As a homeowner, one of the major concerns you should have is protecting your home from any moisture and moisture damage. In addition to health reasons,  protecting your property from moisture is an excellent way to maintain its structural integrity. This is why damp proofing is very important and in this article, we have highlighted everything you need to know about damp proofing your home’s foundation and basement.

Why damp proofing?

By damp proofing the walls of your foundation or basement (i.e., below ground level), you are essentially preventing moisture (soil moisture) from entering your property.

Although most homes built after the 1950s will typically have a damp proof course (DPC) already installed, it can begin to fail after several years and will need to be replaced. A mixture containing either asphalt or tar is commonly used for foundation damp proofing. The mixture which is applied to the outside walls of the foundation, bonds to the walls and forms a seal that prevents any moisture from entering.

When should you damp proof your foundation and basement?

Damp proofing is first done during the construction of a new home as a way of preventing any moisture-related structural damage for several years. However, because of the temporary nature of the various forms of damp proofing, it is possible for them to fail after several years. This means that new damp proofing will be required. 

What are the different methods of foundation and basement damp proofing?

Damp proof membranes

This is one best ways to damp proof your foundation and basement walls. During the installation, a water repellent membrane is placed between the area of the foundation that is susceptible to soil moisture and the area adjacent to it. Depending on individual needs, the water repellent membrane can be vertically or horizontally applied to the susceptible area of the foundation. This membrane can also be applied to a basement or crawl space in a process known as tanking.

Bituminous damp proofing

Another way to maintain the integrity of your property’s foundation is bituminous damp proofing. This involves using a mixture of moisture repellent and any substance, including asphalt and bitumen that is extremely sticky. Its adhesive nature makes it a popular foundation damp proofing method since it can easily stick to any foundation.

Foundation tar

This method is mostly used for damp proofing the exterior part of a foundation wall. It creates a damp proof coating that is impermeable to moisture. Foundation tar tends to add a dark appearance to the foundation, so it is more suited for uninhabitable areas like a crawl space.

Should damp proofing be done on the inside or outside of the foundation?

Damp proofing can be done on either side of a foundation. However, damp proofing from the outside of the foundation is much easier and better as it quickly stops the moisture before it can get to the basement floor.

Before you begin damp proofing from the outside, ensure that any existing damage to the foundation wall is properly repaired. The best method you can use for damp proofing the exterior is a damp proof membrane or course, as it forms an impenetrable barrier, preventing any moisture from reaching your property’s floors.

Damp proofing the interior wall of your basement is also highly effective in sealing up any faults or cracks in the foundation, thus, preventing moisture from getting in. A damp proof membrane or foundation tar is often used for damp proofing the interior. This is because of their ability to stick to surfaces and the fact that they can effectively plug up any cracks that may compromise the foundation.

How often will foundation damp proofing be done?

Since none of the various methods of damp proofing stays on permanently,  your home will most likely require damp proofing every 20-25 years.

The cost of foundation damp proofing

Certain factors such as; the square footage of your property, the damp proofing method you choose, timing and the presence of existing damage to the foundation can affect the total cost of having your foundation and basement damp proofed. Reputable damp specialists London will be able to advise on costs for damp repairs.

Who should carry out foundation damp proofing?

Although some home owners choose to DIY their home’s damp proofing, it is not recommended. Foundation damp proofing is very crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of your home, so hiring a licensed contractor or foundation specialist is always the best option.

Conclusion:

Without a doubt, foundation and basement damp proofing is a building requirement that simply cannot be ignored. In addition to protecting your home’s structural integrity, it ensures that your walls and floors do not develop damp, mould and the health issues that come with it.

Looking to carry out some home improvements? Maybe you’ve grown tired of the painting of your house walls, or you just want your home’s interior to look and feel different. Spray painting your interior walls with a new coat of paint can serve as a way to breathe new life into them while also creating the type of atmosphere you want inside your home. Unfortunately, the process of repainting your whole house can be very time-consuming and requires a level of skill that you most likely don’t have.

So, why not leave it to the experts? Hiring a professional spray painting service is a surefire way to ensure that you get the best quality output. You can even remove radiators for radiator spraying Keep reading to see some of the advantages of hiring professional spray painting services for your home’s interior.

Proper  experience

Professional spray painters are experts who have made careers out of painting which means they have spent years honing their skills and investing in the right kind of training in order to give their clients only the best quality. Also, thanks to their years of experience, they will be familiar with trending patterns and colours among homeowners.

