Services

Rising Damp

One of the more common types of damp found within a structure. If not treated can cause significant damage to decor and perish plasterwork. Usually identified by watermark lines on the wall, flaking damaged plaster and water-stained decor. Occurs when moisture travels from below ground through brickwork and mortar joints due to a lack of, or breakdown of an original damp-proof course.

Condensation

The most common cause of dampness in our buildings, condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces (glass, tile, cold areas of a wall). The warm air cools down quickly turning to water droplets. Black mould (Stachybotrys Chartarum) is the main sign of condensation, affecting decor, carpets and fabrics. It can also impact health, breathing conditions and skin irritation.

Penetrating Damp

Moisture finds its way into a property usually from external defects. These can be poor pointing, porous brickwork, cracked or perished renders or damaged/blocked rainwater goods.

Woodworm/Beetle Infestation

An outbreak of woodworm can cause severe damage to floor timbers, roof timbers, structural and decorative timber. The main types of woodworms and the timber conditions they thrive in are listed below.

Common Furniture Beetle

Anobium Punctatum

The most common type of beetle infestation can be found in most types of timber including furniture. If left untreated can cause severe damage.

Death Watch Beetle

Xestobium Rufovillosum

This is a less commonly found wood boring beetle that infests mainly hardwoods and structural beams etc.. If left untreated will cause severe damage and impact on structural integrity.

Wood Boring Weevil

Euophryum confine

This beetle can be found in timber with higher than normal moisture levels. Timbers in a cellar, alongside a Wet Rot outbreak or decorative timber on a damp wall.

Wet Rot

Basidiomycetes

A fairly common fungal decay of timber with a high moisture content or timber situated in damp environments. Typically found in cellars and decorative timber in damp conditions. The best way to help prevent rotten wood, fungal decay of timber is to negate damp environments through good ventilation and property maintenance.

Dry Rot

Serpula Lacrymans

The most serious form of fungal decay, digesting the body of timber that gives it its strength. It can spread rapidly through plaster and masonry in search of new timber.

It’s important to obtain the correct diagnosis.

Cellar Tanking/Basement Conversion

We have over the years carried out several conversions from full tanking systems, advising and making your ideas become reality, completing projects from planning to completion and dealing with local planning departments.

We also advise and carry out partial systems to the customer’s requirements, making use of a damp basement and turning it into a dry modern room.

Our clients have included businesses, hotels, restaurants, private homes and offices, converting them into many projects…

Should you require a full survey or some honest friendly advice on any of the above, please feel free to contact us on the numbers and email address provided.