Waterproofing: Positive and Negative Water Pressure

It is important to protect your home from moisture problems. In this context, we talk about positive and negative water pressure. Positive water pressure refers to combating water on the exterior of a building, both below and above ground level, effectively keeping moisture out. Negative water pressure, on the other hand, deals with water intrusion from inside the building. In nine out of ten cases, this applies to renovation or restoration projects where it is not possible to apply waterproofing on the outside.

Penetrating and Rising Damp

Broadly speaking, there are two types of moisture problems: penetrating damp and rising damp.

Penetrating damp occurs when moisture seeps through the outer shell of a building, moving through the cavity wall and spreading towards the interior walls. This issue is most common in porous or damaged exterior walls. To address penetrating damp, both the exterior and interior walls need to be treated. The interior wall should be repaired, for example, using a waterproof plaster mortar. The exterior wall should be impregnated to prevent moisture penetration while allowing the wall to breathe.

Rising damp is caused by groundwater that seeps up from ground level into the foundation and walls of a building. Rising damp can affect both interior and exterior walls. In some cases, moisture from leaks or penetrating damp can also spread upwards through the walls. To prevent further moisture rise, it is crucial to inject the wall with a waterproofing agent, creating a moisture-resistant barrier against rising damp.

Finishing

Repairing, leveling, or smoothing your wall? Then Weber Stucpasta moisture-resistant plaster is essential. This ready-to-use plaster paste allows you to create a smooth and even surface in no time. It can be used to fill small cracks or imperfections in plasterwork and is also suitable for smoothing existing decorative plaster walls.