Client: Commercial property
The focus of this report is a commercial property based in Edinburgh. We were called to complete a free survey of the property to assess levels of damp. It’ is an 1800 traditional stonework property. During the assessment, we found damp issues that were more than likely a case of penetrating damp rather than rising damp, although the root cause of the damp was not immediately apparent. Weather conditions the day of our assessment were sunny and dry.
Challenges
Our inspection was not restricted to any specific areas of the property. The property was not occupied as it had been recently purchased and was being prepared for refurbishment. However, our inspection was restricted by the building’s fitted units, stored items, fitted floor coverings, and dry linings, though we were able to reposition and move where possible.
Observations
The crux of the issue in this case was internal dampness that wasn’t caused by rising damp, which we found in opposite ends of the property. We noticed there was damp in the plasterboard and wall cavity drain membrane towards the back of the property. As the issue hadn’t arisen from rising damp, it left a larger question of how it had gotten there in the first place.
This meant that the likely reason for the damp pertained to a penetrating damp issue. The property we were inspecting was a ground floor unit, with the additional higher floors being owned and occupied by other tenants. We were unable to ascertain whether the two isolated patches of damp had the same cause or different ones.
We used a conductivity meter to test the levels and extent of damp in the building. These meters are non-destructive ones, and thus only give an indication of moisture content in the masonry but it will give a true reading for timber.
Solutions
For the client, we recommended the installation of a 3 millimetre mesh membrane system in order to drain the water from the walls and prevent further damage from damp. Membrane systems are a cavity drain waterproofing solution which can catch water and drain it away from the walls.
Called cavity drain membranes, they’re often applied internally to basements or floors. These solutions are Type C Waterproofing, as opposed to Type A Waterproofing, which essentially stops water from entering the basement completely. Cavity drain membranes allow water to penetrate before rediverting it away. Water is collected by the actual membrane, trapped in the space between the wall and the membrane, before being diverted to a perimeter drainage channel which then redirects the water to a drainage point, as is the case here, usually a sump pump system. Once fitted, it’s okay for customers to dryline or plaster over the membrane, leaving no trace of it behind. Sump pumps are essential for cavity membranes to work effectively, and do need maintenance over the years.
Do You Want Help with a Damp Solution?
Our dedicated and experienced team in Edinburgh are ready to talk to you about your options for property preservation. Don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 288 8660, or you can request a survey online.
