DIY damp proofing job using membrane
Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2020 9:56 pm
Having never done any meaningful DIY in my life I have decided to try to do a damp proofing job by copying the job spec I was given in a quote I got from a nationwide damp proofing firm. The job is to strip back the plaster on a 5sqm wall to the bare sandstone (which has a cavity behind it and then the main outside wall, which is also sandstone).
There is currently a bad leak from the roof that is coming inside the cavity and soaking the wall – it’s getting fixed as I write this though.
I’ve listed the steps I’m going to use below and am looking for opinions on whether I’m doing things correctly or whether I’m setting myself up for a DIY disaster!
Step 1 – strip wall back to sandstone (already done – see below)
Step 2 - get roof fixed so that leak that’s coming down the cavity stops (in progress)
Step 3 – after roof is fixed, allow sandstone wall to dry for 3 weeks or so with the aid of a dehumidifier. Check moisture levels using the Protimeter Surveymaster I was talked into buying!
Step 4 – Once dry enough, switch dehumidifyer off and render sandstone wall with PermaSEAL Renovating Plaster to create a flat surface. Allow a couple of days to cure.
Step 4 – fit PermaSEAL 3 Damp Proof Membrane Kit 10m² to the rendered wall
Step 5 – use PermaSEAL Fleece Overstrip to join the membrane where necessary
Step 6 – dot dab plasterboard that has a “Vapourshield” (laminated with a metallised polyester foil) to the membrane
Step 7 – could do with some advice here on how to fill / tape any gaps in the plasterboard. E.g. what products should I use?
Step 8 – paint the plasterboard at some point. I think I read somewhere that it’s a good idea to leave it for a year so that the wall behind it can properly dry out.
Is there anything else I need to consider?
There is currently a bad leak from the roof that is coming inside the cavity and soaking the wall – it’s getting fixed as I write this though.
- Soaking Wall
I’ve listed the steps I’m going to use below and am looking for opinions on whether I’m doing things correctly or whether I’m setting myself up for a DIY disaster!
Step 1 – strip wall back to sandstone (already done – see below)
- stripped wall
Step 2 - get roof fixed so that leak that’s coming down the cavity stops (in progress)
Step 3 – after roof is fixed, allow sandstone wall to dry for 3 weeks or so with the aid of a dehumidifier. Check moisture levels using the Protimeter Surveymaster I was talked into buying!
Step 4 – Once dry enough, switch dehumidifyer off and render sandstone wall with PermaSEAL Renovating Plaster to create a flat surface. Allow a couple of days to cure.
Step 4 – fit PermaSEAL 3 Damp Proof Membrane Kit 10m² to the rendered wall
Step 5 – use PermaSEAL Fleece Overstrip to join the membrane where necessary
Step 6 – dot dab plasterboard that has a “Vapourshield” (laminated with a metallised polyester foil) to the membrane
Step 7 – could do with some advice here on how to fill / tape any gaps in the plasterboard. E.g. what products should I use?
Step 8 – paint the plasterboard at some point. I think I read somewhere that it’s a good idea to leave it for a year so that the wall behind it can properly dry out.
Is there anything else I need to consider?