Waterproofing and damp proofing seem like two different words for basically the same thing, but they actually refer to two distinct processes, even if the end result is effectively the same.
Damp proofing can protect an area from moisture when there is no water pressure present. Waterproofing protects an area from water and hydrostatic pressure. Other distinctions include materials used and how they are applied, along with different regulations and building codes for each.
This article covers the differences and similarities, and practical uses for both and what might work best for you.
What Are the Main Differences Between Damp Proofing and Waterproofing?
Hydrostatic Pressure
The main distinction between waterproofing and damp proofing and what is an appropriate course of action would be water pressure. If moisture is coming into your home due to hydrostatic pressure, then you would typically need to ask for a waterproofing expert to complete a survey and treat your property for waterproofing to prevent further leaks.
Hydrostatic pressure is essentially the force created by groundwater against a property’s foundational walls and floor slabs. Water is incredibly dense and heavy and, when there’s enough of it such as after flooding or lack of proper drainage, it creates pressure on those foundations, allowing water to seep through concrete or degrade and crack walls. Damp proofing can’t withstand this kind of pressure, which is where waterproofing methods come in.
Capillary Action
Another way water can seep into your property is through capillary action. This is the process of moisture being pulled into small gaps and cracks in a property’s structure, as water attaching itself to the material is stronger than the water molecules sticking to each other. Lots of materials used to build a property have lots of microscopic channels and often draw water into these spaces. Due to the size of these spaces, the pull of the water doesn’t get impacted by gravity, allowing the water to be drawn up or along into a structure.
What Is Waterproofing?
Waterproofing is the process of protecting your property from water that is likely to penetrate your property from the outside, normally moisture that is going to be propelled by some kind of hydrostatic pressure. Here at Timberwise we specialise in the protection of below ground structures with dedicated basement waterproofing.
This covers things like flood water, running water, water that collects in the soil surrounding a basement and naturally flows through the soil until it comes into contact with your basement.
Basically, a below-ground waterproofing system is a moisture control solution for your property that is also capable of withstanding hydrostatic pressure.
This can be applied in three different ways, as regulated by BS8102:2022, the British Standard for belowground waterproofing.
The first method, known as Type A Waterproofing (or tanking) is quite literally a waterproof solution sprayed or applied to the exterior or exterior of a property that stops moisture travelling through entirely. This means that no water can penetrate the walls and into into the property, but it could lead to that same moisture and pressure being directed somewhere else on the property that didn’t previously have a moisture control problem.
There is also Type B Waterproofing, which involves the use of waterproof materials in the actual construction of the property itself. Chances are if you own a property this option is off the table, as it is the building materials themselves that keep potential water ingress at bay.
Then you have Type C Waterproofing. Known as a cavity drainage system, this is a form of waterproofing that doesn’t stop water from entering your property, but instead collects it before it reaches the interior of the property within what’s known as a cavity drainage membrane. The collected liquid is then channelled to a sump pump, which pumps the water away from the property.
Whilst all of these are working and proven methods of waterproofing a basement, they are all totally ineffective when it comes to protection from rising damp, or even from the build up of condensation.
What is Damp Proofing?
Damp proofing is different to waterproofing in that most damp proofing is designed to stop pressure free moisture from entering your property.
The main form of damp proofing we can reference here is a damp proof course. A damp proof course, or DPC, is a preventative measure usually injected into a properties walls to stop rising damp from spreading upwards into a property and causing damage, dry rot, wet rot, or black mould from setting in.
Rising damp occurs when moisture in the ground enters a properties brickwork and travels upwards through a process known as capillary action. The damp proof course sits about 150mm above the ground, drilled and injected directly into the brickwork.
If installed correctly, the DPC will stop rising damp from occurring, spreading, or even from continuing an existing affliction. However, that damp proof course will do very little to prevent a flood or a leak.
This is the key difference between damp proofing and waterproofing. Whilst waterproofing might protect from various types of water ingress, damp proofing is usually a solution specified for a certain problem.
Which One Do I Need?
Depending on the problem in your property you may only need one of the solutions presented in this article. It all hinges on whether you feel that you can properly spot a case of damp within your property, or if you feel comfortable in identifying a leak when you see one.
If you do believe that damp is the primary cause of moisture in your properties walls, floors, or other assets, then damp proofing or alleviation is the way to go.
If you believe that a leak, or consistent water ingress is the reason your property is suffering from damp walls, then you need to look into waterproofing solutions.
However, it is important to remember that sometimes these two factors are going to be linked.
In a basement for example you many find that a leak through your properties brickwork has caused what is known as penetrating damp to set in within the walls, in which case you might need to employ both waterproofing as well as some damp alleviation methods to fully dry out your basement and keep the room in good condition.
This can be a lot of information to take in and understand – and for many trying to tell apart the difference between what is a leak and what is damp it’s easy to get confused. If you are struggling to tell what will solve your moisture ingress problems, then arrange a survey with one of our trained experts.
Summary
We have nearly 60 years of damp proofing and waterproofing experience in homes across the UK. Our team of surveyors are highly qualified in being able to identify moisture sources within a building, as well as developing a tailor-made solution to remediate the issue.
If you think you have damp in your property or you’re in need of a comprehensive waterproofing solution, we’re happy to help. You can arrange a survey with us by calling 0800 288 8660 or requesting one online.
