Comparative solutions for treating rising damp

What exactly is rising damp? Imagine water in the ground rising up through the walls of your home. This phenomenon, known as rising damp, occurs when moisture from the ground rises up and enters your house through the foundations, made of porous materials such as brick or concrete, and not protected by any waterproof membrane. The result: damp walls, mould stains and increasingly unhealthy indoor air.

Rising damp doesn’t just damage paint or wallpaper. It can also cause serious structural damage. Water seeps in, causing the walls to crumble and crack. In the long term, this can weaken the very structure of your building. Not to mention the repair costs involved, which can quickly become exorbitant if the problem is not dealt with quickly.

Living in a damp environment is also a health risk. Rising damp encourages the proliferation of mould and fungi. These allergens can cause respiratory problems, allergies and other health concerns, particularly in children, the elderly and those with existing health problems. As well as being unpleasant to look at and smell, these conditions can seriously affect your daily well-being.

Traditional solutions to treat rising damp

Injection moulding of resins

How it works
Injection of resins involves creating a watertight barrier in the walls to prevent water from rising. Hydrophobic resins are injected directly into the walls at regular intervals. These resins spread through the porous materials to form an impermeable barrier that blocks out moisture.

Advantages and disadvantages
One of the main advantages of resin injection is its effectiveness. This method is capable of stopping rising damp in the long term. What’s more, it’s relatively quick to implement and doesn’t require any major work.

However, resin injection also has its drawbacks. Its effectiveness can vary depending on the nature and condition of the walls. In some cases, several injections may be required, which increases costs. What’s more, the application must be carried out by qualified professionals to guarantee optimum results.

Cost and deployment
The cost depends on the surface area to be treated and the condition of the walls. In general, you should expect to pay between 50 and 100 euros per linear metre. Installation requires the intervention of a specialist who will inject the resins using special equipment. The work can take from a few days to a week, depending on the extent of the problem.

Waterproof barriers DPC: the mechanical and chemical solution

Types of barriers
Waterproof barriers can be mechanical or chemical. Mechanical barriers involve the installation of waterproof membranes in walls to physically block rising water. Chemical barriers, on the other hand, use chemicals to create an impermeable barrier in building materials.

Advantages and disadvantages
Mechanical barriers offer a permanent, highly effective solution to rising damp. They are particularly suitable for older buildings where damp is a recurring problem. However, they are often complex and costly to install, requiring extensive masonry work.

Chemical barriers are simpler and quicker to install, but they may not be as durable as mechanical barriers. Their effectiveness also depends on the correct application of the chemicals.

Cost and deployment
Mechanical barriers are expensive because of the masonry work required. Costs of between 150 and 300 euros per linear metre can be expected. Chemical barriers are less expensive, costing between 50 and 100 euros per linear metre. Mechanical barriers take several weeks to install, whereas chemical barriers can be installed in a few days.

Perimeter drainage: a water management solution

How it works
Perimeter drainage involves installing a drainage system around the building’s foundation to carry water away from the walls. This system prevents water from accumulating around the house, reducing hydrostatic pressure and the risk of rising damp.

Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage is that it treats the main cause of rising damp: the water that accumulates around the foundation. By draining this water, the risk of damp in the walls is considerably reduced. This solution is also sustainable and can improve overall water management around the house.

However, installing perimeter drainage is a major project that can be costly and disruptive. It requires extensive excavation work around the house and can take several weeks to complete.

Cost and deployment
The cost of perimeter drainage varies according to the size of the building and the complexity of the site. Prices can range from 100 to 200 euros per linear metre. Implementation involves excavation work to install the drains and pipes, and can take from two to four weeks.

Innovative and permanent solutions to treat rising damp

Electromagnetic polarity inverter: innovative technology

How it works
The electromagnetic polarity inverter  works by using audio-frequencies to invert the polarity of the water molecules present in the walls. By inverting the polarity of the water molecules, the molecules are forced to go back into the ground, which leads to the drying out of the walls, the slab and the foundations permanently.

Advantages of the electromagnetic polarity inverter
One of the main advantages of this technology is that it requires very little physical intervention. Unlike traditional solutions, there’s no need to drill through walls or carry out heavy structural work. So it’s a non-invasive solution that’s very practical and safe for old or fragile buildings.

The electromagnetic polarity inverter is environmentally friendly. It does not require the use of chemicals, and very much energy efficient, which is a real plus for those who are concerned about the environment. Finally, this technology is effective over the long term and requires little maintenance once installed.

Examples of products and brands on the market
There are several brands of electromagnetic polarity inverters. For example, BFL International is one of the leaders in this field. They offer reliable, approved-and-tested and cost effective products that have already helped many homeowners solve their rising damp problems permanently.

Geomagnetic polarity inverter: easy and efficient

How it works
The geomagnetic polarity inverter uses the natural properties of the Earth’s magnetic field to invert the polarity of water molecules. This product doesn’t require any power, or battery to operate. Not only it is drying out the walls, slab and foundations but it also prevent rising damp from reappearing by capillary action.

Advantages of the geomagnetic polarity inverter
The geomagnetic polarity inverter is very easy to install. It requires no major structural or electrical work, and can be installed very quickly. This ease of installation makes it a very attractive solution for those looking for permanent and efficient fix to their rising damp problem.

Like the electromagnetic inverter, this solution is non-invasive and does not damage existing structures. It is also cost-effective in the long term, as it requires zero maintenance after installation and no power supply to operate.

Examples of products and brands on the market
BFL International also offers geomagnetic polarity inverters. Their products are renowned for their efficiency and reliability. They offer a range suited to different types of building, from single-family homes to larger structures.

Comparative table of solutions

Here is a summary table to give you a better idea of the differences between these solutions.

Whatever suit your needs, your budget and your environmental concerns, one of these solutions could be ideal for you. Innovative technologies such as polarity inverters offer an attractive alternative to traditional methods thanks to their efficiency, ease of installation, their durability, reliability and environmental friendliness.