One of the greatest issues when painting a property, is resolving all the tell tale signs of dampness.
Definition of Structural Dampness
The presence of unwanted moisture in the structure of a building, either the result of intrusion from outside or condensation from within the structure. The most damage to paint systems, and eventually to the substrate and the structure, is caused by excessive moisture in the walls.
Damp can be of three categories:
Condensation due to temperature differences between moisture containing air and the building surfaces.
Rising damp emanates from water in the ground. Rising damp is the common term for the slow upward movement of water in the lower sections of walls and other ground-supported structures by capillary action. The height of the rise is rarely above 1.5m.
Penetrating damp is caused by rain and is also known as descending damp and lateral damp.
Prior to painting, the building needs to be inspected for all signs of dampness. Tell-tale signs of dampness are the deposition of salts on the surface, flaking paint, water staining and discolouration.
Eastcoat painting only uses premium quality paint, the pigments used in premium quality exterior coatings are chemically stable and UV stable under “normal” conditions i.e. moisture levels below 12%. When using quality painting systems, the pigments have the highest rating resistance to acid and alkali but at high moisture levels, soluble salts from the plaster and elsewhere are transported through the coating by the moisture and deposited on the coating surface. The result is discolouration of the surface of the paint and sometimes deterioration of plaster.
Prior to painting, it is essential that causes of dampness are established and cured to ensure lasting results.
