Those who have been affected by rising damp in their internal walls will tell you that it’s a frustrating and embarrassing condition that’s hard to cure. Thankfully, there are several methods that you can use to alleviate the problem. The first step is to eliminate the source of the damp. This can be done by removing the old plaster from the walls. Next, you’ll need to insulate the hollow walls. Use the housing disrepair calculator to calculate compensation for housing disrepair.
Moisture
Identifying the cause of rising damp in internal walls can be tricky. A crumbling mortar or wallpaper may indicate that the problem is due to penetrating damp.
The best way to stop rising damp is to provide a mechanical vapour barrier. This can be achieved by installing a damp-proof course. However, these can be difficult to retrofit into existing homes. For this reason, it is best to seek professional advice. If you don’t want to spend money on a barrier, there are other ways to deal with rising damp.
Another way to prevent rising damp is to improve surface water leaks. This will help to prevent moisture from rising up to the ceiling.
Another way to prevent rising damp is to ensure that your walls and ceilings are properly ventilated. Poor ventilation can lead to mould and other problems.
Condensation
Keeping your internal walls warm can help to prevent condensation. Condensation is a problem that can occur anywhere in a building, but it is more common in the cooler months. The condensation may cause damage to the paintwork and plaster in your home.
As condensation is an important component of damp, it is important to note that damp is not the only culprit. In addition, damp can be a health hazard, and has been linked to respiratory symptoms.
If your internal walls have damp patches, you may want to consider a damp proofing treatment. A damp proofing treatment involves installing a water-repellent barrier to prevent moisture from leaking into the wall. This prevents the build-up of condensation on the wall, and can help to prevent structural issues.
Mortar collapses externally
Using mortar to support structural elements is not something you should do on your own. You may end up with a crumbling structure, a bulging wall or even the bricks themselves getting wet.
This is because mortar is a joint material that spreads loads and binds materials together. It can be decorated with decorative colors and can add to the aesthetic appeal of a building.
Mortar is a workable paste that seals irregular gaps. As the mortar settles, it hardens to bind the stone. It is also a good way to create decorative patterns, such as brick work.
The best mortar is a combination of lime and cement. It is often mixed to a 50 mm depth and is raked out to make for smoother joints.
Insulating the hollow wall
Having cavity wall insulation installed in your home can be beneficial to the energy efficiency of your building. It reduces the heat lost from the property and helps to cut down on noise pollution. However, it can also cause damp problems.
When moisture laden air enters a cavity wall, it will condense on the cold surface. This can result in mould or mildew. The damp will often appear as white fluffy deposits on the plaster. It can also lead to black mould.
The U-Value, or thermal conductivity, of a wall is a measure of the amount of heat lost per square meter of space. The lower the U-Value, the more effective the thermal performance.
If the U-Value of a wall is above a certain value, it is considered to be poorly insulated. The U-Value of a hollow wall is generally 1.5W/m2.
If your cavity wall has become saturated with moisture, it can be difficult to dry it out. This is because the fibres of insulation create a bridge for the water to travel across.
Removing old plaster
Leaving old plaster on internal walls can lead to problems. Depending on the situation, a plasterer may have to replace it. If this is the case, it is important to remove the plaster first.
Old plaster may have hygroscopic salts in it. These salts are attract by moisture in the air and into the wall. This can lead to flaking plaster and blistered paint.
Plaster removal is necessary if you have a large damp patch or a penetrating damp problem. It is also necessary to identify the source of the leak. You need to find it before it becomes worse.
Plaster removal may not be necessary to solve a small damp problem. In some cases, a damp-proofing chemical can be inject into the mortar bed. The chemical forms a water-repellent barrier, and this can be apply to the wall.
Housing Disrepair Claims – How to Make Housing Disrepair Claims
If you live in a rented property and you find that it is in poor condition, you may be eligible for a Housing Disrepair claim. Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that the home is in good structural condition and meets certain health and safety standards. However, some landlords fail to meet this duty and this can lead to a legal claim.
The first step in bringing a claim is to notify the landlord of the problem. This is complete within a reasonable time period. Ideally, tenants should report any disrepair in writing to the landlord within two weeks. In addition, tenants should check their tenancy agreements to make sure that they have adequate protection against disrepair. If the landlord is slow to respond, tenants can try contacting them informally, but if this is unsuccessful, they can write to the landlord formally to lodge a claim.
In most cases, tenants can make Housing Disrepair claims against their landlords if they find their property in a state of disrepair. The problem could include mould, leaks, subsidence, toxic chemicals, vermin infestations, or any number of issues affecting health and safety.
If you believe that your landlord has neglected your claim for housing disrepair, you can contact Smooth Commercial Law. We have specialists in the field who can help you make your Housing Disrepair claims.