If we use modern and old Buildings to start, it is usually the modern buildings that are constructed with damp proofing barriers in place, such as additional ventilation. vent's, weep, holes, Men-brain.
Not all but a-lot of Old buildings, which were usually built using lime mortar as opposed to modern cement, relied heavily on its ability to ‘breathe’ as its form damp proofing. Allowing moisture To move in and out.
The mortar joints of these old buildings were, as a result, much more porous than the brick or stone that it was built with. The joints would shed elements of water through evaporation, causing little to no damage to the building’s masonry.
so what can we understand about the types of damps?
Lets pick the two most common ones we know about.
If we can find out first exactly what we are dealing then, we can look at whats best for the building.
lets look at Rising damp – this is where moisture in the ground moves up the house through the small spaces between permeable building materials such as bricks.
One solution to fix it - Raking out to the correct depth on brick for instance, then repointing with the correct materials and drying time. Look at the our procedures of applications to help.
You can also install a damp proof course to stop moisture from rising up through the bricks. A chemical damp proof course is the most economical option for most remedial damp proof courses. You can also use a damp proofing cream, which is injected into holes drilled in the mortar joint.
Penetrating damp – As, we know or if you may not be aware, this occurs as a result of structural building problems (such as faulty guttering) where water puddles, saturates and absorbs through the exterior wall, causing brown patches to form on the inside wall.
How do we fix this? well, there are a few ways to approach this. firstly its about identifying the problems and where. removing all or any vegetation that may be apart of the problem. repairs, the list can go on with a few boxes to tick. we look at remedies such as water repellent. in form of cream or coat based products. that can be sprayed or painted on. this can help your walls dry out.
Due to the porous nature of lime mortar, in older buildings especially, it has helped to promote the evaporation and escape of moisture, something of which modern buildings with standard cement don’t have.
Most modern buildings’ insulation materials don’t mix well with water. Water molecules will collect in the small gaps within the insulation and create a cold bridging, which is a big causer of damp.
A breathable lime mortar wall can help combat this problem, by offering water and moisture a means of escape. This type of breathable render is hygroscopic and porous, allowing water and excess moisture to enter and store without causing damage. This will prevent it from reaching the insulation which could have a huge positive impact on the building’s damp proofing.
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