Services

Rising Damp

Rising damp in buildings occurs when water from the ground rises up through the bricks and mortar of a building by a process loosely termed as "capillarity." The height to which the water will rise depends on several factors including pore structure of the bricks and mortar and the rate of evaporation. Left untreated, rising damp will cause serious damage to buildings.

Treatment of Rising Damp

Treatment of rising damp (known as "damp-proofing" or "damp coursing") typically involves the installation of a Chemical Damp Proofing Course, such as Damp check Plus using specialist injection equipment, followed by re-plastering using a salt retardant additive such as Render guard Gold. However, with the introduction of Dry zone Damp-proofing Cream, the process has now been simplified. The Dry zone system is based on a high-strength damp-proofing cream that is injected into holes in the masonry without the need for an injection pump.

Woodworm

Identifying & Treatment

Woodworm holes found in timber are caused by the larvae of beetles that feed on the timber. Larger holes on the surface of the timber are formed when the adult beetle emerges from the timber to mate.

There are a number of species of woodworm, and the precise method of treatment will depend on which species are attacking the timber. Our Experts will identify your particular problems and recommend a suitable treatment. All our treatments carry a 30 year guarantee against re-infestation.

Tanking

Tanking is a generic term used to describe a specialist moisture barrier installed to walls and floors that are below external ground levels and are therefore prone to lateral movement of moisture. Cellars and basements were originally designed as storage, but many are ideal for upgrading to living quarters.

Following a detailed survey we can devise an economic tanking scheme to release valuable additional space. Our expertise with tanking ranges from cementitious to epoxy resin and air gap systems.

Dry Rot

Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) is a wood-destroying fungus that is found in most parts of the world. Although it affects forest timbers, dry rot is best known for its ability to destroy timbers in ships and buildings. 

How to identify dry rot

Dry rot can travel through building materials (other than timber) which means it has the potential to spread quickly. Therefore, it is important to identify whether timber decay has been caused by dry rot or another wood-destroying fungus such as one of the wet rots.  When treating dry rot outbreaks it may be necessary to take additional measures (e.g. masonry sterilisation) over and above those necessary when dealing with outbreaks of other wood-rotting fungi.

Wet Rot

Wet rot is basically the timber decaying naturally in the presence of high levels of moisture. There is almost always a structural defect causing the problem, it may be that the wall adjacent to the timber is suffering from damp, or water collecting on the timber. Any structural problem must be tackled at the same time as the timber is treated otherwise the problem is likely to reoccur. The problem may just be damaged paint finish on the timber allowing the actual wood to absorb excessive moisture. Damage is normally limited to the timber although the original structural problem may also cause other areas to be affected by damp (such as plaster or just decorations).

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp, which soaks through the perimeter walls of a dwelling, is perhaps the most common form of dampness in buildings. In most instances wall penetrating dampness occurs in isolated areas as a result of one or more defects in the structure of the building. 

We can rectify the main causes of penetrating damp and repair damage to render, brickwork and plaster, leaving your property as good as new.

Wall Tie Replacements

Corrosion of mild steel wall ties is now one of the major problems experienced in cavity wall construction. Climate, poor manufacture and age all now contribute to corrosion of ties. Buildings constructed as recently as 1983 are likely to be affected. The Building Research Establishment have stated that in excess of 10 million homes in the UK may already be affected and are yet to be diagnosed.

We can inspect a cavity using sophisticated equipment causing minimum disruption. Should the existing wall ties require replacement, isolation or additional wall ties, we can install stainless steel ties to conform to British Standard 562.

Rendering

Render is a sand and cement mixture used internally and externally to provide a waterproof barrier and a base for internal plastering.

Our fully qualified technicians apply a washed sand, salt free render. Special additives ensure the finished coating is fully waterproof and will not produce salt blemishes on the surface.

Whatever the wall treatment you require, we can provide a very competitive quote and guarantee satisfaction.

Plastering

The perfect finish to interior walls is essential when decorating and renovating. We can turn those dated and scruffy ceilings and walls into fresh new surfaces ready for painting or papering.