The term ‘rising damp’ is used to describe the movement of water upwards through the building by capillary action from the ground. The water usually rises through fine cracks in the building. The rising damp then penetrates the internal surface, and there would often be a visible water mark rising up from the bottom of the wall. This moisture will then affect soluble salts from the building materials, and these can form visible deposits on the interior wall surface. A permanent rising damp treatment is required to resolve the problem. Newton Damp Proof Membranes are ideal as they form a barrier between the damp wall and the new wall surface, meaning the damp wall can dry out and the new wall surface is unaffected.
How High Does Rising Damp Actually Rise?
Rising Damp - typically damp rises about 1-1.5 metres
The height to which rising damp goes up the wall depends on a number of factors including the type of wall finish and the extent of the ground dampness. It is usual for rising damp to rise about 1 – 1.5 metres – though deposits of salts may be found higher in the wall.
A rising damp treatment is often required in older buildings, as houses built over a hundred years ago were built without a damp proof course. When there is either no damp proof course or a damp course which is damaged, rising damp can rise from the ground and then penetrate the internal walls. A damp course is essentially a waterproof barrier built into the walls.
Newton Damp Proof Membranes are a quick, easy and permanent rising damp treatment.
- Newton Damp Proof Membranes can either be installed along with a damp proof course or as a stand alone rising damp treatment
- By providing a physical and permanent barrier against rising dampness and the associated hygroscopic salts there is no better way to protect your internal finishes from spoiling
Using Newton Damp Proof Membranes To Treat Rising Damp
Newton 803 Newtonite is ideal for treating rising damp
Newton Damp Proof Membranes are quick and easy to install and form an ideal rising damp treatment
Newton 805 Newlath, and Newton 803 Newtonite damp proof membranes are High Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene membranes which are moulded into a stud formation. The membranes are offered up to the surface of the structure and secured using purpose made fixings.
This solution forms the ideal rising damp treatment as the damp proof membrane itself is completely impervious to dampness, moisture and moisture vapour, salts and other chemical contaminants.
How Does The Damp Proof Membrane Work?
The studs of the damp proof membrane serve to hold the product slightly away from the surface affected by rising damp – forming an air gap behind the membrane in which moisture and vapour can move unhindered. This means that the status quo of the wall remains unchanged so that the rising dampness is not moved higher or to an adjacent area. In addition our membranes use positive vapour pressure to ‘push’ dampness out of the property. Internal vapour pressure is greater than external vapour pressure. The internal pressure moves out to the lower pressure externally to try to equalise. In doing so, any dampness in the air gap between the external wall and the membrane is moved out of the property also. Full details of our damp proofing products can be found here: Newton Damp Proofing Products
Once applied our damp proof membranes can be simply finished using direct plasters, dab fixed plasterboard or used behind dry lining frames.
For rising damp treatment, Newton damp proof membranes act as an impermeable and permanent separation barrier which is guaranteed to prolong the longevity of internal finishes.
To place an order ring 020 7237 1217
Old houses often have damp problems due to the lack of a damp proof course
1. Look around your house – is there a defect, crack or blockage through which water could be getting in?
This could be a sign of a penetrating damp problem. Penetrating damp problems are caused by defects within the building or plumbing system where water has been able to come into the property. A water mark on an internal wall would be a sign of penetrating damp, and can give a good clue as to where the leak is getting through, so check externally in the same area as the watermark for any obvious problems.
DIY solutions -
- check the pipes, drainage and gutters for any blockages including moss, leaves, dead birds etc. Remove the blockage and you might find that the damp problem goes away easily!
- If the guttering is old, it might need to be replaced
- Ensure that any cracks in the walls or window frames are fixed
- Have a good look at the roof. Are there any loose slates? Problems with the roof are a common cause of penetrating damp problems
Continue reading » » » »
How Do I Deal With Penetrating Damp?
Penetrating Damp is present here
Penetrating damp is caused by problems with the building or plumbing issues. It is present where a problem has allowed water to enter the property. Properties near the sea or in exposed areas can suffer damp penetration from driving rain. Symptoms will usually only occur during wet weather, but it can affect roofs and ceilings, along with walls. A watermark might appear on the interior wall, and grow if the water continues to enter.
When there are problems with the roof or gutter, rainwater is in regular contact with the wall and causes saturation. Penetrating damp is far more common in older properties, which have solid walls. A new build property with cavity walls offers more protection and is unlikely to suffer from this type of defect. Penetrating damp can be tricky to diagnose, and often may require expert help.
It is always imperative to diagnose the cause of the dampness, for instance in a damp cellar it will usually be because the external ground levels are higher which means that earth bearing against the structure makes the wall damp. Above the ground buildings in exposed locations or that have porous building substrate can suffer from moisture penetration.
Above ground, Newton System 800 damp proof membranes are ideal for treating penetrating damp. In below ground areas, like a basement or cellar, Newton System 500 cavity drain waterproofing would be the ideal solution
Treating Penetrating Damp
A blocked gutter can cause penetrating damp
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The first step is to check everything in and around the property.
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Look at gutters, downpipes, flashing, rendering and window frames in detail.
