Damp Proofing

London housesAt times, your home may show some signs of dampness. This is a serious problem that you should get worried about and repair with Damp Proofing London. Dampness in your building will encourage the growth of moulds a condition that is not good for the inhabitants of the house. To humans, mould infestation affects immune and respiratory systems. This is the side effects of animals. Worse is the eventual damage of your entire building that lowers its value.

When you notice this kind of infestation in your building, you need to take quick measures to curb the problem. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are very important to prevent further damages. All these can be addressed well by a specialist who in most cases is a damp proofing company.

In London, Damp is mostly caused by condensation, penetrating damp and also rising damp. The companies are therefore very important for the various benefits. These include

It prevents moisture vapour and related salts that cause contamination in the structure and within causing serious structural problems

Damp prevention prolongs the lifespan of the structures. This is done so by the fact that only the natural evaporation of dampness in the building will take place

They restore damp issues very quickly and easily. This saves a lot of structures from being degraded by this problem

The damp companies in London are certified and they offer guaranteed services that last for as long as 30 years or more.

Environmental and structural factors

Dampness in most cases is caused by structural and environmental factors. If a house is built in a floodplain, e.g. those in West London, there is a need for an effective basement tanking or damp coursing because the lower floors reach the water table. For instance, structures found in south London like the Victorian properties were built based on the antique standards other than today’s thus making them vulnerable to the rising and penetrating damp. Insensitive modifications on these structures have intensified condensation issues.

Weather patterns in Britain are constantly changing with wetter, milder winters and hotter summers. Additionally, torrential rains and floods have become common thus making it necessary for buildings built in the 21st century to revise their damp proofing. This is possible with London Damp Proofing Company which has specialized and experienced staff in conservation damp proofing. The company will also recommend a treatment plan that always pays attention to your property’s heritage.

Damp treatment

The method to use in damp proofing depends on the cause of dampness. Structures experiencing condensation can best be treated by insulation, providing better ventilation and more effective heating. On the other hand, penetrating damp can be remedied by application of water-repellent coatings on the property’s external walls while rising damp can best be treated using a more effective damp proof course.

There are times when damp problems get to a complicated stage especially when different causes converge to cause more damage. The best thing to do in such a case is to contact an expert like London Damp Proofing Ltd which will fully diagnose and cure all damp problems with a 30-year guarantee of their treatment products.

What happens next?

Call London Damp Specialists on 0118 968 0920.

Alternatively, you can book a survey online by completing your details below.

Once you have submitted the form, one of our surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems within 24 hours.

Your free, no obligation damp survey will typically only take between 15 to 30 minutes.

30 year guarantee We also offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

Free damp survey No obligation survey with detailed reports and quotations

Experienced & qualified Team qualified to industry standards (CSRT & CSSW)

Fully insured Public liability limit of indemnity £5million

Federation of Master Builders
Trust Mark
GPI
Registered Fairtrades
Certified Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

Request a free survey

Rot Problems?

A Lot of Rot?

Dry rotDry rot, wet rot, penetrating damp, rising damp, condensation: all water-damage problems faced by home owners and all problems that need to be fixed sooner rather than later. But each is a different issue with a variety of effects and treatment methods. One quick call to London Damp Specialists is all it takes to diagnose your damp or rot problem and here’s a quick guide to spot your rot.

Dry Rot

When damp is combined with poor ventilation you have the perfect feeding ground for fungus. The fungus is highly invasive and can affect any type or age of property. It feeds off timbers and quickly spreads into plaster through cracks and cavities. Common signs of dry rot are damaged timbers (often out of sight below floors or in lofts) and visible orange/brown dust before it manifests itself in fluffy white spores and mushrooming spores – the latter stages show an advanced case of dry rot.

How is Dry Rot Treated?

Dry rot needs to be treated professionally and quickly in order to halt any further spread and eradicate it fully. It can be a disruptive process as it involves plaster and timber removal and replacement as well as treatment with a dry rot-resistant solution.

Wet Rot

If there is a constant source of water ingress or a leak from somewhere in the property, wet rot will develop – it could be from leaky plumbing, damaged gutters, downpipes or deteriorated pointing. Whatever the cause, it needs to be sorted! Wet rot isn’t as destructive as dry rot but left unchecked can badly affect timbers, leading to structural damage. If you notice a musty smell, spot fungal growth or distorted or discoloured timbers, you could be suffering from wet rot. It’s important to get it diagnosed professionally, not least to make sure it’s not dry rot, and make sure it is treated effectively and correctly.

How is Wet Rot Treated?

First and foremost, the source of the water ingress needs to be found and stopped. Following that, it must be determined how much wet rot has affected the area and timbers treated accordingly – probably removed and replaced, and new timbers, as well as the surrounding remaining wood, treated with fungicidal solution.

We would always recommend you seek professional help if you suspect your property is suffering from any kind of rot-related damage. Treat it before it becomes a major problem.

