Author of the article PhD. in Physics Juan Vinyes
When encountering rising damp in basements, it is advisable to employ the Electro-Physical system HS-221 for drying purposes prior to initiating the rehabilitation process. Otherwise, any rehabilitation efforts on damp walls or floors will deteriorate within a maximum period of one year.
Walls are deemed dry when their water content falls bellow 6% by weight.
Accurate measurement of the humidity level within walls is crucial. This guarantees that the wall is restored once it becomes dry and devoid of capillary moisture.
Drying walls affected by rising damp using the HS-221 system
Analyzing the Type of Moisture in Walls is Essential Before Choosing a Drying Method.
If the moisture originates from the ground or infiltrates laterally in basements, it is classified as capillary humidity. In such cases, the Electro-Physical system HS-221 is capable of efficiently drying walls and floors. Subsequently, walls can be prepared for rehabilitation, and the following steps must be strictly followed to ensure the effectiveness of the process:
-1 Remove salts that manifest on the wall surface by using a wire brush or cloth for scraping. While anti-salt products are effective, avoid opting for the least expensive option. This effect can also be attained by cleaning the wall or tapping the most deteriorated portions. Eliminating deteriorated plaster caused by moisture is vital, as it is hygroscopic and absorbs surrounding humidity, resulting in moisture patches on the wall.
-2 Restore any damaged wall sections with lime mortar to enhance wall breathability.
-3 If you intend to paint the walls, opt for silicate paints that offer breathability and durability.
If you're planning to paint the walls, consider using silicate paints that offer both breathability and durability. Silicate paints play a crucial role in determining the longevity of the drying process and its subsequent maintenance.
In the scenario where rehabilitation is required prior to drying, a solution has proven effective in numerous cases. This approach involves an initial cleaning of the wall, tapping the areas affected by moisture, and applying a layer of high-quality lime mortar. This strategy can postpone capillary effects for up to a year, allowing ample time for the HS-221 system to dry the wall before the moisture causes further damage.
Our system exclusively transmits through walls and floors, making it the swiftest method for drying surfaces affected by capillary moisture. The key factor in choosing the appropriate model is knowing the square footage of the building's lowest floor. Humitat Stop offers a broad range of equipment, each with varying power levels, capable of covering areas from 50m2 to 2500m2 with a single device.
It's crucial that the equipment is securely affixed to the load-bearing wall without any intervening layers of materials such as ceramic, marble, foam, plastic, or wood. Direct contact with the wall significantly enhances the effectiveness of transmission within the wall.
Optimal results are achieved when the system is installed on an exterior-facing load-bearing wall, preferably on a smooth surface that's at least 15cm thick. The recommended installation height is around 30cm from the floor, positioned near an electrical outlet.
By observing these installation guidelines, it's feasible to achieve complete drying of an entire ground floor in under 4 months for walls constructed with brick or concrete blocks. For older and thicker walls (>30 inches) composed of earth stones, sand, and some cement, the drying process can be accomplished in less than 9 months.
If you'd like to share your specific situation, you can contact us and send photos. We assure you of a diagnosis within 24h.
Created by Humitat Stop SL