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]

Top Five Tips For Damp Problems!

Top Five Tips for Damp Problems!

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

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New Treating Damp Guide

New Treating Damp Guide

John Newton & Company have created the ultimate Guide To Diagnosing And Treating Damp Permanently, yours free when you sign up. This guide is full of information about how to diagnose the three main types of damp: rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation damp, with photos to help you spot the signs. It also includes some DIY tips to help deal with smaller damp problems.

Please also visit our new ‘Solutions‘ page which explains in detail how Newton Damp Proof Membranes can help to permanently solve penetrating damp and condensation damp, and act as a rising damp treatment. Damp proofing problems such as rising damp and penetrating damp lead to damp walls, and can seriously damage your property. Even minimal damp penetration or rising damp will cause discolouration to surface plaster, decorations and can even affect a building’s structural integrity.  Damp problems can also be bad for our health, aggravating respiratory problems and encouraging the emergence of mites and mould. In many cases, damp can be made worse due to poor maintenance. Newton Damp Proof Membranes act as a once-and-for-all damp walls treatment.

If you need a good Damp Proofing Specialist, ring us on 0800 068 0122 and we will put you in touch with one of our recommended damp proofing experts, free of charge. We have not just the best damp proofing systems but the best contractors to diagnose your problem, design your system and then install Newton Damp Proof Membranes to the very highest standard. Though our damp proof membranes can be installed by a skilled builder, if you are in any doubt we would recommend one of our professional installers who are highly experienced at fitting the material quickly and thus cost effectively. A damp proofing specialist would also be able to provide you with a guarantee for installing the Newton Damp Proof Membranes.

If you have a below ground damp problem – like a damp basement – we can advise you on the best waterproofing solution. Our Newton System 500 is widely recognised as the premium waterproofing membrane system available and the preferred choice for professional specifiers and waterproofing contractors. For further information please visit www.newton-membranes.co.uk, or ring us for free technical advice. We operate a scheme called Newton Basement Waterproofing Contractors (NSBC), an elite group of professional waterproofing contractors who work in partnership with Newton’s to provide the specifier and their clients with the highest quality products, design and installation available.

John Newton & Company is a market leader in the manufacture of top quality, innovative and highly reliable waterproofing and damp proofing solutions. Whether a damp wall needs treating, or a full basement waterproofing system is needed, we can put you in touch with the best damp proofing or waterproofing company in your area.

Mr Edwards from Hull said “I found the Guide To Diagnosing And Treating Damp Permanently a very informative document. It helped me to identify the type of damp problems in my home, and even suggested some DIY remedies. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about treating damp”

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 Treatment

Damp walls result in a number of detrimental effects to internal finishes such as staining and discolouration, peeling paintwork/finishes, blown plaster, salt and oil contamination etc. Being a Damp Specialist Company with some 160 years worth of trading, know-how and experience behind us means that  Newtons have developed damp treatment products that provide total protection to the internal finishes against these wall damp associated problems. [Read more]

Damp Proofing Walls

Newton Damp Proofing Systems are a range of High Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene membranes which are moulded into a stud formation. The membranes prevent any moisture and moisture vapour and associated salts and contaminants  within the structure affecting the internal finishes by providing a physical barrier  between the old surface and the new finish. Whether installed by a specialist or if you opt for DIY damp proofing this will significantly prolong the longevity of the internal finishes whilst the damp proof membrane still allows for natural evaporation of moisture from the damp walls and unhindered movement of air to take place in the gap provided by the studs of the membranes.  [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]