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Always make sure that downpipes are unobstructed, and if required think about replacing the guttering.
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The rendering may have cracked, letting in water, or it might be necessary to re-seal any gaps around window frames.
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Check under the window sills to see if the drop groove is blocked with moss or dirt. If so, clear it thoroughly, the blockage might be causing water to seep in to the property.
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A badly fitting roofing felt on a flat roof will also cause damp, as will a cracked wall so these would need to be fixed.
Penetrating Damp and Newton Damp Proof Membranes
When the cause of penetrating damp has been rectified, the internal walls may still be damp and suffering from staining.
Newton 805 Newlath is ideal for treating damp walls
Newton System 800 Damp Proof Membranes are ideal for treating damp walls. The damp proof membranes prevent any moisture and moisture vapour and associated salts and contaminants within the structure affecting the internal finishes by providing a physical barrier between the old surface and the new finish.
This form of damp treatment significantly prolongs the longevity of the internal finishes whilst still allowing for natural evaporation of moisture from the structure and unhindered movement of air to take place in the gap provided by the studs of the membranes. There are many solutions on the market such as the injected damp course but we at John Newton & Company are of the firm opinion that only a waterproof membrane placed between the new surface and the old contaminated surface will result in a permanent solution.
A Guaranteed Damp Proofing Solution
One of Newtons Nationwide Registered Installers can offer a long term insured guarantee for the installation of our damp proofing membrane systems. Please ring 020 7237 1217 for a list of installers in your area.
Flood Damage Has Been Extensive Throughout the UK
Flooding has been a real problem in the UK over recent years, with regular torrential downpours on an unprecedented scale. The floods have not only fully saturated the ground but overwhelmed flood defences and caused flood damage to thousands of homes and offices throughout the country. Experts are telling us that the extended rainfall may be a direct result of global warming but the harsh reality is we are living with the real risk of flood damage to properties global warming or not.
Councils Implement Flood Defence Strategies
Flood damage has been extensive across the UK
Proactive flood defence strategy is now being called on to protect vulnerable towns and cities throughout the UK. Various damp proofing products and systems are available to local councils to protect structures from flood damage and when flood conditions become problematic, the towns which have implemented flood defence have benefited greatly
Unprecedented amounts of rainfall may have overwhelmed major flood defence systems but some properties have been able to weather the effects of flood by installing flood defence measures to properties themselves. Technology has moved on from the basic sandbags across the door threshold to items such as flood gates across the door and windows, tailor made caps for air bricks and even external sump pump stations to capture the water prior to coming against the property.
Eradicating Condensation Mould Permanently
John Newton and Co. are very pleased to announce the addition of our 906 Mould Stop to our range of damp proofing products.
Condensation is a major problem in homes and buildings across the country especially this time of the year and the black spot mould that is indicative of most condensation problems is persistent, unsightly and can be damaging to both decorative finishes and the occupants health.
At Newtons we field calls and enquiries daily regarding problems with condensation. 
We always offer best advice on how to deal with a condensation problem however we know that even when guidance and best advice on how to remove the cause of the condensation has been followed the dreaded mould can return. This is because it can manifest itself in the wall finishes and even after cleaning with something like a strong domestic bleach it can re -germinate! But now if good practice is followed there is no reason that a condensation issue can not be put to bed with the added peace of mind that the troublesome mould will be eradicated permanently with Newton 906 Mould Stop.
Condensation is a bi-product of how we live and the affect this has on the atmospheric moisture levels where we live. Because of the things that we do on a daily basis like showering, bathing, cooking, washing, drying, use of butane gas fires and even breathing most homes suffer from a degree of condensation because these things will increase atmospheric moisture levels. This is fine until the atmospheric moisture levels rise to the point where the molecules of the air become saturated with water. When this happens they can no longer hold the water and this is called ‘Dew Point’. When Dew Point occurs the air molecules will seek to shed water on to the surrounding surfaces. Continue reading » » » »
Newton Membranes have been used to treat severe damp in the Houses of Parliament
We are always being asked about the suitability of our products in relation to their use in Historic and Listed Buildings. Often these types of buildings do not benefit from modern methods of damp or waterproofing and as a result will be subject to rising, penetrating, residual dampness etc. These forms of dampness can have serious detrimental affects to internal finishes and living conditions.
Treating Damp Whilst Maintaining The Integrity Of The Building
When dealing with Listed and historic buildings, it is fundamentally important to maintain the structural and aesthetic integrity of the building, be sympathetic to the structure in terms of the application of a product and still achieve the desired effect. Exhaustive and damaging preparation techniques necessary for the substrate to receive many damp and waterproofing/tanking products are likely to be unacceptable in sensitive conservation areas or for listed buildings. The preparation required will most certainly have a detrimental affect on the structure which in most cases will be irreversible. By this I mean that it would be difficult to return the structure to its original state if required in the future.
The damp injection method is a common way of dealing with damp problems, but it is not necessarily the best approach. Damp proofing membranes are an alternative for the damp injection method for use on damp walls. They act as a permanent remedial solution for problems such as penetrating damp and rising damp. Staining and discolouration, peeling paintwork/finishes, blown plaster, salt and oil contamination etc are signs of damp walls and when untreated will continue to make the wall damp.
