The term ‘damp proofing’ refers to the wider process of preserving a property through damp prevention services. Any property, both old and new, can be affected by damp and high moisture problems.
Older properties are particularly susceptible as building materials tend to deteriorate over time. Masonry can become porous; roofs can start leaking and damp proof courses can lose their effectiveness over time.
If left unchecked, damp can cause all kinds of damage, such as:
- Peeling paint
- Rotting timber
- Crumbling plaster
- Warped floor boards
- Rusting steel and fasteners
- Warperd facing and skirting boards
Wither you have a flooded property, rising damp problems or condensation issues, we can resolve your problem and provide a cost-effective solution. Our damp proofing services come with guarantees you can trust.
What Causes Damp In A Property?
Damp is generally a symptom of a greater underlying issue. Therefore, the first step of rectifying damp in a home is identifying the source of the problem.
If you see damp patches on the walls inside or outside your property, it could be due to any number of the following problems:
- Rainwater penetration through defective masonry
- Condensation
- High ground levels
- Rising damp
- Defective roofing
- External flooding
- Leaking gutters and faulty down pipes
- Defective sealing to windows or doors
- Defective drains
- Defective Cavity wall insulation
- Tree roots damaging existing walls and damp proof course
- Defective internal plumbing
Once the source of the problem has been identified this should be rectified in conjunction with the fabric repair works. You can find a complete list of frequently asked questions about damp proofing here.
Most properties in the UK will already have an existing damp proofing course, but when this becomes compromised it leads to what is known as rising damp.
The existing damp proofing fails due to several reasons, the main ones being:
- It is outdated – Previously used system has deteriorated
- It is not installed properly – Installed at the wrong level
- It gets damaged – Usually by roots of trees or shifting foundations
- It gets bridged – Ground level is higher than the installed damp proof course
Rising damp can cause serious damage to plaster, timber and decorations in your property. We address rising damp by injecting the affected walls with a silicone damp proofing course, which prevents damp rising up the wall due to capillary action.
In addition, the walls could be fitted with a membrane that prevents the damp that is already in the wall penetrating to the new interior plaster.
Essentially penetrating damp is water and moisture penetrating the external envelope of your property. If left untreated it can lead to internal fabric damage and even rot, which can cause serious damage.
It is often caused by the following problems within your home:
- Defective and porous masonry or render
- Poor window or door pointing
- Damage to roof coverings
- Damage to rainwater goods
Our qualified surveyors will assess the damage, identify the source of the water ingress and recommend the most appropriate remedial action.
These days most homes have excellent draft proofing properties thanks to modern insulation and double glazing. While these building improvements improve the heat retention in properties, they can also create some unforeseen problems such as moisture laden air and consequently – condensation. Continuous condensation can lead to the growth of moulds and it can damage decorations and furnishings.
Our specialist surveyor will visit your property to determine the cause of the condensation in your property. Following their survey, we will be able to advise on the most suitable remedial action required, this may include one or more of the following,
- Extraction fans to pull stale air out of your property and draw in fresh air
- Positive pressure ventilation systems to increase the flow of air through your home
- Repairing cold spots in your home so that the air does not condense on surfaces
- Additional damp proofing to lower the moisture content in your home
Cellars and basements can be at risk of flooding causing damage to the building fabric and stored possessions within.
Our below ground level waterproofing systems are industry approved solutions to solve below ground flooding problems and also help to increase the value of your home at the same time.
Our modern basement waterproofing system uses cavity wall and floor membranes to manage the water seeping through walls and floors. The system channels any free water to natural drainage or to a sump and pump to remove the collected water to a suitable drainage point.
This system will allow you to fully utilise your basement space without worrying about future water damage and our 10-year transferable guarantee is given for your peace of mind.
No matter what damp issue is apparent in your property, our experienced surveyors will be able to inspect your property defects and specify the most cost-effective solution for repair.
With more than 85 years of experience, Richardson & Starling are one of the UK’s leading damp proofing and property preservation contractors. We take pride in our award-winning customer service and our ability to provide high quality, reliable solutions supported with long term guarantees you can trust.
If you have noticed any concerning property defects or damp staining, then contact your local branch to arrange a property survey. The survey will be free of charge if you own the surveyed property and it is located within 25 miles from our nearest branch (T&C’s apply i)