Water proofing services to protect your home and preserve your peace of mind.

Common signs of damp include visible damp patches, musty odors, peeling paint, swelling skirting boards, and salt deposits (efflorescence) on walls. Rising damp often manifests as a "tidemark" up to 1.2 meters high on the lower parts of walls, caused by water being drawn up from the ground through brick, block, or stone via capillary action. Non-breathable wall coverings like vinyl wallpaper or non-breathing plaster may allow damp effects to appear at higher levels.

Other signs include a cold or damp sensation when touching the wall and mould or mildew growth. Regular inspections can help catch these signs early, allowing timely intervention to prevent further damage. If you notice any of these signs then contact us for a consultation. We will conduct thorough inspections to accurately diagnose the problem, whether it’s rising damp, condensation, or penetrating damp, and provide tailored solutions to resolve it before it gets worse.

Rising damp occurs when water from the ground is drawn upwards through your walls via capillary action, usually limited to a height of 1.2 meters due to gravity. This type of damp typically causes visible damage at the base of walls, like peeling paint, salt deposits, or swollen skirting boards. However, non-breathable wall coverings can cause damp effects to show higher up. Penetrating damp, on the other hand, comes from external water sources like rain seeping through faulty roofing, gutters, cracked walls, cavity wall insulation or cavity wall tie issues, leading to damp patches on internal walls or ceilings.

Both types of damp can cause significant structural damage if left untreated, but each requires a different approach. Rising damp is treated with a Damp Proof Course (DPC) and / or a new tanking system to prevent further moisture ingress, while penetrating damp often involves repairing external defects i.e. walls and roofs. Early detection is crucial. An inspection and swift action can help avoid more extensive damage and maintain a healthier living environment. We will carefully assess the source of the moisture to recommend the most effective solution.

The timeline for damp proofing depends on the type and extent of the damp problem. Identifying whether you’re dealing with rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation is crucial, as each requires a different approach. Typically, smaller damp proofing jobs take a few days to a week, but larger, more complex cases, especially those involving structural repairs or timber treatments, can take longer. Firstly, we will eliminate all potential moisture sources before commencing work, giving you a clear timeline after our initial evaluation.

Some disruption may occur, especially if we need to remove sections of plaster, flooring, or access timber areas. However, before we start, we will thoroughly assess the source of the moisture and minimise unnecessary work. For example, we’ll address other potential causes of moisture (like condensation) first, and carefully manage more invasive work like installing a Damp Proof Course (DPC) or treating affected timber. We will then talk you through each stage of the process so you can clearly understand what work will be carried out. We take great care to protect your home, keep the work area clean and tidy up thoroughly after each day.

Yes, we provide long-term guarantees for most of our damp proofing and timber treatment services. These guarantees cover the work we do to resolve issues like rising damp, penetrating damp, and timber decay, giving you peace of mind that the problem won’t return. The specific length of the guarantee depends on the type of treatment, but damp proofing, for example, can protect your home for a period of up to 20 years. Additionally, before starting the work, we explain the full scope of what’s covered, ensuring that you’re fully informed about the protection your property will receive. For your peace of mind, we hold both Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance, ensuring that our thorough inspections and treatment plans are fully covered.