Treating damp in buildings these days can vary considerably in that there are many products and methods available.
If you look into and compare the more conventional and then more recent methods of damp proofing there are some clear and tangible benefits in using the modern approach of using cavity damp proof membranes.
These membranes provide a quick, easy and cost affective solution for treating damp problems of almost any kind.
Generally the membranes are made from High Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene which means that they are impervious to moisture and moisture vapour.
The surface of the membranes are formed into a stud formation so in crude terms they look like big sheets if plastic egg box.
The 'egg box' stud profile is a major advantage when treating damp.
Whether it is rising damp, penetrating damp, residual damp or condensation related damp the stud profile allows moisture to evaporate from the wall unhindered which means that there is no danger of the dampness being guided else where which is a risk with some other systems.
The air gap technology of the membranes also means that drying of any residual moisture in the wall is aided as moisture vapour can still evaporate unhindered from the wall behind the membrane which also uses the air in gap to force water out through the substrate as the greater air pressure inside tries to equalise to the lower air pressure externally.
In this way the membranes use physics and physically properties to separate damp wall surfaces from internal finishes thus ensuring prolonged longevity even if the underlying damp problem is persistent or even constant and it would be hard to guarantee that when treating damp by any other method.
Treating damp could not be simpler when there is often no need to remove existing wall finishes and no need for mixing and injecting or spraying fluids or painting surfaces.
Wet trades are kept to a minimum especially when a dab fixed plasterboard and skim finish are used.
Treating damp with a membrane systems is as easy as offering up the membrane to the damp area being treated,fixing the membrane at the required centres and applying the chosen finish.
Most membranes are guaranteed for 30 years and are expected to last behind the chosen wall finish for the life time of the building giving a once and for all solution for treating damp where it occurs.
New build, refurbishment and historical projects can all be the subject of damp problems and caused by location, type of construction, construction error, lack of maintenance,change of use and environment etc and treating damp is essential to achieving areas which are fit for the purpose intended.
Cavity membranes are now used on all these types of projects where treating damp is required.
For instance dealing with damp in historical structures has long been a problem for conservation authorities as conventional methods have proven destructive, time consuming and expensive.
Now tried, tested and proven on many historical projects Cavity membranes are now generally preferred for treating damp as they require little or no preparation,are sympathetic to the structure and are reversible which means that the structure beneath can easily inspected or even fully exposed in its original condition at any time in the future.
If you look into and compare the more conventional and then more recent methods of damp proofing there are some clear and tangible benefits in using the modern approach of using cavity damp proof membranes.
These membranes provide a quick, easy and cost affective solution for treating damp problems of almost any kind.
Generally the membranes are made from High Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene which means that they are impervious to moisture and moisture vapour.
The surface of the membranes are formed into a stud formation so in crude terms they look like big sheets if plastic egg box.
The 'egg box' stud profile is a major advantage when treating damp.
Whether it is rising damp, penetrating damp, residual damp or condensation related damp the stud profile allows moisture to evaporate from the wall unhindered which means that there is no danger of the dampness being guided else where which is a risk with some other systems.
The air gap technology of the membranes also means that drying of any residual moisture in the wall is aided as moisture vapour can still evaporate unhindered from the wall behind the membrane which also uses the air in gap to force water out through the substrate as the greater air pressure inside tries to equalise to the lower air pressure externally.
In this way the membranes use physics and physically properties to separate damp wall surfaces from internal finishes thus ensuring prolonged longevity even if the underlying damp problem is persistent or even constant and it would be hard to guarantee that when treating damp by any other method.
Treating damp could not be simpler when there is often no need to remove existing wall finishes and no need for mixing and injecting or spraying fluids or painting surfaces.
Wet trades are kept to a minimum especially when a dab fixed plasterboard and skim finish are used.
Treating damp with a membrane systems is as easy as offering up the membrane to the damp area being treated,fixing the membrane at the required centres and applying the chosen finish.
Most membranes are guaranteed for 30 years and are expected to last behind the chosen wall finish for the life time of the building giving a once and for all solution for treating damp where it occurs.
New build, refurbishment and historical projects can all be the subject of damp problems and caused by location, type of construction, construction error, lack of maintenance,change of use and environment etc and treating damp is essential to achieving areas which are fit for the purpose intended.
Cavity membranes are now used on all these types of projects where treating damp is required.
For instance dealing with damp in historical structures has long been a problem for conservation authorities as conventional methods have proven destructive, time consuming and expensive.
Now tried, tested and proven on many historical projects Cavity membranes are now generally preferred for treating damp as they require little or no preparation,are sympathetic to the structure and are reversible which means that the structure beneath can easily inspected or even fully exposed in its original condition at any time in the future.
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