How To Treat the Plinth Coarse For Dampness



Posted: Wednesday, February 03, 2010

by Andrew Karundu
http://www.karundu.com

The plinth course is done about one foot from the existing ground level. This is the area that covers the exposed foundation wall above the ground. This walls house the backfill and hardcore for the ground floor slab to be cast. After the splash apron is laid, the water that splashes on it courses dampness. This dampness occurs within the materials housed by the exposed foundation wall. This area should be protected with a paint that is able to repel water and moisture.

The plinth course should be well finished since its part of the external aesthetics. The area is exposed to weather elements like rain, moisture and dirt. The finish to be applied should deter any movement of moisture from outside or towards the inside of the plinth wall. It is important to plaster the wall surfaces well prior to any material application. The plaster to be applied should be done using a wood float. this provides a key for any water proof based paints or solutions to be applied.

The most common plinth course treatment for dampness is using water repellent materials. This include pastes or bituminous paints. This are applied onto wall surfaces that are dry. It means that the plaster should have cured and dried before ant treatment commences. On average plaster should dry adequately for at least two weeks. When using this materials it is important to adhere to the manufacturers instructions. This will help achieve the desired results on the external wall finish.

Once the plaster on the plinth has dried then treatment commences. When using the bituminous paint, the most common color is black. therefore the plinth will have a black colored surface. The pastes may also not have bright colors. The bituminous paint is mixed as instructed and applied to the plaster. Adequate stroking of the paint brush is required so that it penetrates into the plaster. this is applied in two coats. the first coat should be a lighter consistency. The final coat should be a slightly heavier mixture.

Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist, Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling And Redesigning Homes. He Uses Simple Tried And Tested Methods To Improve Family Lifestyles.Visit His Site Here For Adequate Information On Most HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS .

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