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How to Prevent rising damp from brick sleeper wall penetrating timber floor joist support
Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 3.33 PM
How can I stop the timbers that support the floor of a Victorian cottage and rest upon brick sleeper walls that are set in the ground from getting wet and rotting? Can you place a damp proof material between the wood and the damp bricks and if so how best to secure them .
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
4 Answers
Damp Investigations
Rating: 5 out of 5
This is very easy, get a roll of DPM from a hardware store , it only needs to be wider than the timber .
With a car jack , jack up the timber by 2mm and slip the DPM in, so simple .
Let the timber down, it will stay in place .
Answered3 April 2023
12
Anonymous user
To prevent the timbers from getting wet and rotting, you can take several measures:
Improve drainage: Ensure that the ground around the cottage slopes away from the foundation, so that water is directed away from the sleeper walls.
Ventilation: Ensure that there is adequate ventilation underneath the cottage, as this will help to prevent dampness and condensation.
Repair any leaks: Check for any leaks in the roof, gutters, or downspouts, and repair them promptly.
Use treated timber: Use timber that has been treated with a preservative to help protect it from moisture and fungal decay.
Apply a damp-proof membrane: Apply a damp-proof membrane between the timber and the sleeper walls to help prevent moisture from penetrating the timber. This can be done by fixing a plastic membrane or damp-proof course to the sleeper walls, which should be turned up at the edges to prevent water from getting behind it.
Use spacers: To create a gap between the timber and the damp-proof membrane, use plastic spacers, which will help to prevent the timber from coming into direct contact with the damp-proof material.
Inspect regularly: Regularly inspect the timbers to ensure that they are not showing signs of rot or decay. If you do notice any problems, address them promptly to prevent further damage.
By implementing these measures, you can help to prevent the timbers from getting wet and rotting, and extend the life of your Victorian cottage.
Answered3 April 2023
1
Anonymous user
Yes, you can place a damp proof material between the wood and the damp bricks to prevent the timbers from getting wet and rotting. The most commonly used damp proof material is a Damp Proof Course (DPC), which is a waterproof membrane.
To install a DPC, you need to follow these steps:
-Remove any existing damp or rot from the timbers and the sleeper walls.
-Clean and dry the timber and sleeper walls thoroughly.
-Cut the DPC to the required length and width so that it covers the entire surface of the sleeper walls that the timbers rest on.
-Place the DPC on top of the sleeper walls and wrap it around the timber.
-Secure the DPC in place using a suitable adhesive or fixings such as clout nails or screws.
-Ensure that the DPC is tightly sealed around the timber and there are no gaps.
-Check the DPC regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and replace it if necessary.
It is also important to ensure that there is adequate ventilation in the subfloor space to prevent moisture buildup. This can be achieved by installing air vents or a ventilation system to allow for air circulation.
Answered3 April 2023
1
Top Trowel
Rating: 1 out of 5
Without taking the floor up then all you can do is lift the floor from below and pop in some dpc between the joists and the masonry underneath this will stop any more dampness coming through
Answered2 May 2023
0