Damp Proofing Membranes Versus Damp Injection

Damp Proofing Membranes Versus Damp Injection

The damp injection method is a common way of dealing with damp problems, but it is not necessarily the best approach. Damp proofing membranes are an alternative for the damp injection method for use on damp walls. They  act as a permanent remedial solution for problems such as penetrating damp and rising damp whether it be above the ground or in a damp cellar.  Staining and discolouration, peeling paintwork/finishes, blown plaster, salt and oil contamination etc are signs of damp walls and when untreated will continue to make the wall damp. Newton Damp Proofing Membranes have been used for many years as an alternative to the damp injection method, to permanently treat such problems.

When it comes to damp treatment membrane systems, the Damp Proofing Membrane Systems provided by John Newton and Co. are considered to be an effective alternative to most conventional damp proofing methods such as a chemical damp course (DPC), damp injection, cementitious  and bitumous paint on coatings and external water repellents.  This is because  membrane systems  generally require minimal preparation and are quick to install. An added advantage is that they are also reversible and can be ventilated.

With the damp injection approach, a DPC fluid is used. The active ingredient is then mixed with water as the carrier and so you are effectively  introducing more fluid into an already damp wall thus making it wetter! If there is any organic material like timber (skirting boards, door linings, architraves ,fixing blocks etc) in contact with the damp wall then there is a risk that wood rotting fungi  like dry or wet rot could germinate and in many cases cause serious decay.  Membrane systems completely isolate the decorative joinery and timber items from any dampness in the walls thus prolonging their longevity.

Another advantage that damp proofing membranes have over  injected chemical DPCs and damp injection treatments in the treatment of damp is that chemical DPCs are almost always installed with a recommendation to re-plaster the wall at least to a height of 1.2m with a dense plaster and with a salt retardant additive in the plaster mix. The plastering will be considered by the contracted damp specialists to be as vital a part of this system as the chemical DPC and therefore achieving the right combination of sand, cement and salt retardant additive is absolutely crucial if it is to achieve its design function. A damp specialist will rarely give a guarantee for the work if the associated salt retardant plastering is not done and if it is done by someone else then the end user faces a split responsibility situation if something goes wrong in the future.

Damp proofing membranes factor out human error when it comes to application of the injected damp proof course, damp injection methods and the associated re-plastering

John Newton Damp Proofing Membranes are a physical  product manufactured identically at source and once applied to the wall are guaranteed to protect the internal finishes from dampness and salting. They do not rely on correct mixing and a level of chemical reaction and performance to be effective.