The Importance of Damp Proofing Your Home

Take a few moments to consider some of the main physical threats to your home. Situations such as floods, fires and burglaries will likely come to mind. It is therefore ironic that some of the most profound long-term risks arise from factors that could very well be invisible to the naked eye. Excess moisture can lead to a host of problems and if not treated promptly, irreparable damage could occur. Let us take a look at why it is critical to damp-proof your home as well as some of the effective options at your disposal.

Physical Impacts of a Damp Environment

High levels of moisture within a particular environment (such as a basement) can wreak havoc on a home. First and foremost, this moisture can seep through materials that might appear to be impermeable at first glance (such as cinder blocks or stone). It can cause wood to rot, plasterboard to bow and paint to peel. If left unchecked, this water may impact other areas such as tile floors and carpets. Unfortunately, many of these conditions cannot simply be glossed over with a few coats of paint or by replacing a damaged floor. This will only treat the symptoms as opposed to the underlying cause. You could very well find that you are forced to spend thousands of pounds in terms of renovations. Keep in mind that the resale value of your home will also significantly drop. This is why damp-proofing is a preventative measure that should always be taken seriously.

Mold in the corner of the plastic windows.

Possible Health Issues to Avoid

Excess levels of moisture can also lead to potentially serious health and environmental concerns. One common issue is referred to as black mould (technically known as the Stachybotrys fungus). These organisms thrive within moist locations and they can often be seen in basements or attics that have not been properly protected from moisture. This can actually cause a number of health problems. It has been known to exacerbate the symptoms of those who are suffering from asthma and in severe cases, long-term lung issues have been known to occur (1). Moist environments have been known to irritate those who already suffer from allergies and they can present hazards to infants and toddlers. Your pets might even be affected as a result. This is why there is indeed much more than meets the eye in terms of damp-proofing your home.

Now that we have developed a thorough understanding of the risks that are present, it is a good idea to take a look at some of the effective options at your immediate disposal.

Why Damp-Proof Wall Coatings Will Provide You with a Peace of Mind

The main intention behind any damp-proof coating is to block the moisture from its source. This is why many of the weatherproofing solutions provided by Treatex involve applying a solution to the exterior of a home (such as on existing masonry walls). The solution will be adhered to the surface with the use of a pressurised device and this allows it to seep into even the smallest of pores. This is why such an option is backed up by a rock-solid 15-year guarantee.

In the event that moisture is entering from lower levels (up to one metre off of the ground), another compound known as Dry Zone will be injected where required. This is normally performed before the top coat of Treatex is applied to the surface. In other words, you are now being provided with two effective barriers against the entrance of additional moisture. Once again, this technique is associated with a lengthy warranty. The same cannot always be said for off-of-the-shelf products.

An Ounce of Prevention Goes a Long Way

Do you suspect that your home may be suffering from moisture problems? If so, there is no time to lose. These symptoms will only become worse over time if left unchecked. This is why you are encouraged to speak with a qualified Treatex representative as soon as possible. We will be happy to provide you with a number of options. Please give us a call or submit an online enquiry. A trained specialist will be back in touch shortly.

Sources:

1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stachybotrys#Symptoms_of_Stachybotrys_exposure_in_humans

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