Redecorating the treated areas
REDECORATION
Any permanent redecoration of all the walls treated (DPC) should not take place until the new plaster and the treated walls have dried out completely. Complete drying out will take approximately 1 month for each inch (25mm) thickness of structural wall, therefore a possible minimum drying out period of nine to 12 months is required.
A single coat of micro porous or breathable paint only can be applied to treated and replastered walls after approximately six to eight weeks as a temporary redecoration method. Impervious wall coverings must not be used until all walls have dried out completely e.g:
- vinyl, acrylic or polymer emulsion paint
- oil bound paint
- tiling or any wall paper including lining paper.
An air gap must be provided between a treated/damp wall and any fitted units. Re-skimming of any description in a work area invalidates our guarantee.
Redecoration carried out within the drying out period using impervious wall coverings or impervious paint will cause salts to be trapped behind decorative finishes. Paint will bubble and blister when residual moisture is prevented from dispersing and the new plaster may lose key. No liability will be accepted by the Company for any defects to plasterwork due to force drying or incorrect redecoration prior to complete drying out of treated areas.
Tanked areas using the Oldroyd XV system may take approximately one week to fully dry.
DRYING OUT AND RESIDUAL MOISTURE
After the insertion of either an injected damp proof course and/or the rectification of any other sources of dampness, including any areas treated against dry rot, these walls will still contain a considerable quantity of water that must be allowed to dry out naturally. Moisture readings will be recorded from treated walls during the minimum 9 to 12 month drying out period and damp patches will appear as residual moisture comes to the surface or as airborne moisture condenses.
VENTILATION
To allow the moisture laden air to escape from the property and prevent condensation forming back on the surface of the new plaster it is essential that windows are opened regularly in the treated areas. Alternatively the permanent use of a dehumidifier will be required. Heaters must not be used to force-dry treated walls as this will crack or craze new plasterwork. A charge would be made to re-skim plasterwork that has been forced dried.
Efflorescence (salting) on the surface of the new plasterwork in treated areas is normal during the drying period and must be removed by gentle brushing or wiping with a soft cloth.
Complete drying out depends on:
· the initial degree of wetness
· the wall thickness
· ventilation over the wall surfaces
· the porosity of the wall surfaces.
