At Revicasa, we care deeply about the satisfaction and safety of our clients. As home inspection professionals, we understand the importance of providing objective, fact-based purchase recommendations. In this context, it is essential to address problems such as rising damp, which can significantly affect the livability and value of a property. In this article, we will explain in detail the causes of rising damp, as well as the precautions and solutions necessary to ensure the integrity of your home.
What is capillary dampness:
Capillary dampness occurs when water from the ground rises through the porous materials present in the foundations and walls of a house. These constructive elements absorb the water as if they were a sponge, even appearing in the walls of the house up to more than one meter high. This water that goes up the walls of the house, coming from the subsoil, contains a series of salts that remain adhered to the walls producing the typical humidity stains that we have all seen at some time.
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Some of the main causes include:
1. Moist soil:
Soils with high moisture content due to proximity to subway water bodies or poor drainage. Very high water table.
Porous materials:
Presence of porous building materials such as bricks, natural stones or old mortars that allow water to rise.
Recommended rising damp levels in a home
It is essential to know the optimum humidity levels in a house to ensure the comfort and health of its inhabitants. The recommended levels vary according to the ambient temperature, but generally the limit for a house is 16% and therefore if the percentage exceeds this limit we would be facing a problem of active humidity. In our inspections carried out by experts we have registered up to 32.5%.
This type of humidity can be detected when the lower part of the load-bearing or exterior walls of the house begin to show buckling of the paint, paint peeling or even the layer of plaster underneath.
What is capillary dampness:
Taking appropriate preventive measures can help reduce the risk of rising damp in a home. Some important precautions include.
1.Waterproof barrier:
Install a waterproof barrier when laying the foundation during construction to prevent water from rising by capillary action.
2. Adequate drainage:
Ensure a good drainage system around the house to divert water away from building elements that can absorb water.
Ventilation:
Maintain adequate ventilation in basements and crawl spacesto reduce moisture accumulation.
How to solve capillary dampness:
If rising damp is already present in a home, it is important to take corrective measures by an expert. Some effective solutions include:
Waterproof barrier treatment:
Apply chemical products or waterproofing membranes on walls and floors to stop water rising.
Special coatings:
Use special coatings on affected walls to block moisture and prevent its reappearance. This solution is only recommended when a waterproof barrier is in place and the presence of water is eliminated.
3. Controlled drainage:
Install controlled drainage systems that capture and divert water away from the foundation and walls of the house. It is important to remember that the first measure to avoid the presence of water is always the rapid evacuation of water.
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Conclusion:
Capillary dampness can be a persistent problem in many homes that Revicasa inspects and reflects in its home inspection reports, but with proper precautions and effective solutions, it is possible to control and prevent this problem.However, with proper precautions and effective solutions, it is possible to control and prevent this problem. If dampness persists despite taking preventive measures, it is recommended to contact a Revicasa home inspector to properly diagnose and certify the problem in order to propose a specific solution as soon as possible.
