Fighting Water Penetration in Flooring with Damp Proof Membrane
September 23rd, 2010
Question: My new home is set up in a damp location. Hence my flooring is susceptible to water penetration all the time. Is there any thing using which I can prevent the water penetration to protect my flooring? What is its effect on environment?
Answer: Water penetration has always been one of the prime causes of deterioration of any construction or building structure. Since the ground structure is most susceptible to such water penetration, they are more vulnerable to damages due to such penetration. Presence of excessive moisture can result in growth of moulds as well as rotting fungus. Such penetration not only effects the construction adversely but also creates a lot of health hazards in consequences. In addition the existing building regulations require constructions to be designed in such manner that the ground structure or any other part of the building does not sustain damages due to water penetration or sipping. If you are facing such problems there is no reason for you losing heart as damp proof membrane can resolve your problem with ease and convenience.
Many providers and manufacturers have come up with their own brand of damp proof membrane and each of them claims their product to be the best of the lot. These membranes ensure that water does not get into the interior of the structure and cause damages as well as health hazards. At the same time by protecting the structure from damages, it helps maintain the décor and design of your structure. The item is particularly beneficial for flooring in moist areas. Of course you must select your brand and provider carefully. Making a little study on the backgrounds of the provider and the history and feedback of other users on the membrane would be great help in this regard.
One of the best categories of damp proof membrane is the first sustainable DPM. Since they are manufactured using 100% post-use polythene wastes, it also greatly helps environmental protection as it helps diverting wastes from the landfills. Another very good feature of these products is that they are recycled 100% and yet does not compromise the performance aspects. Since they do not result in producing any factory reprocessed waste, the color is maintained using the sustainable sources of post used polymer. The best part of it is that qualitative membrane will always maintain performance levels that are equivalent to the leading PIFA DPM ranges.
Normally the damp proof membrane is available in 250, 300 as well as 500 mu grades. They are also installed just like the traditional membranes. End users often marvel at regarding the benefits to be derived from post use recycling of polythene. The greatest advantage is environmental balance maintenance. Recycling process mean that the materials exist in the environment and they are not exhausted causing ecological imbalances. Resource conservation thus is the greatest advantage you have.
Use of recycled damp proof membrane will not only reduce the environmental impacts but can also reduce the energy consumption quite substantially. Production of sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide are also reduced by at least 66%. At the same time the installation process is easy as it follows the installation of traditional membrane. And when it comes to performance it easily out maneuvers the traditional membrane types and is also highly durable and robust.