Newton Damp Proofing Membranes have been used for many years as an alternative to the damp injection method, to permanently treat such problems.
Newton 805 Newlath used to treat damp in a Grade II Listed Building in Berkshire
When it comes to damp treatment membrane systems, Newton Damp Proofing Membranes are considered to be an effective alternative to most conventional damp proofing methods such as a chemical damp course (DPC), damp injection, cementitious and bitumous paint on coatings and external water repellents. This is because membrane systems generally require minimal preparation and are quick to install. An added advantage is that they are also reversible and can be ventilated.
What Are The Associated Problems With The Damp Injection Approach?
With the damp injection approach, a DPC fluid is used. The active ingredient is then mixed with water as the carrier and so you are effectively introducing more fluid into an already damp wall thus making it wetter! If there is any organic material like timber (skirting boards, door linings, architraves, fixing blocks etc) in contact with the damp wall then there is a risk that wood rotting fungi like dry or wet rot could germinate and in many cases cause serious decay. Membrane systems completely isolate the decorative joinery and timber items from any dampness in the walls thus prolonging their longevity.
What Are The Advantages of Damp Proof Membranes?
Newton Damp Proofing Membranes protect the internal finishes from dampness and salting. They do not rely on correct mixing and a level of chemical reaction and performance to be effective.
Render can be applied directly to Newton Damp Proof Membranes
Another advantage that damp proofing membranes have over injected chemical DPCs and damp Continue reading » » » »
- Treating damp walls with Newton 805 Newlath
Treating damp walls in buildings these days can vary considerably in that there are many products and methods available. John Newton and Company have embraced the latest in plastics technology and we now feel that we have the most up to date and effective systems available for treating damp. Newton damp proof membranes provide a quick , easy and cost affective solution for treating damp walls, for damp problems of almost any kind. Newton damp proof membranes are made from High Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene which means that they are impervious to moisture and moisture vapour. The surface of the membranes are formed into a stud formation so in crude terms they look like big sheets if plastic egg box. The ‘egg box’ stud profile is a major advantage when treating damp.
Advantages Of The Stud Profile Structure When Treating Damp Walls
Whether it is rising damp, penetrating damp, residual damp or condensation related damp the stud profile allows moisture to evaporate from the wall unhindered which means that there is no danger of the dampness being guided else where which is a risk with some other systems. The air gap technology of Newton membranes also means that drying of any residual moisture in the wall is aided as moisture vapour can still evaporate unhindered from the wall behind the membrane which also uses the air in gap to force water outer out through the substrate as the greater air pressure inside tries to equalise to the lower air pressure externally. In this way Newton membranes use physics and physically properties to separate damp wall surfaces from internal finishes thus ensuring prolonged longevity even if the underlying damp problem is persistent or even constant and it would be hard to guarantee that when treating damp by any other method.
Treating a damp wall with Newton 805 Newtonite
Treating damp in buildings these days can vary considerably in that there are many products and methods available. John Newton and Company have embraced the latest in plastics technology and we now feel that we have the most up to date and affective systems available for treating damp.
Newton damp proof membranes provide a quick, easy and cost effective solution for treating damp problems of almost any kind.
Treating Damp With Newton Membranes
Newton membranes are made from High Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene which means that they are impervious to moisture and moisture vapour. The surface of the membranes are formed into a stud formation so in crude terms they look like big sheets if plastic egg box. The ‘egg box’ stud profile is a major advantage when treating damp.
Whether it is rising damp, penetrating damp, residual damp or condensation related damp the stud profile allows moisture to evaporate from the wall unhindered which means that there is no danger of the dampness being guided else where which is a risk with some other systems.
Treating Damp With Air Gap Technology
The air gap technology of Newton membranes also means that drying of any residual moisture in the wall is aided as moisture vapour can still evaporate unhindered from the wall behind the membrane which also uses the air in gap to force water outer out through the substrate as the greater air pressure inside tries to equalise to the lower air pressure externally. In this way Newton membranes use physics and physically properties to separate damp wall surfaces from internal finishes thus ensuring prolonged longevity even if the underlying damp problem is persistent or even constant and it would be hard to guarantee that when treating damp by any other method. Continue reading » » » »
John Newton was established in 1848 by the current chairman's great grandfather
Independent, family run and with a proud heritage spanning over 160 years, John Newton & Company is a market leader in the manufacture of top quality, innovative and highly reliable waterproofing and damp proofing solutions.
How Did It All Start?
John Newton & Company was established in 1848 by the current chairman, Christopher Newton’s great grandfather. He bought animal hair, washed it and sold it as plasterers hair. At the time this was used prolifically in the ceilings of buildings being built in the tremendous expansion of London. The company cornered the market in plasterers hair and over time John Newton developed the product range to include hair felt and other ancillary products. This proceeded well for very nearly a hundred years, but in 1937 British Gypsum invented plasterboard and the market for plasterers hair was somewhat restricted.
