Damptek Ltd

Rising Dampness

These problems are often made worse by salts efflorescing on the surface of the wall, these salts if deliquescent or hygroscopic, can make matters worse as they will extract moisture from the air, adding to the problem of surface dampness. The obvious physical deterioration caused by rising damp and the costs involved in putting it right are problems enough, but we should also bear in mind that a cold damp house is an unhealthy environment to live in, and it is expensive to heat.

These problems can be aggravated still further, as rising damp is often the cause of both wet and dry rot, which, once stablished can spread over a wide area and will be both expensive and disruptive to eradicate.

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp can be attributable to a wide variety of causes, such building defects as cracked defective external rendering, damaged and defective water goods, i.e. down pipes and guttering, leaking roof covering, high external ground levels, badly fitted or rotten joinery etc.

Penetration of water to the external walls at low level can often be confused with rising damp and care must be taken during an inspection to accurately identify all building defects that may be contributing to dampness within the building. Again, wet and dry rot attack are often instigated by external building defects, allowing water to penetrate. It is an essential part of any inspection to accurately identify all of these problems.

Condensation

Condensation can be a major problem in buildings of modern construction, which are not adequately heated and ventilated, heat and ventilation being the key control measures with regard to condensation.

Care must be taken during an inspection not to confuse condensation with rising and penetrating damp, this can provide the surveyor with some level of difficulty, however, and there are battery-operated hygrometers available to establish where the condensation is occurring within a building. Condensation occurs when warm moisture laden air lands on cold surfaces. The point at which condensation occurs is referred to as 'dew point'. Care must be taken by the surveyor not to confuse condensation with either rising or penetrating damp. This can often be the case when condensation travels down the wall onto the skirting board causing damage at low level. Black mould growth can often be present when condensation occurs, and the most common form Asperglillus Niger, is indeed a humidity fungus and where present will always indicate that condensation has occurred.

Hygroscopic Salts

Hygroscopic salts are salts which attract water. They are found in walls which have a damp problem or have had the cause of the damp problem cured i.e., a chemical injection damp proof course installed. These salts will remain unless they are also treated as a separate problem.

They are often the result of rising damp and on completion of damp proofing treatments in a property, the moisture which is already above the level of the new damp proof course will in time evaporate, but whilst this process occurs the salts will be carried to the surface of the wall at times of high humidity. There are various chemical types of salts which come from different sources, such as, unwashed building sand, flue condensation, animal urine in stables or other buildings that are converted to living accommodation, there are also salts within the ground. Existing plasterwork which is contaminated with salt must be removed in conjunction with damp proofing treatments, and it is the reason why replastering is always necessary on completion of damp proofing treatment.

Survey, Insepction & Report

Inspection for rising damp must include consideration of all other possible causes of dampness such as leaks from defective plumbing, rain penetration, high external ground levels or condensation.

The problem initially is determined by the analysis of readings from an electronic moisture meter. Tests of this type are non-destructive.

After our inspection we will submit a report within 72hrs (usually within 48hrs) together with a Sketch Plan, clearly setting out the extent of rising damp present, and a full specification for the remedial work required together with a cost for recommended treatment.

If you wish to discuss any concerns you have regarding a possible damp problem then do not hesitate to contact us to request a survey or give us a call on 07522749936

Problems with woodworm or dry rot? Bugs living in your woodwork? At Damptek we provide a range of timber treatments to combat woodworm and wet/dry rot.

Woodworm treatment

Woodworm is not actually a worm, as many people think, but are types of wood boring beetles and their larvae. Left untreated they can cause weakening of the timber in your home which can be devastating. If you notice small holes in your timber/woodwork, Woodworm is more than likely the culprit. Most people are unaware that they are affected and most cases are only found when the property is surveyed before being bought or sold.

Call Damptek now if you require advice on woodworm or to book a free, no obligation quote.

Dry rot

Dry rot or brown rot refers to wood decay caused by certain species of fungi, also known as True Dry Rot, that digest parts of the wood which give the wood strength and stiffness. It can deteriorate timber in buildings and other wooden construction seemingly without an apparent source of moisture. Eventually, the decay can cause instability and cause the structure to collapse if left untreated.

Wet rot

There are two types of wet rot, brown and white and both be destructive to timber and they have a different affect upon the wood depending upon type. The most common wet rot we find in the home is brown wet rot and is commonly known as Cellar Fungus.

The general cause of wet rot growth is a high moisture content within timber for the fungus to establish. Typical causes are gutter leaks, roofing defects, plumbing leaks etc. Damp, poorly ventilated environments are susceptible to outbreaks of wet rot.

Brown wet rot – The structure of the timber is seriously affected by the rot feeding upon the cellulose. The wood will shrink and crack, become brittle and take on a darker colour, these signs will also appear with a dry rot attack. The shrinking of the timber will create cube like sections but the depth of cracking is generally less with wet rots than with dry rot. This condition seriously undermines the structural integrity of the timber.
White wet rot – Spores of wet rot germinate in the pores of the timber, the resulting mycelium feeds upon the cellulose of the timber where it spreads out and eventually produces spores. When released these lodge in the pores of the timber repeating the destructive cycle. The wood breaks down exhibiting a coarse, fibrous appearance with a lighening in colour. This condition undermines the structural integrity of the timber.

The attack of such rots requires immediate action if outbreaks are to be controlled.

All our timber treatments for woodworm and dry/wet rot are safe and non-flammable and kill all wood destroying insects including woodworm and death watch beetles.

Call us now on 0800 433 2917

Timber treatment

Woodworm treatment

Dry rot

Wet rot