DIY Damp Proofing – The Cheap Solution?
Filed Under Advice · Tagged: condensation damp, damp cream, damp injection, damp mould, damp proof course, damp proof membrane, damp proofing, damp specialist, diy damp proofing, penetrating damp
Damp proofing by a damp specialist - the most reliable solution
Does DIY Damp Proofing Work?
We at John Newton & Company are often asked whether damp proofing can be done as a DIY damp proofing job. There is a wealth of information available and multiple diy damp proofing products are available online which promise and easy fix.
However, unless you are a damp expert diy damp proofing products can cause a minefield of problems. Where DIY damp proofing can seem like a low cost solution, it can result in a far more expensive strategy than planned, and often the damp problems can return. We are often contacted when a DIY damp proofing job goes wrong, with problems like the following:
- “I used DIY damp proofing cream in my damp basement but the water keeps coming in”
DIY damp proofing is never advisable in cellars or basements. Damp proofing below ground spaces needs the advice of a specialist basement waterproofing contractor, as the job is not just about damp proofing walls, it is about ensuring that a waterproofing system is in place which will divert the water out of the property. [Read more]
Top Five Tips For Damp Problems!
Filed Under Advice · Tagged: condensation damp, damp problem, damp problems, damp proof membranes, damp proofing, damp specialist, diy damp, penetrating damp, rising damp
Top Five Tips for Damp Problems!
Old Houses often have Damp Problems due to the lack of a Damp Proof Course
1. Look around your house – is there a defect, crack or blockage through which water could be getting in?
This could be a sign of a penetrating damp problem. Penetrating damp problems are caused by defects within the building or plumbing system where water has been able to come into the property. A water mark on an internal wall would be a sign of penetrating damp, and can give a good clue as to where the leak is getting through, so check externally in the same area as the watermark for any obvious problems.
DIY solutions -
- check the pipes, drainage and gutters for any blockages including moss, leaves, dead birds etc. Remove the blockage and you might find that the damp problem goes away easily!
- If the guttering is old, maybe it needs to be replaced
- Ensure that any cracks in the walls or window frames are fixed
- Have a good look at the roof. Are there any loose slates? Problems with the roof are a common cause of penetrating damp problems
John Newton & Company is the longest established independent specialist in damp proofing in the UK. Our damp proof membranes and ancillary products are used in all sorts of properties - from refurbishments to historic buildings, including the London Underground System and the Houses of Parliament. John Newton & Company is a family business, and we pride ourselves in offering the best service possible to our customers. We are also a market leader in basement waterproofing solutions. For our full range of basement waterproofing and damp proofing products please visit