This means that they can always chip in and guide you towards achieving the vision you have for your home. This may be in the form of suggesting innovative patterns and colours that complement the overall look of your home. They can also recommend brands of high-quality paints that will last long without peeling, fading, or cracking.

They use the right tools and equipment

Professional spray painters know the right type of equipment and tools to use in order to get the best quality finish. They know the right tools needed for surface preparation and paint application. Paints are not created the same, and professional spray painters know this. They will know the right paint components that fit different surfaces and areas of your home.

Effective time management

Spray painting your home’s interior by yourself is entirely possible, but if you want to get things done in a timely manner, hiring a professional spray painting service is your best bet. Professional spray painters will place their focus on getting the painting project done within a set timeframe.

Quality work

When it comes to spray painting, achieving the best-quality outcome depends on a number of requirements such as skill and technical know-how, the right kind of equipment, and the best quality of paint. All of these requirements are met by reputable professional spray painting services, which means that their work quality is top-tier, and there won’t be a need to repeat the work.

They are insured

Although the experience and expertise of professional spray painters rarely make them commit painting mistakes, accidents do happen. Most reputable professional spray painting companies offer insurance coverage and this is for your protection in case an accident happens during the job.

Convenience

Having your home spray painted requires a lot of planning to ensure that the process runs smoothly. Professional spray painters can help you map out the entire project before they even begin. This way, you can rest easy while knowing that your project will be carried out the way you want.

Conclusion:

Spray painting is a great way to give your home’s interior a makeover but achieving the vision you have in mind isn’t so easy. The right kind of skill and experience is needed to achieve the best outcome. For this reason, hiring a professional spray painting service is the best option.

Resin-bound driveways are highly durable and low maintenance, with the potential to last up to 20 years. However, there are certain situations where homeowners look to repair or renew their existing resin-bound driveways either because the installation has become cracked, faded or tired. In situations like this, there are a number of ways in which the surface of the resin-bound driveway can be renewed, and it all boils down to the option that best suits your needs.

Fixing cracks

A resin-bound surface material is highly porous and flexible, which means that it has the capacity to withstand movement to a certain level (this is why using a tarmac sub-base is always advised). What this means is that this particular system is less prone to cracks because it can cope better with movement within its base. So on the rare occasion that cracks do form within the resin-bound surface, repairs can be easily carried out by any reputable resin-bound driveway company. In many cases, the company that carried out the initial installation of the driveway will come back and carry out the repairs for you at little to no cost.

Cleaning

One of the benefits of a grey resin driveway is that it requires minimal maintenance. This means that many times, all that is needed to renew your resin-bound surface is a little TLC. A good recommendation will be to sweep the surface with a hard bristled brush (not metal) every 6-12 weeks. This maintains the fresh look of the surface by preventing excess dirt from building up. Another alternative is to use a mixture of regular household detergent and water to scrub the surface before brushing it away. A power-washer can also be used; just ensure to set the fan at least 200mm above the surface and use cold water only.

For surfaces with tyre marks, specialist products like a heavy duty de-greaser and a pressure washer may be required to make removing the marks easier.

Re-sealing

This is done in a series of straightforward steps, which starts with the vacuuming of the surface to de-clog any ingress of dirt from the gaps. The surface is then de-greased, and jet washed with appropriate chemicals to get it clean before a thin coating of resin is applied using a roller. 

In addition to restoring the original fresh and shiny appearance of the surface, re-sealing a resin-bound surface can also improve its anti-slipping properties.

Patch Repairs

This type of repair is usually done on much older resin-bound driveway installations. It can also be done on surfaces that have suffered from damages beyond just cracks. Although this option is ideal for restoring functionality and preventing further crumbling of the surface at a lower cost, it has a downside and the downside is the fact that the patches will be noticeable. So while it is cost-effective, it might not be aesthetically pleasing.

Overlay

This is a more preferable option to patch repairs. It is also effective for renewing a resin-bound surface that has failed. The process simply involves chiselling out around the edges of the current resin-bound surface and scraping back the surface. Once this is done, a new layer of resin-bound material is trowelled onto the base and feathered down to the edges while ensuring that the new surface remains flush with the trim. Although many homeowners tend to shy away from this option for fear of the costs, it is important to bear in mind that an overlay does not necessarily mean starting totally afresh, and in certain cases, it is the more cost-effective option for renewing your resin-bound surface.

Conclusion:

Renewing a faded-looking or cracked resin-bound driveway is always a more cost-effective option than a total replacement. From cleaning and re-sealing to fixing cracks and overlay, there are different ways to give your tired resin-bound driveway a fresh and renewed appearance.