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3 Tips for Combating Rising Damp in Your Garden

Have you recently noticed elevated levels of moisture on your exterior walls because of rising damp? Anytime pooling water is either next to or directly underneath a home, there is a high probability that rising damp will occur and cause structural damage. You will also likely experience the presence of algae, moss and mold.

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While the best practice for moisture control is impregnating a wall with a water-resistant solution, waterproofing or adding drainage where there is moisture-rich soil, the experts at https://www.vochtbestrijdingsnel.be/vochtbestrijding also wanted to offer these three do-it-yourself tips for combating the rising damp in your garden.

1. Inspect Your Garden Soil for Water Saturation

Garden Soil

The location of your garden is a primary contributor for rising damp. It is beneficial to inspect your soil routinely for water saturation if your garden bed is near your home’s foundation. Inspecting for rising damp, settlements, soil caving, structural damage and fungal decay will minimize the costs associated with moisture control.

The sooner you notice it, the lesser the damage that will require cleanup, repair and — in some cases where mold is present — remediation and restoration. While plant hydration is vital to growth, an overabundance of water will cause moisture. A water meter will give you the most accurate water level, but a gardening tool will show if the soil is too wet.

2. Remove Soil That is Higher Than the Foundation

soil

Many people have a small plant, flower or vegetable garden in their yards. When necessary, remove any soil buildup that is higher than your home’s foundation as it is a common source for moisture because of rain, gutter runoffs and watering applications. You should also be aware of other structures if your garden is close to your neighbors.

You will need to gather the following gardening tools to prepare for soil removal properly:

  • Wheelbarrow or bucket, depending on soil amount
  • Digging spade
  • Gardening trowel
  • Gardening knife to remove small plant roots
  • Gardening secateurs to remove tree roots that can cause pipes to burst

3. Waterproof Your Home

Waterproof

If you find that rising damp is a continual problem, you will benefit significantly from a professional assessment and leak detection. Speaking with experts about moisture control techniques that prevent future occurrences also help you establish needed treatment like facade impregnation, waterproofing and drainage applications.

The most common signs of rising damp are a brownish or yellowish discoloration and mold. After damp evaporates, you will notice the formation of white saltpeter deposits that bubble in the plaster.

There may also be a deterioration of the lower concrete, bricks, blocks, wood and skirting. As moisture and mold tend to travel, it is possible that you will experience damage and deterioration on any of your exterior or interior walls.

As you gain more knowledge about rising damp, you will have access to a wealth of information that will allow you to implement these tips in future gardening practices. You also will know how to properly inspect your property to reduce financial losses at the onset of any of these signs.

About the Author Laura Bennett

Hello, I’m Laura Bennett. I love nature especially when it comes to flowers and different kinds of plants. I started a very small garden behind my house and I named it Humid Garden. So, I created this blog to provide aspiring and inspiring thoughts about gardening for gardeners and anyone who has the intention of keeping a garden.

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