Damp Proofing Products For Flood Damaged Properties - By: David Sutcliffe

**Severe Weather Warnings In UK***

November 2009 - continuous torrential rain has caused major problems in the UK, with thousands of properties affected by damp across the country. November 2009 was officially named the wettest month in the UK on record. Throughout the UK, torrential downpours have been seen on an unprecedented scale. Flooding has not only caused saturation to the ground but flood defences have been overwhelmed, causing flood damage to thousands of homes and offices throughout the country. Nobody is quite sure of the reason, though many experts think the extended rainfall may be a direct result of global warming but the reality is we are living with the real risk of flood damage to properties whatever the reason.

Implementation Of Flood Defence Strategies

Proactive flood defence strategies are now essential for protecting vulnerable towns and cities throughout the UK. A number of different methods can help, including damp proofing products and full waterproofing systems. Councils are using these to protect structures from flood damage. In the last few weeks the towns which have implemented flood defence have benefited by giving emergency services time to evacuate townships prior to the floods arriving.

Some properties, however, were prepared for the unprecedented conditions, and have been able to weather the effects of flood by using damp proofing products as flood defence measures

Damp proofing products provide permanent protection from flood damage

A number of methods are available including:

=> installing flood gates across the door and windows
=> the application of damp proofing membranes to the internal walls
=>external sump pump stations to capture the water prior to coming against the property (especially in below ground properties)
=>damp injection method
=>diy damp solutions
=>damp tanking strategies
=>dpc damp course treatments

Below Ground Areas Require Full Waterproofing Systems

A full waterproofing membrane system would be recommended in below ground areas like basements or cellars to combat the risk of flooding. This would comprise

=>damp proofing membranes
=>pumping systems
=>drainage provision

working together to redirect the water, rather than hold the water back

Above Ground

When dealing with damp problems above ground, damp proofing membranes would usually be the only requirement. A damp specialist would usually recommend typically include a damp proofing membrane with dimples and a mesh thermic welded to it. The membrane is fixed to the structure internally and the air gap provided by the dimples allows for ventilation. The dimples enable the 'air gap technology' - meaning that the air space allows dampness to dry out behind the wall. This simple approach means that if your property has been flood damaged before then the saturated walls can dry out behind the membrane and allow for a permanent finish to be applied to the mesh on the membrane usually the same day, getting people back into their homes quicker. This is a good alternative to drying out the property with blow heaters and dehumidifiers as flood damaged walls will be drying out over a period of years not weeks.

If paint or plaster is applied to a damp wall there is a danger that any contaminates in the damp walls will come through and you will have a recurring and unsightly problem - peeling paint, visible damp patches etc. The internal membrane installation approach should also take into consideration the ability to remove any water that is to come near the structure. This would typically involve placing a basedrain gutter internally into the wall to floor junction to channel the water to a sump and pump.

Penetrating damp can cause many problems, but damp proofing products provide the permanent solution for damp walls, as well as treating other problems like condensation damp, rising damp and associated side effects such as damp plaster.

Damp proofing products can be installed quickly and efficiently, and are a cost effective solution

About the Author

David Sutcliffe is an independent consultant specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of damp in all buildings across the construction spectrum from historic and listed buildings to new build, commercial and domestic structures. David has over 30 years of hands on experience in damp proofing products

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/David-Sutcliffe/66382

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