Rising Damp

As a damp proof course fails, damage occurs to lower wall areas. This includes disruption to plaster and often decay affecting timbers in contact with the damp walls. Early signs of a damp problem may include discolouration of decorations on wall surfaces.

Rising damp brings with it destructive nitrate and chloride salts from the ground. These salts are often hygroscopic in nature. At times of high humidity the salts absorb moisture from the air adding to the overall damp problem.

The solution to rising damp in an existing property is a remedial damp proof course. This process involves removing the affected plaster and skirting boards, installing a new chemical damp proof course, re-plastering with salt resistant plaster and renewing the skirting boards. Existing skirting boards may be retained if they are in good condition.

Condensation

Condensation is chiefly a winter problem. The external air temperature is low and external walls and windows are cold. When cold air enters the building, the air is warmed for the comfort of the occupants, the warm air takes up moisture, the warm, moist air meets cold surfaces, walls, windows etc. and is cooled below its Dew Point and Condensation occurs as the excess moisture is released. Intermittent heating and cooling of the property can aggravate condensation problems, since it allows external walls to remain cold and act as condensation points for damp air.
Excluding heating it is estimated that a family of 4 with associated cooking, laundering, etc. will generate almost 14 litres of water a day. This water, in the form of water vapour, must be absorbed by the air in the house or deposited out as condensation if corrective action is not taken.

We treat condensation by supplying and installing blackhole ventilators which then allow the property to have an air flow throughout to prevent further condensation occurring. We also undertake sub-floor ventilation, plumbing and associated works, and building and associated works.

Dry ROT

Found in older properties or sometimes in newer properties where penetrating dampness occurs. Dry rot is distinguishable by it appearance and its effect on timber when effected. The effected timbers will resemble a burnt timber in appearance and will simply disintegrate when disturbed. The fungus itself will spread over the affected area resembling a spider’s web with strands of white protruding from the centre. The spores once established can travel up to 18 metres passing through walls and masonry to find new material to consume.

• Stripping continues until there is over 1 metre of clean unaffected material exposed.
• All infected materials are carefully bagged in sealed bags before being dispatched to landfill.
• The walls/ block work and substrates are then liberally sprayed with an anti-fungal spray to eradicate any hidden spores.
• Timber joists which need to be re-instated are covered at exposed ends in bitumen material before being replaced in their new locations.
• All new and the freshly exposed timbers are treated before the works of re instatement can begin.

Woodworm

By far the most Common species found in the UK is the Common Furniture Beetle, a wood boring insect, which can cause a considerable amount of damage to both soft and hard woods. The larvae of the beetle bore through the wood, digesting the cellulose. After two to three years they form a pupae chamber near the surface and there change into adult beetles. In summer the adult beetles bore their way out, in so doing, make the characteristic woodworm hole. After they emerge the adult beetles, which can fly, mate and the females lay their eggs (up to sixty) in cracks, crevices, or old flight holes. The eggs hatch out, and a new generation begins a new life.
Wood boring beetles may attack any untreated timbers within a property. Even new timbers are susceptible due to the high starch content found in the sapwood of young trees. With the current high levels of demand for timber, trees are not allowed the growing time necessary that leads to a greater natural resistance to wood boring beetle and fungal attack.