Category: Damp

If you are a property owner in London, you may have heard the term rising damp and wondered just what it’s referring to, with the sense that it’s nothing good! Rising damp is a type of moisture problem that can slowly destroy buildings, harming their structural integrity along with the health of the people occupying them! If your house smells musty, the paint is peeling, and the walls have grown discoloured, then you have a rising damp problem. It’s always best to know your enemy, so let’s take a closer look at rising damp and find out what signs to watch for!

First off, let’s define rising damp in more detail. It’s a natural phenomenon in which moisture is drawn up from the ground through the porous materials that make up your home, like wood, stone, plaster, bricks, and mortar. This is caused by something called capillary action, much like how a dry sponge left sitting in a shallow pool of water will soak it up and become wet- that is what’s happening to the walls and structures of your home! The water is drawn up into the walls, which causes ugly stains, damage to the structure, and the insidious growth of hazardous mould!

It’s typically older homes that rising damp attacks the most because their original damp proofing measures have deteriorated over the years, or they never had any to begin with! Newer homes are also susceptible to rising damp if the proper precautions weren’t taken during construction.

If you can Identify the signs of rising damp and address them early so you can take action, it is sure to save you a lot of money, anxiety, and time. The following are some of the common signs to be aware of:

The Paint And Wallpaper Is Peeling – Being constantly damp causes adhesives to weaken, which makes your paint and wallpaper crack, bubble, and peel.

The Walls Have Tide Marks – Just like the tide marks on a pier at the shoreline, horizontal lines of discolouration staining the walls show you how high the rising damp tide has risen! These unsightly tide marks can reach as high as one meter above floor level. These are a result of water condensation evaporating from the wall, leaving behind powdery white salt deposits that are called efflorescence.

The Plaster Is Crumbling –  The rising damp infiltrating causes wet walls in the house that can make the plaster soft and crumbly, so much so that it will eventually simply fall off if left untreated.

A Foul, Musty Odour – When your home’s interior is consistently damp, it will begin to exhibit a persistent foul, musty odour. This is chiefly caused by mould and mildew growing unseen in damp cracks, crevices and corners. If the situation grows worse, the mould will begin to spread to outer surfaces like floors and ceilings, where it will release allergenic spores that are very hazardous to human health! If you see mould, call us and we will perform a free mould survey to assess the situation and provide solutions!

Now that you know the signs of rising damp, you can call us at Damp Proofing Ltd on 020 7593 8030 during office hours or fill in the online form so we can come visit your home and help make things nice and dry again for you!

It’s just a fact of nature that London weather tends to be on the wet side most of the year. Considering that, it’s not too surprising that London homes are plagued with problems related to dampness, such as structural damage and poor indoor air quality. Dampness is a big problem, and it’s made more complicated by there being three different types- rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation damp!

The best way to know what kind of damp is making your home wet and uncomfortable is to arrange for our free Damp survey in London so we can identify it, and help you solve the problem! To get things started, we will examine the three forms of dampness, along with their distinct characteristics and causes.

Let’s first define the concept of dampness as a whole. Dampness is a blanket term for the presence of undesirable moisture inside a structure and its manifestation in three main forms, as follows:

Rising Damp – This type of damp happens when moisture in the ground is absorbed through porous building materials like wood, bricks, and mortar. The damp rises through the material by capillary action, similar to how a sponge absorbs water. Rising damp is able to flow through tiny cracks counter to the pull of gravity, the capillary action drawing the water upwards inside your home’s interior and exterior walls.

The tell-tale signs of rising damp are a musty smell in the home, damp stains on the wall’s lower sections, and plaster that has grown soft, wet, and crumbly. It also leaves water marks in the form of white salt deposits on the walls, a phenomenon called efflorescence. There are a variety of rising damp treatments available that your damp survey specialist can recommend.

Penetrating Damp – This type of damp occurs when water from external sources like rain, leaks, or faulty plumbing is able to find its way into a structure. Penetrating damp affects your home’s floors, walls, and ceilings. Rather than coming up from the ground, it tends to spread horizontally from the point of entry, such as a crack in the wall.

The areas affected become discoloured, with water marks visible. Unlike rising damp, it’s not limited to the lower sections of walls, so you might find that penetrating damp spreads higher and faster than rising damp. It’s important to employ penetrating damp solutions before major damage takes place!

Condensation Damp– This very common type of damp problem happens when warm, moist air collides with a cold surface and releases moisture, forming the tiny water droplets you often see on windows. Too much condensation without proper ventilation will cause a musty odour and encourage the growth of mould and mildew, which presents a dangerous health risk to residents.

If you are concerned about high levels of condensation in your home, we can send out our condensation specialist to ascertain the causes and help you find solutions. Call us at Damp Proofing Ltd on 020 7593 8030 during office hours or fill in the online form, we are here to help you with all of your damp-related problems!

Damp can be disastrous if it is not treated quickly. It causes more damage with every passing day, and even waiting for visible symptoms like peeling paint is longer than ideal. Damp surveys can identify potential sources of damp in your property and recommend long-term solutions. However, it is important to choose a surveyor who really knows their stuff. If you are London-based and looking for a damp specialist to do your survey, here is why you should choose locally.

Deep Knowledge of Damp Types

Most people are aware of the danger damp poses to properties, but few know that there are actually several types of damp that buildings can suffer from. These include rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation, all of which are widely found in London. This distinction is important because each type must be treated differently. Damp specialists in London know the tell-tale signs of each type and can locate their sources, ensuring that time and money are not spent on ineffective solutions.

