Do Dry Rods Work? What You Should Know About Dry Proof Rods & Damp Sticks

Damp doesn’t discriminate – it can sneak into almost any space, and shipping containers are no exception. Whether you’re using a container to store valuable items, transport goods across long distances, or even convert it into a comfortable living space, moisture can still find a way in. Left unchecked, dampness can cause damage, mould, and unpleasant odours that can ruin whatever’s inside.

Fortunately, there’s a straightforward and effective solution. Dry rods are specially designed to combat moisture, providing reliable damp-proofing for small spaces. By using dry rods, you can keep your container dry, protect your belongings, and maintain a comfortable environment inside.

What are dry rods?

Commonly referred to as damp sticks or dry-proof rods, dry rods are a common damp-proofing solution. Although ‘dry rods’ is a brand name for one of the most commonly used products, many people simply refer to any damp sticks as dry rods.

These rods are practical and effective, and a great option for combatting dampness in a small space like a shipping container. Damp sticks work in two ways depending on the type you have. Some contain a water-repellent material and are designed to treat rising damp and prevent condensation, while others work by absorbing water and moisture from the air.

What are dry-proof rods used for?

Dry-proof rods are used to control moisture and humidity, most often in small enclosed spaces like shipping containers, small rooms, and even cupboards. To use them, holes should first be drilled into the mortar course of an affected wall. Then, the damp sticks should be inserted into the holes where a water-repellent material seeps into the wall to form a barrier against damp. 

Using dry rods helps to treat rising damp that already exists, while also reducing relative humidity that could lead to further damp issues or other moisture-related problems like mould, mildew, rust, or corrosion. 

Damp sticks are known to safeguard metal objects, electronics, and sensitive, perishable items like fabrics or documents. This makes them an excellent solution for storage containers in keeping important stored items dry and free from damp damage.

How quickly do dry rods work?

Dry rods do not treat damp instantly, so it’s important to consider timescales when damp-proofing your container or other environment. Typically, the active ingredients in damp sticks take around 7 days to cure and form a water-repellent barrier to damp. However, it can be up to a month in some cases, depending on the severity of the damp, its location, and site conditions. 

Traditional damp-proof sticks remain in the wall and can prevent damp for up to 20 years after installation. Once the curing process is complete, the holes in the wall can be plugged or hidden with skirting boards, depending on the finish of your space. In a home, the holes can be plastered over with a damp-resistant plaster. In a shipping container, you will likely use damp sticks that collect moisture from the air, in which case they are simply hung inside the container. 

Do dry-proof rods work well?

Like any preventative measure or treatment, dry rods will only work as well as their installation and the issue they are treating. If they are installed correctly, and placed in the optimal location, they should effectively treat the rising damp and offer long-lasting protection against future moisture issues. Improper use of damp rods could reduce their performance, meaning further treatment may be needed.

When to use dry-proof rods

Dry rods should be used when rising damp or other moisture penetration issues are causing problems. They can be used in a variety of materials, including concrete, stone, masonry, and of course, shipping containers. 

Using dry-proof rods in a shipping container protects the structure from moisture build-up that could eventually lead to your container rusting or developing mould or mildew. This is particularly important for stationary shipping containers, such as containers used for storage or converted into living space. 

Dry rods can protect metal items in your container too, such as tools and equipment, by keeping surfaces dry and preventing oxidation. In containers converted into living spaces or storage, where soft furnishings may be kept, dry rods can reduce the risk of mould growth by minimising moisture in the air.

When dry-proof rods may not be enough

While dry rods are a great solution for rising damp, they are not always effective. In instances where the moisture problem is extensive or caused by factors beyond damp, such as poor drainage, foundation cracking, or external water sources, damp sticks will not be enough to treat the issue. 

Damp sticks may also be ineffective in large spaces. For example, if you’re trying to control humidity in a large room or you’ve extended and converted shipping containers into a larger space, you will likely need a dehumidifier instead. Dry rod use is also limited in areas of high humidity or tropical climates since they don’t actually remove moisture from the air. Likewise, if your space is not properly ventilated, outside moisture can still penetrate the space, rendering the damp rods ineffective.

Should I use damp-proof rods or cream?

Damp-proof rods are not the only effective treatment for rising damp. Damp-proof cream is also an option. While damp-proof rods can be effective and long-lasting, they can also be messy to install and disruptive to any other work you’re carrying out. 

Damp-proof cream, on the other hand, can be applied directly onto the affected area. This makes it a little more convenient since it can be applied at any time, even if you’re not carrying out other work in the space. Bear in mind though, that the effectiveness of the cream varies depending on the severity of the damp. 

The condition of your space, the severity of the damp, and your specific needs will all be factors for consideration when deciding whether damp rods or cream is the best option for you. If you’re already renovating a space and mess isn’t an issue, damp sticks are the better option. However, if you’ve created, decorated, and furnished a living space but have noticed damp, cream might be the better solution.

The advantages of using dry rods in your shipping container

Since shipping containers can be particularly susceptible to moisture issues if not maintained properly, damp sticks offer several advantages when used in a shipping container.  Perhaps the biggest advantage is the ability of damp-proof sticks to prevent moisture and rust from forming. 

Whether you’re using your unit for storage, transport, or conversion, damp-proof sticks will ultimately protect your valuable equipment and furnishings. They create a dry environment inside your shipping container, reducing the opportunity for rust to form so your container and its contents can enjoy a longer lifespan.

Damp sticks are also fairly easy to install and require little to no maintenance once they are inside your wall. This makes them not only a convenient option but also a cost-effective solution for protecting your items.

How to install dry rods

Damp sticks can be installed with ease once you know how. There is no requirement for lots of additional equipment, and they are solvent-free, odor-free, and non-caustic. 

In a home environment, you should use a 12mm drill bit to make holes in the mortar course. These should be at least 150mm above ground level. Then, you can push the dry rods into the holes by hand. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions so you know how many holes to drill and how many sticks you should use depending on the area to be treated. 

For shipping containers, there is no mortar course to insert dry rods into. In this case, you will need to use damp sticks that hang or attach to the inside walls of your container. They work by catching the moisture in the environment.

The bottom line

Damp can be a cause of concern in many environments, including shipping containers. However, with damp sticks, you can effectively control moisture and humidity in small, enclosed spaces without spending a fortune. When it comes to choosing the right damp-proofing solution for your shipping container, speak to our team. We’re always on hand to answer any questions and provide professional advice regarding the use and installation of damp sticks.

FAQs

Can damp sticks go into brick?

Damp sticks can be installed into brick walls, as well as many other materials including stone or concrete. In most cases, they are placed into holes drilled into the mortar joints or brickwork to prevent moisture penetration.

What is the lifespan of damp-proof rods?

How long your damp-proof rods will last will depend on a number of factors, including the quality of the product, the environment, how they are installed, and the severity of the damp. In most cases, dry rods will last for up to 20 years, offering long-lasting protection against rising damp. However, damp sticks, like those used in shipping containers, will need to be replaced as soon as they stop absorbing moisture.

Do dry rods disappear?

Dry rods do not disappear or break down. They remain within the wall or structure after they have been installed and will release a water-repellent barrier to prevent damp from forming. While the damp rods remain in the wall, the water-repellent cure will disperse over time, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.