When any kind of work is done on any type of floor, one of the main issues to consider is the effect rising damp may have on the environmental conditions of your working areas.
Before getting your new floor installed, it really does pay to be aware of the many risks that rising damp can pose. Without the right information on the risks of rising damp, you could be facing costly floor repairs in the future or may even need to re-do the entire installation!
What all you need to know about Rising Damp and your floors
In this article, our team of flooring specialists discuss exactly what rising damp is, the risks it poses, how you can recognise if your floor has rising damp and how you can deal with damp and guard against it happening in the future.
What Exactly is Rising Damp?
Rising damp is, as the name suggests, caused by moisture moving upwards through walls and floors. Generally, water gathering underneath the building structure itself is the cause of rising damp. Rising damp can cause mould issues which can lead to significant health risks to your customers and employees. Rising damp can also result in your floor becoming warped, cracked and damaged.
How do I know if my premises has Rising Damp?
There are a few signs to be on the lookout for if you suspect your place of business has rising damp issues. Firstly, if you can smell a musty or earthy odour this could be a sign of mould that has formed as a result of rising damp. Dark spots on floors or walls are also indicators of mould and rising damp. If you have skirting boards, then salt deposits may form above them as the moisture evaporates. Crumbling concrete or mortar are also signs of rising damp.
How to Deal with and Guard against Rising Damp
Often, there is no solution but to replace your flooring if you have a major problem with rising damp. Commercial or industrial floors generally need to be of a certain height to protect against damp. This is required by health and safety legislation. Older buildings, however, may not necessarily comply with these regulations. If there is an obvious cause of water leaking, such as a broken pipe, you will need to rectify the cause straight away. If not, then you may need to have a protective coating applied to your floor, whether you replace the entire floor or just repair the existing flooring.
Want to discover more ways to deal with and prevent rising damp?
If you have or suspect that you have rising damp under the flooring in your place of work, we advise you to speak with one of the team from Clifford Flooring right away to discuss what your options are. Our team are on hand to help you and your employees and customers stay safe, stay dry and get the most out of your flooring.
