What is Damp?
Damp is moisture in the air or a building that can cause damage to the structure or its contents. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Water leaks
- Condensation
- Rising damp
- Penetrating damp
What is an Acceptable Damp Reading?
An acceptable damp reading is below 17%. This is the level at which most building materials will not be damaged by damp. However, it is important to note that even low levels of damp can cause discomfort and health problems, such as allergies and asthma.
How to Measure Damp
There are a number of ways to measure damp, including:
- Damp meter: This is a device that measures the moisture content of a surface.
- Hygrometer: This is a device that measures the relative humidity of the air.
How to Waterproof a Building
There are a number of ways to waterproof a building, including:
- Installing a damp-proof membrane: This is a barrier that prevents water from entering a building.
- Applying a waterproof coating: This is a liquid that is applied to a surface to make it waterproof.
- Improving ventilation: This can help to reduce condensation and damp.
- Fixing leaks: This is important to prevent water from entering a building and causing damp.
How to Treat Damp
There are a number of ways to treat damp, including:
- Identifying the cause of the damp: This is important so that the correct treatment can be applied.
- Fixing the cause of the damp: This may involve repairing a leak or improving ventilation.
- Applying a damp-proof treatment: This can be a chemical or mechanical treatment that prevents water from entering a building.