I recently got a call from a client saying he has slight leakage and dampness to be correct. The leakage is just above the skirting tile near the floor. What can be done?
We generally overlook the presence of small damp patches originating near the floor above the skirting. Only with time in 2/3 years this damp patch has risen to greater heights and spread to other parts of the built space we call home or office.
Reasons for these leakages can be many:
1. If the space is located at the ground level the reasons can be due to the subsoil or waterlogging in rains.
2. On higher floors the sources are invariable like:
a. From the wet room
b. Due to fault plumbing lines
c. At times due to ad-hoc additions/alternations
d. Spilling of water from Washing machines or even water purifies if not placed in a proper location.
e. Blockage in the drain line
f. Openings of joints in the floor of wet areas.
Regardless of the source of leakage, the damage increases over time, leading to the deterioration of the paint surface, growth of microbial bacteria, and eventual debonding of the plaster, which further enhances the rate of absorption of moisture even from the atmosphere, particularly during rains.
Ideally, it's important to identify the source of leakage with thermal imaging along with a moisture meter so that it is plugged at the first sight of dampness in walls, if left unattended it can lead to increased cost as well as an inconvenience as the deboned plaster shall have to be replaced involving water-proofing coating of the wall.