What happens next?

Call London Damp Specialists on 0118 968 0920.

Alternatively, you can book a survey online by completing your details below.

Once you have submitted the form, one of our surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems within 24 hours.

Your free, no obligation damp survey will typically only take between 15 to 30 minutes.

30 year guarantee We also offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

Free damp survey No obligation survey with detailed reports and quotations

Experienced & qualified Team qualified to industry standards (CSRT & CSSW)

Fully insured Public liability limit of indemnity £5million

Federation of Master Builders
Trust Mark
GPI
Registered Fairtrades
Certified Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

Request a free survey

Condensation Control

Condensation Control in Homes and Buildings

Condensation on windowAs we emerge from winter hibernation, it’s a good time to take a look at our homes and properties and assess any effects the wintry weather may have had. Even if it hasn’t been a harsh winter temperature-wise, there are still many factors that may have taken their toll on your property. Deal with them now and avoid nasty surprises later in the year!

Clean gutters

Unless you live in a completely tree-free zone, the chances are there will be leaves and debris in your gutters. Clogged gutters and downpipes can lead to ineffective water drainage, damp and mould penetrating walls, or broken guttering. Get rid of the debris and check all water drainage is clear and free of holes or damage. A leaky downpipe can push water into the outer skin of your property which in turn will penetrate the inner walls and cause an unpleasant and potentially expensive problem. A little bit of routine maintenance will allow any rainwater to be carried away effectively. Check also for any signs of water damage around the drainpipes and have any pointing or render repaired to prevent water ingress.

Roof repair

High winds take their toll on roofs – make sure you replace any missing, broken or damaged tiles as soon as you can to avoid water seeping in and causing damage to timbers. Have any debris removed too to prevent rotting and damage in the future.

Fix drips

Beyond the obvious dripping taps, check pipes under sinks and pipes and hoses around appliances – any drip left unattended can cause mould, and damp problems will quickly follow. Clogged sinks and ‘sweaty’ pipes near sinks can be easily remedied to avoid future damp or condensation.

Don’t forget to look up and look down

Take a look around any attic space for signs of water ingress from chimneys, roofs, Velux windows. Also for insect infestation – if they have got in somewhere, there will be gaps through which water can enter. Basements too may be neglected over the winter so give them a once-over for and check for damp penetration, particularly if it’s been a wet winter.

Your home is your refuge during winter so make sure you give it some TLC and keep it that way. Tackle any small jobs before they snowball into big, expensive problems and always seek professional advice.

What happens next?

Call London Damp Specialists on 0118 968 0920.

Alternatively, you can book a survey online by completing your details below.

Once you have submitted the form, one of our surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems within 24 hours.

Your free, no obligation damp survey will typically only take between 15 to 30 minutes.

30 year guarantee We also offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

Free damp survey No obligation survey with detailed reports and quotations

Experienced & qualified Team qualified to industry standards (CSRT & CSSW)

Fully insured Public liability limit of indemnity £5million

Federation of Master Builders
Trust Mark
GPI
Registered Fairtrades
Certified Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

Request a free survey

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring Clean Your Home

As we emerge from winter hibernation, it’s a good time to take a look at our homes and properties and assess any effects the wintry weather may have had. Even if it hasn’t been a harsh winter temperature-wise, there are still many factors that may have taken their toll on your property. Deal with them now and avoid nasty surprises later in the year!

Clean gutters

Unless you live in a completely tree-free zone, the chances are there will be leaves and debris in your gutters. Clogged gutters and downpipes can lead to ineffective water drainage, damp and mould penetrating walls, or broken guttering. Get rid of the debris and check all water drainage is clear and free of holes or damage. A leaky downpipe can push water into the outer skin of your property which in turn will penetrate the inner walls and cause an unpleasant and potentially expensive problem. A little bit of routine maintenance will allow any rainwater to be carried away effectively. Check also for any signs of water damage around the drainpipes and have any pointing or render repaired to prevent water ingress.

Roof repair

High winds take their toll on roofs – make sure you replace any missing, broken or damaged tiles as soon as you can to avoid water seeping in and causing damage to timbers. Have any debris removed too to prevent rotting and damage in the future.

Fix drips

Beyond the obvious dripping taps, check pipes under sinks and pipes and hoses around appliances – any drip left unattended can cause mould, and damp problems will quickly follow. Clogged sinks and ‘sweaty’ pipes near sinks can be easily remedied to avoid future damp or condensation.

Don’t forget to look up and look down

Take a look around any attic space for signs of water ingress from chimneys, roofs, Velux windows. Also for insect infestation – if they have got in somewhere, there will be gaps through which water can enter. Basements too may be neglected over the winter so give them a once-over for and check for damp penetration, particularly if it’s been a wet winter.

Your home is your refuge during winter so make sure you give it some TLC and keep it that way. Tackle any small jobs before they snowball into big, expensive problems and always seek professional advice.

What happens next?

