RISING DAMP

Rising damp is caused by water from the ground traveling upwards through brickwork by capillary action. The water will contain a number of contaminants found in the ground, such as salts, that also travel up the bricks causing further damage to the wall.

The water and salts from rising damp can cause damage to plaster, timber and any absorbent decorative features such as skirting boards and wallpaper. This causes unsightly staining and can lead to rot in structural timbers.

PENETRATING DAMP

Penetrating damp, otherwise known as lateral damp, is the end result of water successfully penetrating from the outside of a building and into your property. Unlike rising damp, penetrating damp can happen at any level within the property including roofs, ceilings and walls.

It is a very common problem found within older properties that have solid walls. Newer properties tend to have much more protection from penetrating damp through the use of cavity walls and are therefore less likely to suffer from this type of damp problem.

CONDENSATION

The most common form of unwanted dampness in buildings is water from the air that forms as condensation.

The air in buildings can have a high level of relative humidity due to the activity of the occupants (e.g. cooking, drying clothes, breathing etc.). When this water laden air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows and cold walls it can condense, causing water to be deposited. The point at which the water held in the air changes from vapour to liquid is known as the dew point.

FULL BASEMENT CONVERSION

Basement conversions used to be niche, but have skyrocketed in popularity in the last few years. This is partly because glazing has come a long way, meaning you can avoid your conversion becoming a dark hideaway, but they’re also a very practical solution for people living in densely packed areas. And since they can add a whole new floor of living space, basement projects can provide a massive rise to your house price.

SUMP-PUMP INSTALLATION

One of the most important aspects of a cavity drainage system is the basement sump and pump system. It is designed to safely remove groundwater from within basements and cellars.

TANKING SYSTEMS

Tanking is a term used for creating a tank-like seal to protect walls against water penetration. The Building Regulations stipulate that tanking must be applied to all new build structures below ground, but tanking can also be applied to existing buildings, to prevent water penetration into basements and cellars, as well as helping to tackle rising damp.

The two main methods of tanking are by using a membrane or a coating. The type of damp and the precise requirements of the building will determine the most appropriate method to use, and sometimes a combination is required to ensure walls remain dry.

WOODWORM

Woodworm is the common term used to refer to the larvae of all wood boring beetles. There are several species found in the UK, but most of the damage is caused by the offspring of the Common Furniture beetle.

DRY ROT CONTROL

Dry rot is the most serious form of fungal decay. It attacks the timber in buildings, digesting the parts of the timber that give it its strength.

It can spread without any source of moisture because it is able to generate moisture through the digestion of timber. Once dry rot spreads, it can severely damage the structural integrity of the building.

WET ROT CONTROL

Wet Rot is a fungus that affects very damp timber. It can also cause decay in plaster, wallpaper and carpets. Wet rot spores are attracted to materials with a high moisture content.

Compared to dry rot, wet rot is less destructive as wet rot remains confined to the wet area only but still needs to be treated as it can affect a building’s structural integrity.