Penetrating Damp





Old houses were built with walls thick enough so that water could not penetrate through. However, in some situations the walls have become either too porous or the location is extremely exposed, such that rain water does penetrate through to the inner face.

The remedies employed to protect the walls were often ineffective or unsightly. The more effective remedies were slate/tile hanging or Mathematical tiling on battens. However, they do not suit every house or every situation.

Sand cement render was used in most situations from 1900 onwards. Cement render invariably cracks allowing rain water in and compounding the problem.

In some situations the use of an external cavity lath membrane, (detailed so it is ventilated) and plastered over with a lime mortar, can be the most effective cure for the problem. It is aesthetically pleasing and is a long term solution to the penetrating damp problem. The inside would then require a month for each inch of wall thickness to dry out

In old buildings, basements still need to breathe and the walls are not often strong enough to take a tanking system.

Tanking systems are of a stronger material than brick or stone so are prone to de-bonding and cracking.


Tanking will not accommodate any building movement.



We would recommend the LSE Membrane system in preference to cement based or epoxy systems, the benefits being:

• The complete system would be guaranteed for a full 10 years by LSE.
• If the system is inspected and serviced annually the guarantee can be extended every 10 years for a further 10 year period.
• The system would be guaranteed by the GPI insurance guarantee so as the work would be guaranteed in the event that LSE should cease trading for any reason.
• The system would be very flexible and would accommodate any movement in the building.
• The system is very fast track to install and there is no drying period.
• The system can be plastered to a finish of your choosing and decorated with any products you wish.
• By installing an internal perimeter drain, sump and pump the system can
  be installed to deal with a certain amount of free flood water.
• The LSE Drain system will conform with BS 8102.
  
  

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