Dampness is amongst the most frequent problems encountered in residences in the UK. Rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation are the most common types that can cause real structural damage.
Sovereign Chemicals, the UK’s damp proofing specialist, offers a solution for all types of moisture in buildings. From below ground tanking, rising damp treatment, and condensation clean up and control, the Sovereign range delivers exceptional quality, excellent value and a professional finish.
Condensation is the most common kind of damp, which is caused when moist warm air encounters a cold surface such as kitchen and bathroom walls. This is exacerbated in the winter months as the walls tend to be colder than the air inside. Lack of ventilation will also make the situation worse.
Signs of condensation include water droplets on windows and walls, the appearance of dark mould and an unpleasant mouldy smell. If left untreated, condensation can cause damage and decay to paint, plaster and window frames. Wiping away water droplets from walls and windows with a cloth with help keep condensation at bay, whilst the use of a dehumidifier will also reduce the effects.
If condensation has already affected surfaces with mould, there are several different products available to help disinfect, sterilise and prevent regrowth.
Sovereign Mould Control Pack offers a comprehensive selection of items to help you tackle the issue effectively. The pack contains enough materials to treat up to 40m2 of walls and ceilings. The pack includes Dentolite sterilising wash concentrate for removing black mould and sterilising the surface and two pots of Mould Eradication Additive for mixing into paint to prevent the return of mould on the treated wall.
Scrub Out Black Mould fungicidal cleaner will also help to eradicate mould on internal surfaces with the use of a blend of biocide and detergent which sterilises infected surfaces before redecorating. It can also be sprayed around bath and shower areas to prevent mould growth on sealants and grout.
Once the mould has been cleared, Fungi-Chek Emulsion is a high-quality acrylic emulsion which you can use to decorate the affected area, with powerful long-term fungicide protection of the paint film. It is fully washable and resistant to the effects of condensation once fully dried. Available in white and magnolia, with a 5-year guarantee, you can be sure that your walls are protected from mould for the foreseeable.
If redecorating, the Renderlite Renovating Plaster is also a great way to prevent condensation issues returning. It allows the wall to breathe but prevents the movement of liquid moisture and salts. It also has excellent thermal qualities, and can be used after the insertion of the DPC chemical.
Rising Damp is caused by ground water moving up through a wall or floor due to damage or lack of a Damp Proof Course (DPC). A DPC is a waterproof horizontal strip which is usually made of plastic of bitumen felt, which is built into the wall at a height of at least 15cm above ground level. This should then be connected to a damp proof membrane which is laid underneath the floor, meaning the house is effectively sealed from ground water. Newer houses will have both due to building regulations, however older buildings may not, or have been damaged over time. Rising Damp an also be caused by lack of drainage.
Signs of rising damp include damaged plaster or skirting boards, peeling paint and wallpaper and tide marks rising up the wall.
A simple and effective method of dealing with rising damp is the Sovereign DCP Injection, which prevents damp and damage to plaster or unprotected timber. By injecting the injection cream into the mortar beds, the solvent-based cream reacts with moisture to form a highly effective hydrophobic barrier against rising damp. Depending on the need, the items for the DCP Injection can be purchased individually or as a DPC injection cream cartridge kit, which contains:
- 6 x 380ml cartridges of Sovereign Injection Cream
- 6 x standard nozzles
- 1 x extended nozzle
- 1 x skeleton gun
- 1 x SDS Drill
Penetrating damp is caused by water leaking through walls, which is usually caused by structural problems such as damaged guttering, roofing, or cracks in walls. The chance of penetrating damp is increased if you live in an older building with solid walls.
Signs of penetrating damp are wet or leaking walls, discolouration of interior walls and blistered plaster.
To treat penetrating damp, the use of water repellent treatment such as Sovereign Weather-Chek Façade Cream is crucial for the protection of external masonry. It is simple to use, made from an emulsion of silane and siloxanes that penetrate porous masonry to produce a water repellent surface. It can be applied by spray, brush or roller to brick, mortar, render limestone and sandstone. Sovereign Façade Cream reduces porosity but does not prevent a wall from ‘breathing’.
Sovereign Aquachek Water Repellent 5 Ltr is another option, a water based water repellent which is resistant to alkaline attack making it particularly suitable for use on fresh mortar. AquaChek meets the requirements of BS6477- Specification for Water Repellents for Masonry Surfaces.
All Sovereign damp proofing products are available online and in branch at Lords Builders Merchants.
If you’d like advice on your specific projects, you can always drop by at one of our branches. Our team is qualified to give you professional advice and will help you make the best decisions. Discover our full range of Sovereign products, as well as useful tools on Lords Builders Merchants at trade prices.
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