp critically affects the internal framework of the structure, leading to some of the most challenging consequences. From peeling paint to crumbling mortar, you will encounter several structural problems.

In this blog, we have discussed the primary causes of dampened walls and how you can fix them. So, let’s get started.

What Causes Dampness?

You may have dampened walls because of the following reasons:

  • Leaks- Water infiltration through cracks or gaps in the walls leads to dampness. As rainwater seeps through the walls, it does not allow the moisture to escape. Hence, you have wet walls.
  • Roofing Problems- Improper roof installation, missing flashing, or standing water are also responsible for dampened walls. In such scenarios, waterproofing companies can offer you the best solutions.
  • Improper Insulation- Insulation enables proper airflow essential to keep away moisture from the property. Nonetheless, without adequate insulation, the walls develop cold spots which are vulnerable to dampness.
  • Condensation- Another negative impact of insufficient insulation or ventilation is vapor cooling down and forming droplets on the wall. When these droplets stay on longer, it leads to dampness.
  • Rising Damp- Have you ever noticed dampness arising at the wall footings? It happens from the groundwater travelling up due to capillary action. Thankfully, commercial waterproofing contractors have the ideal fix to the problem!
  • Structural Damage- If your building has masonry damages like cracked or missing bricks, disintegrated mortar, missing caulking, or clogged gutters, your walls are susceptible to dampness due to water seepage. Dampness can aggravate such structural damage.

Effective Ways to Damp-Proof Walls

Dampened walls are undeniably uninviting! They are not only ugly but affect the longevity of a building considerably. How can waterproofing contractors Brooklyn help you?

  1. Inspection- To maximize the effectiveness of a solution, identifying the damp source is of utmost necessity. It is impossible to provide the appropriate fix until you assess the cause of the damage because there are numerous ways to damp-proof a wall.
  2. Seal Leaks- In most cases, leaks are the pivotal cause of dampened walls. So, repairing and sealing the leaks is the first step in damp-proofing walls. Cracks, gaps, plumbing defects, or missing caulking- repair all leaks.
  3. Improve Drainage- Improving the drainage system is another crucial aspect to waterproof your building. Whether it is the gutters, downspouts, or French drain, your waterproofing contractor will ensure water can easily escape from your property. In other words, there shouldn’t be standing water on the roof or around the foundation.
  4. Install Waterproof Membranes- To keep away moisture from penetrating the interiors, installing waterproof membranes is an effective measure. They act as a barrier against water infiltration. Waterproof membranes are generally made of foil or plastic. They installed between the walls and finish materials.
  5. Apply Weatherproof Paint- Finally, seal the exterior of the building walls with weatherproof paint. These are made of hydrophobic compounds that repel water. Waterproof paints can withstand climatic changes like heat, light, dust, and moisture.

Thus, we have discussed all the aspects of building waterproofing that can prevent dampened walls and extensive moisture damage. Schedule an appointment with a reputed waterproofing contractor to ensure premium moisture protection.