DAMP PROTECTION THE VERY REAL THREAT
OF TRAUMATIC DAMP T c o ‘
W
hen we think of sources of dampness, our minds tend to gravitate towards wind-driven rain and groundwater. There is
also a form of damp with numerous and wide- ranging causes: traumatic damp. Hudson Lambert, mould and damp expert at Dryzone, says: “First defined by recent Government guidelines on the risks of damp and mould, traumatic damp is any type of dampness that occurs due to a water leak. It can originate from inside the building, from heating or waste pipes, overflowing sinks, showers or baths, broken pipes or leaking water storage vessels. Outside the home, leaking water from another building or flooding can cause traumatic damp. “The good news is that labelling all these seemingly disparate causes of leaks as traumatic damp promotes a whole-home approach. By preparing for a worst-case scenario, we can ensure homes are best protected from dampness and all its complications.” He explains that merchants should be educating their customers about the two- pronged approach of the right materials and the right knowledge which can prevent and resolve traumatic damp.
“Black mould is a common symptom of
traumatic dampness and can cause a range of respiratory issues and allergic reactions,” explains Lambert.
“Supermarket bleach-based sprays for black mould might clean the stain, but do not kill the organism. Worse than that, moisture in bleach feeds mould so it will soon be back worse than ever. After cleaning walls with a bleach spray, always make sure you apply a biocidal wash to eliminate settling mould spores as well as the growing mould organism.
“When replastering walls after a leak that causes traumatic damp, you should use a breathable renovation plaster to control dampness and salt migration. Renovation plasters allow walls to dry naturally and create an insulating surface that is warmer to the touch than standard gypsum plaster. “If you’re using plasterboard, you should apply a water-resistant cream directly to the masonry wall to lock efflorescent salts away, create a smooth surface and offer increased thermal resistance.”
Flood protection
Floodwater always follows the path of least resistance and can enter a home through the weakest points in its construction. Damaged masonry joints combined with plastered walls are a common cause of floodwater penetration. Lambert says: “You should always recommend that your customers use building materials that minimise damage after flooding. Externally, you should make sure cracks in brickwork or render have been filled and any damaged mortar joints have been repaired.
There is little more worrying as a householder than coming across damp patches in the home. BMJ finds out how merchants can help prevent damage from ‘traumatic damp’.
Masonry protection creams protect porous materials like stone and brick. You could also install air vents that automatically prevent water entry. Internally, always ensure the home has a functional damp-proof course, and swap out gypsum plaster for a lightweight cement-based damp-resistant plaster.”
Check copper pipes
He continues: “Whether a home is old or new, its heating system probably uses copper piping. “Pinhole leaks in copper water pipes can go undetected for long periods. These tiny holes can be caused by corrosion or from exposure to concrete and steel rebar. Pipes older than 20 years old are more susceptible to pinhole leaks and they can be very hard to spot. Leaking copper pipes will be wet and can be tested by observation while water flows through them. “Only a tiny amount of water escapes from a pinhole leak, so it can take a long time for one to become a noticeable damp problem. Consistently damp areas can rot floorboards.” Ultimately, traumatic damp can wreak havoc in the home. But by understanding the different ways leaks BMJ
July 2024
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
37
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