Damp Proof Membranes

Damp Proof Membranes – An Introduction

A damp internal surface can occur from moisture rising from below ground level through old porous brickwork. This may be due to the original damp proof course being damaged, breaking down through age, or displacement due to slight movement of the property over years. Also in my older buildings, the external ground level has over the years risen to above the original slate or felt damp course. Rising and penetrating dampness cause a number of detrimental affects to internal finishes such as staining and discolouration, peeling paintwork/finishes, blown plaster, salt and oil contamination etc. Damp proof membrane solutions would be the recommended solution to these problems.

Newton Damp Proofing Systems are a range of High Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene damp proof membranes which are moulded into a stud formation.  The membranes prevent any moisture and moisture vapour and associated salts and contaminants  from damp walls affecting the internal finishes by providing a physical barrier between the old surface and the new finish. By themselves or in conjunction with damp proof courses they significantly prolong the longevity of the internal finishes  whilst still allowing for natural evaporation of moisture form the structure and unhindered movement of air to take place in the gap provided by the studs of the damp proof membranes.

External walls exposed to driving rain may also allow a slow ingress of moisture to the internal surface and without proper damp proofing  this can seriously affect the internal finishes. Walls of old buildings converted to domestic or office use may have been contaminated by salts, petroleum products, acids or lime, which does not show itself until the converted property is heated. This action may draw out the contamination which again will result in staining and discolouration . Damp proofing walls with Newton damp proof membranes will prevent any of these harmful bi-products reaching the internal finishes or rendering the wall damp.

Acting as impermeable separation barriers which do not change the status quo of the underlying structure our systems are considered to be an effective alternative to most conventional damp proofing methods to combat  penetrating and rising damp such as  a chemical damp course, cementitious  and damp proof  paint on coatings and external water repellents, and in some circumstances act as drainage layers to compliment roofing membrane systems.  This is because Newton damp proofing membranes and waterproofing membranes generally require minimal preparation, are quick to install, are considered to be most sympathetic to the structure, reversible and can be ventilated. This makes them particularly ideal for use on conservation and historic projects as well as for refurbishment, renovation and new build.

Newton internal damp proof membranes use positive vapour pressure to ‘push’ dampness out of the property.

Internal vapour pressure in the air gap created by the membranes’ studded formation is greater than the external vapour pressure. The internal pressure moves out to the lower pressure externally thus creating  ‘damp pressure equalisation’. In doing so any dampness in the air gap between the external wall and the Newton damp proofing membrane is moved out of the property.

Although we feel that our damp proofing products can be installed by competent DIY homeowners and builders we also realise that on occasions there will be a requirement for an installation guarantee from a Damp Specialist Contractor. Newton Registered Installers are trained and monitored by John Newton so that we have not just the best damp proofing and basement waterproofing system (see our main website www.newton-membranes.co.uk ) but the best contractors to diagnose your problem, design your system and then install Newton damp proof and waterproof membranes to the very highest standards.