Sealing Concrete Floor-Wall Joints
Discussion
Hi!
We have an ongoing issue with moisture low down in parts of internal walls and have been advised that the solution is to form deep seal
floor joints/fillets.
Does anyone have any experience of this, or know of someone who would be able to advise and do the job?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Jazzer
We have an ongoing issue with moisture low down in parts of internal walls and have been advised that the solution is to form deep seal
floor joints/fillets.
Does anyone have any experience of this, or know of someone who would be able to advise and do the job?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Jazzer
The chemical DPC treatments (nite the plural) did nothing. The DPC is present, but is being bridged. We’re looking to remove plaster to expose the DPC , and seal floor-wall joints.
It’s this latter aspect that we need advice and direction on…..it’s hard finding someone with experience of this who can do the job!
It’s this latter aspect that we need advice and direction on…..it’s hard finding someone with experience of this who can do the job!
If a CDPC has been installed then the accepted practice with a solid floor is to tank (google Vandex/Thoroseal) from the floor to the new DPC. This is a simple DIY task, you mix it up and brush apply.
However, a CDPC in a 4" wall is largely ineffective, it's usually not possible to diffuse a meaningful amount of fluid in such a narrow mortar bed.
Another way of dealing with the issue is to fit taller skirting with a small air gap below, hacking off the plaster to just below the top of the skirting. The theory being that the original dpc, although bridged, is only going to allow minor damp to bypass it. This method allows the moisture to evaporate naturally.
However, a CDPC in a 4" wall is largely ineffective, it's usually not possible to diffuse a meaningful amount of fluid in such a narrow mortar bed.
Another way of dealing with the issue is to fit taller skirting with a small air gap below, hacking off the plaster to just below the top of the skirting. The theory being that the original dpc, although bridged, is only going to allow minor damp to bypass it. This method allows the moisture to evaporate naturally.
Bare in mind I haven't seen it so I am making some assumptions!
Don't tank up the wall, leave it as exposed brick behind the skirting. If using timber skirting coat the rear with a fungicide before fitting. Use plastic spacers to fit the skirting, not timber packers.
You're aiming to allow minor damp to evaporate without rotting the skirting and avoiding the damp staining your plaster. The risks to the fabric if it doesn't work are minimal (you have no timber floor structure that could rot).
Don't tank up the wall, leave it as exposed brick behind the skirting. If using timber skirting coat the rear with a fungicide before fitting. Use plastic spacers to fit the skirting, not timber packers.
You're aiming to allow minor damp to evaporate without rotting the skirting and avoiding the damp staining your plaster. The risks to the fabric if it doesn't work are minimal (you have no timber floor structure that could rot).
Jazzer said:
The chemical DPC treatments (nite the plural) did nothing. The DPC is present, but is being bridged. We’re looking to remove plaster to expose the DPC , and seal floor-wall joints.
It’s this latter aspect that we need advice and direction on…..it’s hard finding someone with experience of this who can do the job!
Did they hack the previous plaster off? And have they stopped short of the floor when they have replastered?It’s this latter aspect that we need advice and direction on…..it’s hard finding someone with experience of this who can do the job!
Are,you doing the work yourself OP? Maybe worth trying some of these Dryrod dpc, whilst the skirting is off, not overly expensive and if you can drill a12mm hole, you can install them.
I would rather have someone who knows what they’re doing do the work, and would happily pay.
I’d never again employ the usual cowboys, who just want o inject and cover up problems for a few months, without taking time to establish what the underlying cause is.
We’re based in Essex, so if you know or can recommend someone, please let me know.
Thank you for these very helpful replies.
I’d never again employ the usual cowboys, who just want o inject and cover up problems for a few months, without taking time to establish what the underlying cause is.
We’re based in Essex, so if you know or can recommend someone, please let me know.
Thank you for these very helpful replies.
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