Dampness
Dampness is simply the build-up of humidity resulting in patchy and rotten areas in the walls, floors, sub-floors, ceilings or woodwork. Water or moisture gets absorbed or entrapped into an element of the building resulting in damage to the structure.
What are the Common Causes of Dampness?
Insufficient sub-floor ventilation causes a build-up of humidity and minimal evaporation from the soil and base walls result in rising damp. Breakage in pipes, gutter walls and sewerage channels can lead to accumulation of water. Sub-floor obstructions and debris reduce ventilation causing greater moisture build-up. Dirt, fallen leaves, decayed manure and mosses contain weak acids and salts, when carried by water into masonry resulting in dampness. Improper drainage of the run-offs from sloping grounds or garden beds cause water to drill its way deep into the foundation of the building.
This is not all. There are still many more causes of dampness including:
- Loss of mortar, rusting and corrosion at joints
- Failed flashings may allow the entry of water
- Poor bricklaying, under-burnt highly porous bricks
- Badly selected stone set in poorly mixed mortar or faulty tiles
- Incorrect positioning of damp proof courses
- Insufficient flashing and capping
- Water penetration through the top of parapets or chimneys
- Blockages, unnecessary bends, inadequate fall and poor design or fixing of downpipes
- Leakage in shower bases, baths or toilets
What are the Common Signs of Dampness?
- Stains or decolorized patches on surfaces
- Efflorescence and fretting
- Lifted surface finishes
- Rust and blisters
Dampness Can Summon Termites
Dampness tends to be continual rather than periodic. Buildings, whether renovated or not, can show some or many of these symptoms of dampness stated above. Early detection can prevent grave damages including invitation to pests. In most cases, termite infestation eventuates from relentless penetration and uncontrolled encroachment of moisture. Certain species of pests and termites thrive well and multiply rapidly in shady and moist areas. Some home owners complain of the recurring advent of termites. Dampness brings them back again and again. You must find a solution to dampness first in order to save your home from these raging creatures.
Our Structural Inspection Service
Dampness is a potential issue with all the homes in the coastal belt of Queensland. People of Gold Coast and Brisbane often turn to us for pre-sale or pre-purchase structural inspection of buildings to curb the dampness and pest growth problems. Before you purchase your home from the property seller, make sure the dampness test is executed by our experts.
What Factors Do We Consider to Detect Dampness?
- Position and localization of the dampness
- Time or season of appearance
- Level of humidity in the atmosphere
- Pattern of the patch of dampness
- First occurrence of dampness whether coinciding with sudden changes to the surroundings of the building or is it a long standing problem
We conduct a thorough survey using scientific methods to help you overcome this problem. We insist that you read and understand the detailed report of the structural inspection that is generated by our inspectors. We provide clear instructions to dehumidify your home and reduce the rise or spread of dampness.