DIY Damp Proofing – The Cheap 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. Drainage and pumping provision will be necessary. For more information visit www.newton-membranes.co.uk about our leading basement waterproofing solution, Newton System 500

• “I don’t understand what is causing the damp problem, but can I just apply a DIY damp proofing solution?”
  A damp specialist would always recommend identifying the root cause of the damp before installing a solution. Are the walls wet to the touch and are there signs of damp mould? This is a sign of condensation damp, which is a result of too much moisture in the property. You might be able to increase the ventilation in the property and find that the problem is cured with no need for specialist or DIY damp proofing products. Is there a leak in the roof? This would be a sign of penetrating damp, and the best solution would be to fix the roof and install damp proof membranes to the damp walls to allow them to dry.

• “Do I need damp proofing if I already have a damp proof course? How do I know if I have a damp proof course?”
  Often damp problems are caused by either the lack of a damp proof course – often old houses don’t have them – or a faulty one. If there is a damp proof course present, it should be about 150mm above the external ground level. You might be able to see the barrier, or you may notice that it has a number of small holes drilled into the brickwork – a sign that an injected damp proof course has been used. If you cannot see the damp proof course, or there is one but it is obviously still letting damp in, the best solution would be to apply a Newton meshed damp proofing membrane, like Newlath, to the internal walls. This can link with the damp proof course and create an air void allowing the damp walls to dry out. It has the added bonus of being able to accept plaster being applied directly to its meshed surface – so it is an easy and cost effective solution. If you have identified that your house doesn’t have a damp proof course, then installing Newton damp proof membranes negates the need for one, so it’s a win win situation.

• “I won’t have a guarantee for the DIY damp proofing product I am using – does that matter?”
  Another big down side of the DIY damp proofing approach is that they would rarely be guaranteed. Not only is this a problem if it goes wrong and damp returns, but a guarantee for damp proofing installation would probably be necessary for the survey when you are selling the house. If you contact us we can recommend one of our Damp Specialists in your area who can help diagnose the exact problem, and install a permanent solution using Newton Damp Proof Membranes. They will also provide a guarantee for their work, for at least ten years, something that you would never get with a DIY damp proofing solution.

Forget DIY damp proofing, call a damp specialist

Call us now on 0800 068 0122  for a list of Damp Specialists in your area.

Let us help you ensure your house is free from damp, for good!