Have you noticed peeling paint, bubbly stains and crumbling plaster on your walls? Maybe even a musty smell or black mold in your home?
These are the signs of dampness and suggest the presence of unwanted moisture in the walls, either the result of penetrating through the cracks from outside or condensation from within.
- Rising damp affects walls when moisture travels from the ground and leaves marks that look like tidemarks. Common in older buildings or those lacking proper damp protection, it can damage walls if not treated.
- Lateral damp occurs when external moisture penetrates internal walls, often due to decay and damage in external walls. Most common in old buildings, it significantly reduces a property's value.
- Condensation damp is challenging to diagnose and can be caused by various factors, such as leakage. Often noticed in bathrooms or kitchens, it can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritations and infections.
The first thing to do with damp is to figure out what's causing it. If you don't know what kind of damp it is, don't try to fix it yourself.
There are specialized types of equipment to identify the type and extent of damp. Let a professional find out what the root cause of the dampness in your walls is.
Damp proofing your home can be achieved in several ways including proper drainage, repairing gutters, adding ventilation, filling cracks and injecting a damp proof solution.
Don't just cover the damp with paint.
While DIY methods can be effective for minor issues, professional assistance ensures a thorough and long-lasting solution, unlike cheap quick-fixes that often lead to more problems and costs later.
What are some ways in which Pro can damp proof your home?
- Damp proof course: This is a barrier used to stop water from rising into the property, a phenomenon known as rising damp. The barrier, made from rubber or bitumen felt, is typically placed below all walls.
- Damp proof membrane: This involves using a material like metal or plastic sheeting under a concrete slab to stop moisture from getting in.
- Integral dampproofing: This method makes the concrete itself impermeable by adding specific materials to the concrete mix.
- Surface coating: This involves applying thin waterproof materials or cement coatings to resist moisture like rainwater.
- Cavity wall construction: In this method, the interior walls are separated from the exterior walls by a cavity, such as in rainscreen construction.
- Pressure grouting: This involves filling the cracks and joints in masonry materials to stop moisture from getting through.
How much does damp proofing cost?
| Interior Rising Damp | R750 — R850 per meter |
|---|---|
| Exterior Rising Damp | R600 — R700 per meter |
| Damp Proof Course | R250 — R400 per meter |
| Damp Proof Coatings | R150 — R450/sqm |
| Damp Proof Injection | R200 — R400 per meter |
You can expect to pay between R200 and R500 per linear meter for damp proofing.
It's always best to obtain multiple quotes from reputable damp proofing specialists in your area to get an accurate estimate tailored to your particular situation.
Procompare has a list of trusted damp proofing contractors all over South Africa that are perfect for the job. You can get up to 6 quotes in a few hours. Here's how it works:
- Fill in a short form with your contact information, city where you need the service and short description of the job.
- You’ll be contacted with quotes by affordable, experienced, and trusted Pros.
- Check their ratings and read their online reviews.
- Pick a Pro that best suits your requirements. Then invite them to view your damp and arrange the details of the job.
Reviews of damp proofing companies provided by Procompare's clients
“After the site visit from Garden Route Waterproofing, it was felt that they had more experience and understanding of the damp problem we are experiencing, and their solution to resolve it was better. The explanations received from GRW were backed up by closer photo inspections that confirmed what the cause was. The service from Procompare was good and is an excellent platform to find pros for work to be done.” – Carl T. on Garden Route Waterproofing
“He contacted me quickly, visited me, and immediately gave a quote, and soon afterward, work was done. He is very friendly and good with his work.” – J. L. Jordaan on Turbomax Waterproofing
Regular checks and maintenance can prevent serious damp issues. If you're facing persistent or severe damp issues, it may be time to consult a damp proofing professional.
Trusting a specialist with experience and expertise can ensure that your home stays dry, safe, and healthy for years to come. Don't hesitate to reach out to local damp proofing professionals to secure your peace of mind.
