DIY vs professional damp proofing
Posted on 19th January 2024 at 12:07
Dealing with damp is a significant concern for homeowners that requires careful consideration and effective solutions. Damp can infiltrate the foundation of your building, begin to disintegrate and grow mould. This is especially common among older houses that may never have received any damp-proofing. This is also prevalent in newer homes that had initial damp proofing installed but haven’t had any updates or recent service checks. However, there are solutions that exist to help homeowners deal with damp.
DIY tips for preventing damp
Damp issues that require skilled procedures, such as installing a damp-proofing course or waterproof membranes, should only be undertaken by a professional. However, there are some DIY tips that can eliminate problems such as mould and condensation without the need to call in a professional damp company.
To prevent damp problems, regular property maintenance is the most effective course of action. Ensure to check your roof regularly for damage and keep your gutters clear. Make sure you inspect any pointing or brickwork to avoid any serious penetrating damp problems in the future.
Preventing condensation in your home
Combatting factors such as condensation also helps to prevent damp. An easy way to do this is to maintain a consistent temperature and relative humidity in your property. Maintaining the temperature in your home can be done by programming your heating to run at a lower temperature for longer. This helps to avoid sudden drops and increases in temperature that come from turning the heating on when you’re cold. Turning on extractor fans when showering, opening windows, and drying your washing in the tumble dryer can also help to reduce condensation. Using a dehumidifier on top of these tips will help to remove any excess moisture from the air. Helping to leave your property feeling warmer and more comfortable.
Removing black mould
Often even after your condensation problem has been resolved, the stains it left behind, known as black mould, need to be removed. If the right procedures are followed, black mould can be removed relatively easily. After using the condensation tips above, the mould should have dried out. Mould remover can be bought online or from DIY shops. If used correctly, you should be able to wipe away the stains, before leaving the surface to dry.
However, be careful when using over the counter products to solve your damp problems yourself. This is because these products often aren’t as reliable as products that professional damp proofers have access to. These products can lack the effectiveness or durability of professional solutions.
Benefits of professional damp proofing over DIY
While you may be able to fix minor issues on your own, there is nothing to be said for the long-term effectiveness of these techniques in keeping damp at bay. Theres so many benefits to employing a professional damp proofing service. Such as:
Expertise and experience in damp proofing
When choosing to work with a professional damp proofing company, you’re guaranteed a service backed up with years of experience. A professional service is more likely to have specialised knowledge to be able to identify, diagnose, and treat different types of damp effectively. This experience also gives you peace of mind. By checking the company’s reviews, website, or social media for their past work, you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands.
Those who choose to tackle their damp issues themselves may lack the expertise to correctly identify the root cause of their problems. Without the right knowledge, there could be a risk of misidentifying the issue. Causing you to apply inadequate solutions, causing the problem to return.
Reliable & tailored solutions for damp
Generic DIY solutions might offer temporary fixes but may not address the underlying cause of the damp. Without a tailored approach, DIY methods often fall short in proving long term solutions. This can lead to reoccurring damp issues, which can cause more damage over time.
Oppositely, experts will conduct a thorough assessment with a damp survey to find the specific problem affecting your property. Before outlining a tailored solution using high quality materials and techniques. Additionally, professionals are likely to provide warranties or guarantees of their work. This assures the quality and durability of their damp proofing solutions, giving you peace of mind regarding its long-term reliability.
Compliance with building regulations
Lastly, hiring a professional damp proofing company ensures that the work done will meet building regulations and compliance standards. Ensuring that your home remains compliant and avoiding any potential issues. Whereas a DIY approach may overlook or unknowingly violate building regulations, leading to risk of future legal and safety concerns.
While DIY approaches might seem tempting when trying to save money. Theres compelling reasons as to why opting for a professional damp proofing company is often the better choice. DIY methods like improving ventilation can address minor damp issues, however, complex problems like rising damp require professional intervention. This is because damp specialists have the tools and knowledge to tackle these issues at the root, providing lasting solutions. Specialist damp proofing companies can offer you tailored advice to prevent any future issues you may have. This ensures the integrity of your home, as well as the health and safety of your family in the long term. For effective and rigorous damp proofing, it’s best to consult professional damp proofing specialists.
If you’d like to discuss professional damp proofing for your property, or to book a damp survey, call us on 01604 380 930, or email us on info@srgillbuilders.co.uk.
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