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. [Read more]

Damp Cellar

Can I Use Damp Proof Membranes On My

Damp Cellar?

In a word, no. Damp proofing membrane systems are designed to deal with capillary held moisture only – with smaller damp proofing problems, for example damp walls – and as such are only suitable for above ground application. Where external ground levels are higher than the internal floor levels such as in a damp cellar then there is a risk of hydrostatic water pressure and damp proofing walls only will be a futile exercise if a running water situation occurs Whenever there is a situation where earth is bearing against the structure and making the wall damp a damp proofing membrane solution should not be considered. It would also not conform to BS8102 (British Standard for The Protection of Structures From Water From The Ground).

A Full Waterproofing Membrane System Is Best

The remedial method adopted should be a waterproofing system design and application. John Newton and Company’s website for full details about their Waterproofing Membrane System. Their Newton System 500 is regarded as the premium drained cavity waterproofing system available and the preferred choice for professional specifiers and professional waterproofing contractors alike.
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Damp Penetration

Newton 503 Mesh Cures Aggressive Damp Penetration Externally In An Exposed Seaside Cottage

Talmine Cottage is located on the edge of the coast of Tongue Bay and the Atlantic coast. The stone structure was suffering from aggressive damp penetration from the elements. The penetrating damp meant that driving rain and salt air was forcing its way through the structure. The client had tried repointing the stonework, using traditional lime mortars, but this did not prevent the ingress of the damp penetration.

Extensive boroscope and infra red surveys of the cottage showed that there
was no infill of the cavity, which was the traditional means of construction at the time of the build. This meant that the driving rain was soaking through the external stone leaf and filtering through to the internal finishes, without impediment, leading to aggressive damp penetration. [Read more]

Damp Specialist

John Newton & Company – The Damp Specialist

John Newton & Company is the longest established independent specialist in damp proofing in the UK. Our products are specified by Architects, Surveyors and Structural Engineers for use across the construction spectrum from new developments to historic buildings including conversions, renovations and refurbishments. Our complete range of high quality membranes for use on damp walls act as a permanent damp treatment for problems such as penetrating damp and rising damp. [Read more]