Have you ever seen damp spots at the base of your walls, peeling paint or white efflorescence on the façade? It is likely that water is rising from the ground through the building materials?

Rising damp is a silent but destructive problem that is common in buildings with stone walls, especially in basements, ground floors and old buildings or those without damp barriers. This phenomenon occurs when water from the subsoil rises through the pores of the building material, and if not resolved, it can weaken the structure, deteriorate the finishes, affect the aesthetics and promote the appearance of mould and efflorescence.

To effectively address this problem, it is essential to understand its causes and apply appropriate solutions to stop the moisture and protect the façade, requiring a two-pronged solution:

1. Stop the rise of humidity at its source, with Capillarity Stop
2. Protect the surface of the wall or facade against future leaks with Deco-Sil.

The perfect combination of Capillarity Stop and Deco-Sil DECOLOR Paints offers a comprehensive and long-lasting solution for dry and protected walls

Why does rising damp appear on walls?

Rising damp occurs when excess water in the ground is absorbed by porous construction materials such as bricks, concrete, mortar, sandstone or any absorbent natural stone. Although these materials are known for their hardness, their porous nature and the possible degradation of the materials over time allows the absorption of water, which causes the appearance of rising damp, dragging salts and other minerals causing:

• Mold and salt stains that damage the aesthetics of the walls.
• Structural deterioration that can weaken the wall over time.
• Peeling of paint and coatings due to moisture build-up.
• Humid and unhealthy environments, promoting allergies and respiratory problems.

Ignoring these signs can lead to costly repairs and compromise the durability of the building.

This process is facilitated by several causes, the main ones being:

• Areas with high environmental humidity or soils with water accumulation: Excess water in the soil, whether due to heavy rainfall or inadequate drainage, being close to the sea or simply the effect of environmental humidity, increases the likelihood that it will be absorbed by walls.

• Absence of waterproofing barriers on the base or poorly waterproofed: In many old or not so old buildings, where anti-humidity barriers were not incorporated into the foundations, or they have inadequate coatings that retain moisture, this facilitates the rise of water by capillarity.

• Deterioration of materials and joints over time: Construction materials can deteriorate over time, increasing their porosity and, consequently, their water absorption capacity.

Consequences of rising damp:

• Structural fragility due to material degradation: The constant presence of humidity weakens and deteriorates the materials, compromising the stability of the wall.
• Peeling of paints and coatings: Humidity causes paints and other finishes to peel or crack.
• Appearance of mold, fungi and salt efflorescence: The humid environment favors the growth of fungi and the formation of saline deposits on the surface of the walls.
• Humid and unhealthy environments that affect air quality: Mold proliferation can trigger respiratory problems and allergies in residents

Avoiding these humidity problems is simple if they are done in time and correctly. To do this, an effective solution is essential to block the rise of humidity at its source and protect the surface of the façade with the appropriate products.

Step 1: Block rising damp at the base with Capillarity Stop

How does it work? Capillarity Stop?

This first measure consists of preventing groundwater from rising up the walls. This is achieved by injecting Capillarity Stop into strategically distributed perforations, which form a waterproof chemical barrier at the base of the wall, stopping moisture without affecting the breathability of the wall. This treatment seals the pores of the material, preventing water absorption without compromising the breathability of the wall. To do this, we will proceed as follows:

1. Professional diagnosis: Before any action, it is important that a specialist evaluates the degree of humidity and the specific conditions of the wall.

2. Preparation of the area to be treated: The surface is cleaned and damaged coatings are removed to facilitate the application of the treatment.

3. Drilling and injection of the Capillarity Stop: Drill holes are made at the base of the wall, the holes will be drilled in line with a spacing of 10 to 12 cm between them depending on the absorption of the support, where the waterproofing product will be injected, creating the anti-humidity barrier.

Benefits of Capillarity Stop

• It creates a barrier that blocks the rise of humidity by capillarity.
• Suitable for walls and walls made of stone, brick, concrete, cement, sandstone or any absorbent natural stone.
• Maintains the breathability of the wall, preventing internal condensation.
• Great penetration and dispersion power on wet surfaces.
• It does not generate salts or efflorescence, nor does it alter the finish of the treated support.
• It does not require invasive works or major renovations or maintenance, which reduces application costs compared to other conventional systems.
• Quick application without the need for major works.
• Environmentally friendly. Contains no organic solvents, is non-toxic and non-corrosive.

This treatment with Capillarity Stop It prevents moisture from continuing to rise, although for it to be complete it is necessary to protect the exterior surface of the wall to prevent new infiltrations.

Step 2: Protect the facade with Deco-Sil of environmental humidity

Once the rising capillary moisture from the base has been blocked, it is essential to protect the surface of the wall to prevent future leaks by applying a breathable, waterproof and water-repellent coating that protects the façade without sealing the pores of the material, and prevents rainwater from penetrating the wall.

Why choosing Deco-Sil is the best option?

Deco-Sil by DECOLOR Paints It is a smooth coating based on silicone resin, waterproof and breathable with high water resistance. with the key advantage of allowing the wall to breathe, allowing the water vapour accumulated inside the wall to escape, preventing residual moisture from being trapped and causing long-term damage such as the appearance of damp stains, mould and efflorescence.

Advantages of Deco-Sil

• Waterproofs the façade against rain and environmental humidity:  Effectively prevents water from entering from outside, protecting the wall from inclement weather.
• Maintains breathability without altering its appearance: It allows internal moisture to evaporate, preventing the accumulation of water inside the wall.
• Prevents the appearance of mold, algae and efflorescence.
• Reduce maintenance and extend coating life: It provides a resistant, durable and attractive finish, improving the appearance of the façade and reducing the need for maintenance by repelling dirt.

Capillary damp or rising damp is a serious problem that requires immediate attention to avoid further damage to the structure and the health of the inhabitants. This combination of Capillarity Stop and Deco-Sil DECOLOR Paints is perfect for having dry and protected walls, which not only solves the problem at its root, but also guarantees greater durability and resistance to the façade.

If you detect signs of damp on your walls, act as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Contact the specialized professionals at Pinturas DECOLOR. If necessary, we will offer you an accurate diagnosis and solutions tailored to the specific needs of your building so that you can apply the best long-term solution.