Call London Damp Specialists on 0118 968 0920.

Alternatively, you can book a survey online by completing your details below.

Once you have submitted the form, one of our surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems within 24 hours.

Your free, no obligation damp survey will typically only take between 15 to 30 minutes.

30 year guarantee We also offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

Free damp survey No obligation survey with detailed reports and quotations

Experienced & qualified Team qualified to industry standards (CSRT & CSSW)

Fully insured Public liability limit of indemnity £5million

Federation of Master Builders
Trust Mark
GPI
Registered Fairtrades
Certified Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

Request a free survey

Damp in Kensington Homes

Kensington housesDamp Home Repair in Kensington

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is synonymous with historic and grand architecture, generous and elegant living spaces and is probably the most exclusive London borough with its exclusive shops, world-class museums and stunning parks. It is the smallest borough but the most densely populated, despite its accompanying price tag.

Kensington’s exclusivity is perhaps rooted in its royal links – Henry VIII built a home where some of his wives lived and Queen Victoria was born and continued to reside here. Many of its buildings bear the signs of the Victorian building styles still favoured today: stuccoed fronts, impressive mansion blocks, and terraced rows filled with Victorian features such as high ceilings, beautiful fireplaces and well-proportioned rooms.

Although the buildings themselves stand strong, they are susceptible to structural failings, age-related problems and general wear and tear. They deserve to be kept in as good a state of repair as possible to ensure they retain their value and longevity. Many issues faced by today’s property owners stem from the actual materials the Victorians and their predecessors used to construct many of Kensington’s buildings: London clay bricks, lime mortar, cast iron, leadwork and slate.

Damp proof courses fail because they were constructed from slate and glass or were non-existent; many basements and cellars, which are now hugely popular, are highly susceptible to penetrating and rising damp because they were built without tanking or any similar protection from the surrounding damp earth; and building repairs carried out with modern supplies sometimes compromise the original materials, causing water ingress and damage.

No matter how big or small your concern, it will pay in the long term to seek professional advice and conserve your home or property for the long term. Call London Damp Specialist for a complete professional survey.

What happens next?

Call London Damp Specialists on 0118 968 0920.

Alternatively, you can book a survey online by completing your details below.

Once you have submitted the form, one of our surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems within 24 hours.

Your free, no obligation damp survey will typically only take between 15 to 30 minutes.

30 year guarantee We also offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

Free damp survey No obligation survey with detailed reports and quotations

Experienced & qualified Team qualified to industry standards (CSRT & CSSW)

Fully insured Public liability limit of indemnity £5million

Federation of Master Builders
Trust Mark
GPI
Registered Fairtrades
Certified Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

Request a free survey

Water Damage Specialist

Water, Water, Everywhere...

Penetrative dampWater damage to a property can be distressing and expensive. Whether the damage is a result of a leaking pipe, either from your house or from an adjoining property, or a leaky appliance, or there’s been a slow ingress of external water; the damage can be extensive.

The first thing to do is isolate the cause. If it is from within your property, turn off the water at the mains to prevent any further water entering. If it is from a neighbour, let them know and advise them to turn off their water. Take photographs of any visible damage – you will need these in the event of an insurance claim.

Remove any damaged or affected soft furnishings to prevent the spread of damp and mould – carpets, curtains, sofas, mattresses, whatever is in the immediate vicinity – and leave them to dry. Call your insurance company as soon as you can. Hopefully you will be covered but bear in mind they may not pay out if the damage is deemed to have been caused by a design flaw in any building work that’s been done.

Your insurance company will probably either send out a surveyor to assess the damage, refer you to their preferred supplier of damp solutions or ask you to contact a damp expert yourself – someone like London Damp Specialist. We would survey the damage and send a report which would include readings from a damp meter and images of affected areas. Subject to their approval, work would begin to restore your home to its habitable, dry and safe condition.

What is the likely course of remedial action? It will depend on the extent and cause of the damage but typically work would include: removal of any damp plaster and floorboards; using a humidifier to dry out affected areas; adding a salt neutraliser to remaining walls to dissolve any salts present from water penetration; applying waterproof sand and cement interior – and if appropriate, external – render.

Whatever the cause of the problem, the main point to remember is not to panic and act as quickly as you can to stop any more water damage. If you own a home or property that has previously suffered water damage and are worried about any long term affects, seek professional advice.

What happens next?

Call London Damp Specialists on 0118 968 0920.

Alternatively, you can book a survey online by completing your details below.

Once you have submitted the form, one of our surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems within 24 hours.

Your free, no obligation damp survey will typically only take between 15 to 30 minutes.

30 year guarantee We also offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

Free damp survey No obligation survey with detailed reports and quotations

Experienced & qualified Team qualified to industry standards (CSRT & CSSW)

Fully insured Public liability limit of indemnity £5million

Federation of Master Builders
Trust Mark
GPI
Registered Fairtrades
Certified Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

Request a free survey