Damp proofing is an essential step for every building. We’ve all seen the horror stories of rising damp causing mould, mites and all sorts of damage to the building structure. It’s such a big problem that damp proofing became mandatory in 1875. So if you’re doing any improvement works on your home (especially if it was built before 1875), you need to ensure you’re taking appropriate damp proofing measures.
If you’re having new flooring installed, that means investing in a damp proof membrane.
What is a Damp Proof Membrane?
Damp-proof membranes protect buildings and flooring from moisture by creating a damp-resistant barrier. They’re essentially a roll of strong polythene, which is installed between the ground and the concrete floor in any building and again between the concrete and any flooring you install. By doing this, you can protect the floor from moisture and all of the problems that can cause it, like warping or swelling.
It’s also important that your damp proof membrane is installed correctly, otherwise it will not be as effective. This includes ensuring the membrane is intact and well-fitted to the space before being sealed with waterproof tape or another suitable adhesive. This is one of the many reasons we always recommend a professional install these for you – there are too many ways they can be installed incorrectly that can lead to them not working properly.
Why Do I Need to Install a Damp Proof Membrane?
There are a couple of reasons you need to install a damp proof membrane, particularly if you’re going to wooden or laminate.
Protect floors from moisture: This is the main reason that damp proof membranes are installed. Moisture can come from a lot of different sources, like rising damp from the ground, condensation and even small water spills. If water gets in, it will start to cause damage over time. Even the tiniest exposure to water can lead laminate and wood flooring to swell, warp, and the boards to cup. All of which means your floor won’t be as strong, and won’t look as good either.
A damp proof membrane creates a waterproof barrier that stops any moisture from reaching the floor. This is especially important in areas that are prone to high humidity, like basements, bathrooms and kitchens.
Improve the lifespan of your floor: Laminate and wood flooring is designed to be resilient and durable, but that doesn’t mean it can withstand everything. Water is the enemy when it comes to wood, and if the vulnerable underside of the boards it can significantly reduce the life expectancy of the floor. If there’s long-term exposure then laminate plants can actually delaminate, which means your floor will develop gaps and damage that can’t be repaired.
Using a damp proof membrane helps maintain the structural integrity of the flooring, so that it will last a lot longer.
Prevent mould and mildew: Any moisture that seeps into the flooring and the subfloor can’t really escape anywhere. Instead, it becomes standing water, which is a perfect environment for mould and mildew growth. Mould can damage the laminate floor, but it can also pose significant health risks for the people living in the house, especially if they have allergies or other respiratory issues.
Damp proof membranes essentially make it impossible for mould and mildew to grow, creating a healthier living space for you and your family.
Retrospective Damp Proofing
Of course, we know that not all properties are built equal, and we’ve come across plenty of properties that didn’t have appropriate damp proofing put in place when they were built. Or there was a damp proof membrane installed, but it’s failed. That means it must be laid over the existing concrete slab before the new flooring is applied. It’s a fairly simple task that involves removing any damp proofing that is still there, making sure that the flooring is properly prepped and dried, and then laying a new damp-proof membrane directly onto the concrete slab.
At Warson Flooring, we are experts in damp proofing. Whether the flooring is already struggling with damp issues that need fixing, or you just need to install new damp proofing before a floor is laid, we would love to help. You can even read about some of our damp proofing work with the Normandy Cricket Club. If you would like to know more, just contact the team today.