Wykamol is a long-established brand that manufactures a comprehensive ecosystem of professional-grade building treatments rather than a single product. Their range is mainly used by specialists for structural waterproofing, chemical damp proofing, and the treatment of condensation-related mould. They also offer strong timber preservation systems to stop outbreaks of wet rot, dry rot, and wood-boring insects.
Why is My Irish Home Suddenly Smelling Musty and Feeling Cold?
Dampness, a musty smell, cold spots, or black stains on wallpaper can cause major stress for property owners. You don’t have to face it alone. Since 1982, The Damp Store has been Ireland’s premier, fully Irish-owned damp proofing specialist. We hold ISO 9001 and Agreement Board Certification, using trusted data and proven solutions, unlike the guesswork of white van operators.
Ireland’s Atlantic climate brings heavy, wind-driven rain and high humidity. Our varied building stock struggles to cope. Older stone dwellings trap moisture behind modern cement renders, leading to internal decay. Hollow-block houses in Leinster suffer from thermal bridging, creating cold wall areas where humidity can condense into mould.
Is Wykamol a Brand or a Product?
A common confusion is whether Wykamol is a single chemical solution. Think of it this way: Wykamol is like a toolbox, not just one tool. Wykamol is a brand, specifically Wykamol Group Ltd., with over 80 years of industry heritage. They provide professional treatments for damp, timber decay, and structural waterproofing. At The Damp Store, we use these specialized, scientifically formulated systems, not hardware store fixes, to provide long-term protection and industry-leading guarantees (subject to terms).
How Do You Permanently Stop Rising and Penetrating Damp?
Rising damp is when groundwater rises up masonry via capillary action. It draws hygroscopic salts from the soil that keep your walls wet. We halt this by injecting Wykamol Ultracure, a BBA-approved emulsion cream that creates an impermeable chemical barrier at the mortar line.
For cellars under high water pressure, we use structural waterproofing. We often apply Wykamol HydraDry tanking slurry, a cementitious barrier that bonds to the concrete. In legacy structures with saline walls, we install Wykamol CM8 membranes to depressurize and divert groundwater to a sump pump.
How Long Does a Damp Proof Membrane Take to Dry?
This depends entirely on the technology and materials used:
- Plastic Membranes (Wykamol CM8): These high-density polyethylene sheets require absolutely zero drying time. Once mechanically fixed to the wall, dry lining and flooring can commence immediately, rendering them ideal for fast-track renovations.
- Liquid Polymer Membranes (Mapelastic AquaDefense): Used internally for wet rooms and showers, these rapid-drying rubber layers are ready for tiling in just 30 to 50 minutes.
- Cementitious Slurries (Wykamol HydraDry): Tanking slurries need strict, lengthy curing. Mist-spray with water for 48 hours to prevent cracking. You can apply a breathable emulsion shortly after, but wait 6 months before adding impermeable decorations, such as vinyl wallpaper.
Can Wykamol Prevent Mould From Ruining My Walls?
Black mould is more than an eyesore, it’s a serious hazard. The HSE warns that inhaling mould spores can trigger allergies, worsen eczema, and cause severe asthma attacks. (If you have severe symptoms, consult your GP.)
Wiping mould with household bleach is a dangerous fallacy. Bleach merely removes colour while its water content feeds the hidden root system (mycelium), so mould returns. The Wykamol Mould Eradication Kit solves this by destroying mould at the cellular level. First, the MCS1 Mould Clear Solution sterilizes the substrate. Next, blend the MCS3 Fungicidal Paint Additive into your final decorative finish. This creates a chemical barrier that prevents condensation-induced mould for up to 5 years.
Can Wykamol Be Used on Wood?
Yes! In damp Irish homes, structural timbers are highly vulnerable to fungal decay (such as dry rot) and wood-boring insects (commonly called woodworm). Common hardware paints cannot penetrate deeply enough to reach the burrowing larvae.
We use Wykamol Microtech Dual Purpose Concentrate, a water-based, odourless microemulsion that penetrates timber deeply. It employs permethrin to eradicate woodworm and propiconazole to prevent outbreaks of dry and wet rot.
What Practical Steps Can I Take to Protect My Home?
Professional chemicals fix structural issues, but homeowner care is key for lasting resilience:
- Monitor Humidity: Keep indoor relative humidity in the sweet spot of 40%-60% using a digital hygrometer and a dehumidifier, if necessary.
- Ventilate: Consider installing a Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) unit. These whisper-quiet units mechanically filter fresh air into the home, gently forcing out stale, damp air. Also, ensure external subfloor airbricks remain unblocked to prevent dry rot.
- Maintain the Exterior: Frequently inspect gutters, downpipes, and slats to prevent damp during Atlantic storms.
FAQs
Is Wykamol a brand or a product?
Wykamol is a long-established brand (Wykamol Group Ltd.) that manufactures a range of professional-grade damp proofing, structural waterproofing, and timber preservation systems, not a single product.
Can Wykamol prevent mould?
Yes. The Wykamol Mould Eradication Kit uses two steps: the MCS1 solution kills mould, while the MCS3 additive creates a fungicidal barrier that prevents mould for up to 5 years.
Can Wykamol be used on wood?
Yes. Wykamol’s Microtech Dual Purpose Concentrate is formulated specifically for timber. It penetrates deeply into the wood to eradicate woodworm and prevent outbreaks of wet and dry rot.
How long does a damp proof membrane take to dry?
It varies widely depending on the material used. Plastic cavity drain membranes (such as Wykamol CM8) require no drying time. Liquid polymer mixtures can dry in under an hour, whereas cement-based tanking slurries take 48 hours to cure and up to 6 months before you can apply impermeable paints.
