The effects damp can have on buildings
It is important to be aware that there are different types of dampness with each having a different solution. The types of dampness that you might find are:
Rising Damp
Rising Damp is caused by moisture rising up through porous masonry and is usually found in older buildings constructed without a damp proof course or where the existing damp proof course has failed or has been bridged. Moisture carries with it soluble ground salts, including nitrates and chlorides, which can be deposited into the masonry as rising damp evaporates.
The effects of long term rising damp on a home can take the form of low level decorative spoiling and staining of paintwork and wall papers, plaster damage and salt contamination as well as the decay of timber skirtings, joinery and structural floor timbers. Rising damp is the result of capillary moisture and will therefore never take the form of 'free surface moisture' or 'water droplets' on a wall.
Remedial treatment of rising damp would normally involve the introduction of a chemical injection damp proof course using liquid silicone based materials or injectable 'mortar based' grouts. Severe dampness will also result in plaster damage and contamination and therefore replastering of the walls is generally required to provide a dry 'non-spoiling' decorative finish and to complete the system of damp control. The new plasterwork has an important function to perform and must be able to prevent hygroscopic salts passing to the surface from the underlying masonry substrate.
Lateral penetrating dampness
Lateral penetrating dampness normally occurs on external walls where the external ground levels are at a higher level than the internal floors and as a consequence dampness penetrates the walls fabric. A typical example of lateral dampness is in a basement where external walls are built against the external (subterranean) ground. Other causes of lateral dampness can be due to raised gardens and soil levels, flower beds, abutting garden walls, paths and pavements.
Methods of controlling penetrating dampness below ground level would depend mainly on the proposed use and the level of dryness required. Vertical waterproofing or tanking can take different forms and when applied correctly can provide dry walls & floors by either using cementitious slurries, water proof render systems or cavity drainage membranes.
Vertical penetrating dampness
Vertical penetrating dampness is caused by building defects and poor building maintenance. Roof defects, leaking, blocked guttering and downpipes, will contribute to the most common causes of dampness and are proven to be responsible for a high percentage of dry rot attacks caused on buildings.
Cracked rendering, defective pointing, external coatings and blocked cavities, along with inadequate window and door sealants are also responsible for moisture ingress, along with internal plumbing defects and poor external drainage.
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Mains/Grid Isolation and Surge Protection
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A whole house surge protector is installed to provide protection from transient overvoltages originating from the mains/grid. A whole house surge protector is installed directly inline and as close as possible to the incoming mains/grid supply meter, this allows for surge protection for all circuits and equipment including solar inverters, routers, stereos and other sensitive electrical equipment within the network. The addition of a 100Amp lockable isolator also allows for safe and convenient isolation of all electrical equipment within the network including consumer units, solar inverters, battery storage units and EV chargers from the mains/grid in one place. Surge protectors are in compliance with the recently updated 18th edition amendment 2 of BS7671. |
Solar PV Surge Protection (DC Surge Protection)
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DC surge protection devices (SPDs) are installed between the solar panels and the solar inverter to protect both the solar inverter and the downstream electrical equipment from transient overvoltages of an atmospheric origin impacting the electrical system via the DC side of the system / the solar panels. DC Surge protectors are in compliance with the recently updated 18th edition amendment 2 of BS7671. |
Articles: Further Information, Calculators & Solar Inverter Fault Codes
Lots of articles, calculators and technical information including links for further reading. Covering a range of topics related to the installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic and electrical systems in the UK.
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Engineering Recommendation G98Grid Connections for Micro-Generators including Solar PV Systems and Elecricity Storage Systems in the UK. Under 16Amps Per Phase, grid synchronised. BSI - PAS 63100:2024 - Protection Against Fire of Battery Energy Storage Systems for use in DwellingsThis Publically Available Specification (PAS) from the British Standards Institution (BSI) was sponsored by The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Although not yet a British Standard, this guidance was developed in response to an urgent demand for clarity as to good practice across the industry including product, service and process standards. How to provide backup power to a house using a portable generatorIn this article we show you how to provide backup power to your home using a portable diesel, petrol or LPG backup generator. We look at changeover switches, the importance of earthing, backup generator loadings, how to isolate non essential loads. We ask where to locate the backup generator when it's in operation, how best to safely isolate the grid/mains power supply and switch to a backup generator supply. Ground Faults, Isolation (ISO) Faults, RISO Low Faults and Insulation Resistance Faults with Solar PV SystemsAfter a number of years exposed to wind, rain, snow, ice and sometimes animals; solar panel systems can start to develop faults. The most common faults we find related to exposure are ground faults, isolation (ISO) faults, RISO low faults and insulation resistance faults. In this article we take a look at what these faults are, the possible causes and what steps are taken to identify and resolve them. |
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