Lateraland Penetrating Damp

Problems normally occur where external ground levels are higher than existing damp-courses and internal floor levels, and where damp internal concrete floors are not isolated from existing masonry walls. A common occurrence with split-level homes on sloping building sites with internal supporting walls having "fill" higher on one side of the wall than the other. Basements commonly exhibit moisture contamination permeating through the walls from the external higher soil levels. Surface salt deposits would also be apparent.

As with Rising damp similar symptoms are visible:

• Blistering
• Salt-ridden and flaky paint
• White salt powdered residue
• Powdery disintegrating mortar and plaster
• Rotting timber skirting-boards and door-frames
  

Other common causes of- lateral or penetrating damp is:

• Internal plumbing leaks
• Shower bases
• Garden sprinklers
• Flower boxes
• Poor storm water drainage
• Leaking down-pipes or gutters