Dampproofing is the solution to many water problems inside and outside your home. It can also solve other issues such as dry rot, wet rot, and wood-boring insect infestation. Damp proofing is essential for every home. Moreover, you can also use virtual home staging if you are planning to sell the property. These days it’s not only a substance; it could be an entire system that includes insulation for pipes and tanks to protect them from possible freeze damage or high water pressure that may lead to ruptures in the line.
Damp Proofing System
Dampproofing systems usually involve a waterproofing membrane underneath the foundation to keep moisture out of basements and cellars, even if they get flooded. Some damp proofing systems also include drainage to remove water that does get in. It is usually done by extending the waterproofing membrane or rubber sheeting at least 6 inches below the foundation sidewalls. It then makes sure it slopes slightly down towards a sump pump that will handle any excess water.
1) Ensure That The Drainage Around The Property Is In Good Condition
It is one of the most critical steps you can take, as water comes from outside a property. (e.g., rain) collecting around its drainage system essentially acts like a sponge and will soak through to any underlying materials, such as wall cavities – if they become damp enough.
However, you must not tackle this problem on your own, as sewerage systems (i.e., those that collect surface water) must never be allowed to contact those that handle household wastewater like those involving toilets, etc. They work in entirely different ways. Mixing them up could lead to severe problems for anyone involved in the building works or even worse issues for future occupants of the property due to contamination by harmful bacteria and viruses.
Instead, you should call in a professional who will be able to identify the drainage issues that are likely to affect your property and offer cost-effective solutions. You can avoid potential problems altogether by having this done prior to putting your home up for sale or looking to move in.
2) Keep A Close Eye On The Roof Of Your Property
Typically, if there is an issue with dampness within the roof space of a property, it’s going to show on the ceilings first – as this is where water leakage from the roof structure will pool if it happens directly above a room below. If there are already visible signs of wetness around this area, then contacting a contractor as soon as possible is a smart move. If not, then it’s worth having regular inspections completed to confirm that there are no problems.
3) Fix Minor Leaks As Soon As You See Them And Plan To Look For Bigger Ones Later On
It might not make for the most exciting of weekends, but carrying out regular checks of your home (or indeed making plans with friends or family members to do this) is a great way to guard against damp proofing issues occurring. After all, you’d be amazed at how many people forget about getting any scheduled maintenance done around the house. If you are on top of leaks and cracks as they happen, then it’s unlikely that they will give way to more significant problems down the line – once work has started on your property and deadlines need to be met.
4) Make the Most Of Any Gas Safety Checks And Inspections You Carry Out
By law, you must make sure that any gas appliances within your property are safe to use and can be enjoyed in complete confidence. However, things like boilers and fires don’t require annual check-ups by law, which means they are often forgotten about during the home buying process. If you have a gas engineer inspect your boiler before putting your house up for sale, then not only will you have peace of mind over its safety, but it might just get you some extra buyers interested.
5) Keep Tiles Clean and Dry To Avoid Wood Rot Taking Hold
We’ve all seen the telltale signs of wood rot at some point – the roof tiles of a home covered with moss or wood that is so damp and green that you can’t even tell what it used to be. If your property has these sorts of issues, they won’t just need repairing but also replacing – meaning extra expense for you. To avoid this occurring at all costs: clean any tiles on your roof as soon as they get dirty and always set up fans and dehumidifiers around particularly wet areas.
Wrapping Up!
If you are looking to sell your home or move into a new place this year, you will probably be focused on ensuring that the property is as free from damp proofing problems as possible. If you know what to look out for and how to prepare, then there are some simple things you can do to protect your property from any damp, musty smells and wood rot. Here in this article, we have mentioned five easy ways.
