Antidamp WA

Rising damp results from water being drawn up from the ground by capillary action. Due to natural evaporation from the surface of walls, rising damp rarely occurs above a height of 1.5 metres unless forced higher by being sandwiched between 2 impervious layers of render, paint or wall paper. Temporary measures like cleaning the surface, re-plastering or repainting can actually make the situation worse. The rising damp also carries with it hydroscopic salts (nitrates, sulphates and sodium chloride) and as dampness evaporates from the wall surface the salts are deposited in the plasterwork, which build up into a concentration that can absorb moisture from the air making the situation critical.

Waterproofing is one of the most critical, yet neglected subjects in modern building. Water infiltration causes major problems to a structure, first cosmetically then structurally. When correctly installed, waterproofing prevents damage before it occurs by stopping water and moisture from entering the structural areas of the building. Water damage caused by inadequate waterproofing is common to both new and older homes. AntiDamp WA provide various commercial and residential waterproofing solutions.

What Is Concrete Spalling?

When the steel rebar within a concrete slab corrodes and expands, it displaces the concrete around it, causing it to crack and disintegrate.

Signs and symptoms of concrete cancer

• Cracked concrete (concrete spalling)
• Rust stains leaking out of the concrete
• Water leaks from concrete surfaces

When concrete spalling or cracking is evident in areas such as concrete balconies and building facades an assesment should be made to identify and rectify the problem.

Concrete spalling is not only unsightly, but it can become dangerous as pieces of concrete may fall from the structure. The integrity of the structure may also be compromised as the concrete cancer accelerates.