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Penetrating Horizontal Damp |
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Penetrating Damp can normally be broken down into two categories these being; lateral penetrating dampness (below ground) and vertical
penetrating dampness, caused by general building defects above ground.
Lateral penetrating dampness normally occurs on external walls where the external ground levels are at a higher level than the internal
floors and as a consequence dampness within the soil bearing against these walls penetrates the walls fabric. A typical example of
lateral dampness is in a basement where external walls are built against the external (subterranean) ground.
Other typical causes of lateral dampness can be due to raised gardens and soil levels, flower beds, abutting garden walls, paths and
pavements. Methods of controlling penetrating dampness below ground would depend mainly on the proposed use and the level of dryness
required.
Vertical penetrating dampness is caused by building defects and poor building maintenance. Roof defects, leaking, blocked guttering
and down pipes, will contribute to the most common causes of dampness and are proven to be responsible for a high percentage of dry
rot attacks caused on buildings.
Cracked rendering, defective pointing, external coatings and blocked cavities, along with inadequate window and door sealants are
also responsible for moisture ingress and along with internal plumbing defects and poor external drainage.
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