Damp Proofing Specialists

RISING DAMP: This is the slow upward movement of water from the ground by capillary action. It rises up the wall through porous building materials such as bricks, mortar and plaster. It can cause serious damage to decorations, wall plaster, timber floors and joinery timbers. It also raises humidity and increases the risk of condensation. You can read more about rising damp here.

Identifying & Treating Rising Damp. If you have noticed peeling wall paper at the base of the wall, distorted joinery or damp or damaged wall plaster which is cold to the touch, you probably have Rising Damp. Damp rising from the ground also brings with it hygroscopic salts which, on days of high humidity, attract moisture from the atmosphere and make the walls even more damp. For this reason it is very important, when installing a new damp proof course, that we remove the damp, contaminated walls plaster and replace it with our own anti-salt damp proof plastering system.  Treatment is carried out by injecting a blend of silane/siloxane cream, damp course solution, horizontally and vertically, in a pattern of holes at the base of the wall, in accordance with our strict procedure. The walls are then prepared and re-plastered in accordance with our strict damp proofing procedure to complete the system. The sound joinery is then treated with a high performance timber preservative and refitted ready for redecorating.

LATERAL PENETRATING DAMP: This is  damp that affects the internal surfaces of walls that are built below a higher external ground level or internal concrete floor. Damp is forced through the wall by hydrostatic pressure and often makes the walls very wet, causing considerable and costly internal damage. Installing a new damp proof course alone will not prevent lateral damp penetration.

Identifying & Treating Penetrating Damp : Damp walls and ceilings that are below or adjacent to high ground level. Lateral damp penetration can only be prevented by installing a special structural waterproofing system (Tanking) or high performance membranes to the internal surfaces of the walls. Tanking is carried out by removing the damp wall plaster, thoroughly preparing the walls and applying a cementitious structural water proofing system (Tanking), incorporating a floor wall joint to connect to the existing floor membrane. A Cavity Drain Membrane (CDM) system consists of a  high a density polyethylene (HDPE) wall and floor membrane, which is fixed in position using ancillary fixing and jointing materials. This method of damp coursing is ideal for a complete basement or cellar conversion or a new build basement. A CDM system usually incorporates a sump chamber and pump where water behind the membrane is diverted to before being discharged to a suitable place chosen by us. Once installed the completed system can either be dry-lined or plastered directly onto to suit your project.

CONDENSATION: This occurs when the warm moist air we produce comes into contact with a cold window or wall surface and condenses. The problem becomes far worse during the winter months when the weather is colder and is often accompanied by Black Spot Mould Fungus, which is not only very damaging to your property and its contents, but harmful to the health of the people living there.

Identifying & Controlling Condensation: Misted windows, water droplets on sills or walls and black or dark green mould, particularly in corners, window reveals or behind items of furniture, are sure signs that you have condensation. Reducing condensation is achieved by balancing the temperature and ventilation of the room to reduce the humidity. It can be achieved by either insulating cold walls or ceilings, installing extractor fans to extract the moist air from kitchens and bathrooms, installing Passive Vapour Vents (PVVs) which allow draught proof clean air into the room or installing a very economical, thermostatically controlled, Condensation Control Unit (CCU). This can be installed either in the loft or on a wall, to suit your property. You will also be advised what you as an occupant should do to reduce condensation. Please see our condensation & mould remover page.

RAIN PENETRATION: This occurs as a result of building defects, such as leaking roofs, leaking rainwater goods, defective rendering and brick pointing and various other defects that are due to a lack of regular maintenance.

Identifying & Stopping Rain Penetration: Considerable damp and staining on the walls or ceilings of any room, especially adjacent to outside walls or roofs and appears worse after heavy rainfall. The longer the defects are left unrepaired the more damage will be caused and the more expensive it will be to repair it. All building maintenance defects and internal repairs highlighted in our report will be carried by us, in accordance with good building practice and your insurance company’s instructions.

WATER DAMAGE: This can be caused by a number of things the most common being, leaking plumbing or appliances or a leaking roof. Actual flooding from an overflowing river or a burst water main are other causes, but thankfully far less common. The amount of damage will depend on the amount of water and length of time it has been leaking but we can cover every aspect of the repair, including pumping out and drying out, to get you back to normal as quickly as possible. Water Damage is often covered by home policy insurance, so call your insurance company now.

Identifying, Drying Out & Repairing Water Damage: A sudden or continuous water stains on the walls or ceilings, a collapsed ceiling, wet carpets, floors and furniture, distorted joinery timbers or fitted units that appear swollen are all indications of water damage. The extent of the repair will depend on the location and extent of the  damage. We can repair domestic plumbing leaks, pump out a flooded basement or cellar and install industrial dehumidifiers and fans to help dry the rooms prior to the restoration work commencing. Saturated plaster and distorted joinery will be removed and the walls and ceilings will be re plastered in accordance with our own damp proof plastering system. The joinery will be replaced with new treated timber, to match as closely as possible existing and any damaged fittings will be replaced, prior to us decorating, in accordance with your insurance company’s instructions. We are fully aware of the stress sudden water damage can cause and it is our aim to get you back to normal as quickly as possible