Our Damp Specialists Can Resolve Any Damp Problem
Damp problems that arise in a property are caused by water ingress which leads to a building’s material biodegrading. This can lead to serious damp problems for a property which is why it’s fundamental to the preservation and maintenance of all buildings that they remain as watertight as possible.
Any defect permitting access of moisture into the fabric of a building must be remedied or treated to prevent further entry of water, and the area affected by water dried out. In order to identify defects that can lead to water ingress and to identify areas within the building that are at risk of damp problems like fungal decay, a detailed inspection should be undertaken by a competent specialist who will carry out an external and internal investigation of the property.
Damp Problems – External Investigation
- Deterioration of mortar in brickwork joints.
- Faulty or missing damp proof course.
- Bridging over the damp proof course by soil in flower beds, plinths, etc.
- Blocked air-bricks.
- Cracked or broken pipes, both water-pipes and waste pipes.
- Faulty flashing around window frames (throats to sills).
- Continued overflow from cisterns or water tanks.
(Ivy or other climbing plants may hide many of the above faults and roots may undermine foundations causing breaks in damp courses. Roots of nearby trees may cause similar damage to foundations and damp-courses).
Damp Problems – Internal Investigation
- Solid stone or concrete floors with wooden skirting and/or covered with timber where the impervious membrane is punctured or of poor quality or where no membrane is fitted.
- Condensation—this may be caused by: unlagged steam pipes, especially under floors; b) steam condensate, particularly in wet process factories; c) high atmospheric moisture from normal bathroom and kitchen usage. This is especially important in uninsulated and/or poorly ventilated buildings and is often the cause of decay.
- Trapping of flood—water in under-floor space and over concrete.
- Plumbing defects and defective toilets, either from fracture of the pan or, more commonly, defects in the plumbing unions.
- Close-fitting linoleum vinyl or laminate flooring installed over unventilated or imperfectly ventilated wooden floors.
(Adequate sub-floor ventilation is important and careful attention must be given to clearing blocked air vents or air-holes in sleeper walls. Pockets of dead air favour fungal growth and should be eliminated. Steps must be taken to dry out existing dampness and to prevent further entry of water in addition to the eradication of the fungus and repair of damage caused. Where there is any doubt about the causes source or risks associated with water ingress, ask the advice of a reputable company).
How it Works
Three simple steps to get expert advice and treatment for your property.
Book a Survey
Book your survey by giving us a call or completing the contact form on our website.
Have Your Survey Carried Out
One of our trusted and qualified remedial Surveyors will carry out a detailed survey of the property.
Get the Treatment Done
We'll take care of business and ensure you and your family can live a happy life knowing your property is safe.
Damp Problems FAQs
Answers to some of the most common questions homeowners ask us about treating damp problems.
As a general guide, walls should be allowed to dry out and cure before re-plastering. We’ll confirm the recommended timeframe in your survey report, but it’s typically a few weeks depending on the level of damp and the specification used.
Once the new plaster has fully dried, you can redecorate. We usually recommend using breathable finishes at first (for example a mist coat or breathable emulsion) and avoiding vinyl paints or wallpapers until the wall has fully stabilised.
When the correct treatment is installed and associated issues such as salts, bridging and ventilation are properly dealt with, the problem should not return. Our surveyors will identify all contributing causes and our work is covered by appropriate guarantees for your peace of mind.
We recommend a full damp and timber survey carried out by one of our qualified remedial surveyors. This includes a detailed on-site inspection, moisture readings, diagnosis of the cause of damp and a clear written report with recommendations and costs.
Other Property Conservation Treatments & Services
Explore our other specialist basement, damp and timber treatments to protect and improve your property.
Why choose Property Conservation Services
A trusted, experienced team specialising in damp, timber and basement solutions across Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties.