Expertise in London Property Types

From buildings that are hundreds of years old to sleek new builds, London’s range of properties is diverse. Because each type was built using different materials and techniques, damp affects them all differently, and treatments that work for some types may not work for others. London damp specialists are familiar with the city’s architectural styles and the common defects in each, which can lead to damp trouble. This makes them highly skilled at identifying damp sources and supplying effective solutions.

Another advantage of choosing a local expert to do your damp survey in London is that they are familiar with local planning regulations. These can impact the range of possible treatments and renovations.

Specialist Tools and Techniques

While damp does result in visible symptoms, such as wet walls in the house, this does not mean that you can effectively conduct your own survey by inspecting your property. The signs of damp can often be hidden and subtle, only being revealed by the use of specialist tools like hygrometers and thermal imaging cameras. The trained eye of an expert can also spot potential sources of damp before it ever occurs.

Responsive and Flexible

Local damp specialists are typically able to get out and survey your property faster than nationwide surveyors can. They also tend to be easier to contact and more flexible when it comes to working hours and making changes to your appointment. Serving a smaller customer base means they can provide a more personal service. They are able to spend more time on your survey and report, and are more open to follow-up questions.

When it comes to doing a damp survey of your London property, there is no substitute for a local specialist. Their in-depth knowledge of damp types, treatments, and the nuances of local buildings and planning regulations gives them a clear advantage over big national players. To schedule a survey with a London-based damp specialist today, call Damp Proofing Ltd on 020 7593 8030.

If you are building a new home in London or refurbishing an older home, this is your chance to make sure that you can keep it warm and dry by using damp proofing techniques and materials to defend your investment from the ravages of moisture damage. Today, there are a wide variety of dependable moisture-proof building materials available on the market, so you will be sure to find a solution to suit your home’s needs!

Let’s examine some of the top damp-proofing building materials that can keep the wet out of your home!

Damp Proof Paint –  It’s essential to defend your precious home from unwanted moisture entering inside and causing damp-related problems that can harm your home’s value, structure, and your own health! One very popular and easy-to-implement approach is to use damp proof paint that contains a waterproofing agent that will put a stop to moisture seeping through your home’s walls. Damp proof paint is usable on the home’s exterior and interior, and is highly durable, making it a great long-term solution.

Damp Proof Membrane – Dampness is one of the biggest problems homeowners face, which keeps damp specialists in London like us so busy! We want you to stay healthy and dry, so here is another building material we recommend to battle the damp! There are several different materials that damp proof membranes are made of, such as polyethylene, asphalt, and bitumen, which are applied as a liquid sheet to the target surface. A damp proof wall membrane is an ideal solution for stopping moisture from entering through your home’s walls.

Damp Proof Course – This describes a physical barrier that is put in place to prevent the passage of moisture from the ground rising up the walls and causing damage. Homes that lack a sufficient layer of damp protection, or have a damp course that has been compromised, are susceptible to excess moisture rising up from the ground. This rising damp can damage the wall’s plaster, paint, wallpaper, as well as cause wet or dry rot in unprotected woodwork. The damp proof course can be fashioned from several kinds of materials, for example, plastic damp proofing can replace traditional masonry.

The majority of modern homes will have a damp proof course at a minimum of 150 mm above the ground level. You might see it as a mortar course with a plastic DPC sheet or a bitumen sheet poking out at the edges. These are very effective materials that are long lasting, although structural movement from nearby construction or seismic activity may cause it to crack, and older bitumen material will eventually break down from old age. Today, damp proof courses and other long-term damp proof solutions are required to be installed in all newly built homes to stop rising damp from happening.

If you have questions or need assistance with damp proofing in your home, just call Damp Proofing Ltd on 020 7593 8030 during office hours or fill in the online form and we will be happy to help!

The unwelcome presence of damp and mould is a common occurrence in London homes, thanks to our wet climate. Excess moisture can work its way up inside our homes from the ground with the rising damp, or enter with the rains through tiny cracks in our outer walls, thanks to penetrating damp, and on any cold day, one can see the tiny water droplets of condensation forming on the windows. When these conditions become prevalent, it’s time to do some damp proofing before your home’s structure becomes irreversibly water damaged!

The most serious result of all this dampness is mould, a diabolical fungus that can infest the materials your home is made of and cause serious health problems for its occupants! Before you even see it there will be an unpleasant mould smell in the house as it begins to grow and spread in damp cracks, crevices, and corners. If the wet conditions continue unchecked, mould will grow and spread, eventually forming ugly dark patches upon the walls, ceilings, and even on your furniture!

Because mould thrives in damp, humid environments, it’s important to discourage its presence by making sure that your home is well-ventilated. Having air circulating throughout your home will help to keep things dry, preventing the damp-loving mould from settling in. The parts of your home to pay close attention to are the rooms where moisture is commonly found, like the bathroom, kitchen, and basement. These rooms must have proper ventilation to prevent the air from growing stagnant, the ideal condition for moisture to accumulate and encourage the growth of mould.

If your home is already suffering from damp, mouldy conditions, we can send our mould specialists over to assess the situation. Meanwhile, you can get started with your battle against the damp and mould with these pro tips:

Install Extra Exhaust Fans –  This is one of the best methods of ensuring your home has proper ventilation. Your bathroom and kitchen probably already have one, but what about your basement and laundry room? Adding extra exhaust fans to your home ensures air can circulate better, which will remove excess moisture from the air and help prevent the growth of mould.

Use A Dehumidifier – If your home tends to be humid and retains moisture, use a dehumidifier to remove the excess moisture from the air. This will discourage mould growth and improve your home’s air quality, too.

Open Up The Windows – If the weather permits, open up your home’s windows so fresh air can circulate through it. During the warmer months, humidity levels will be on the rise, so this added ventilation will be a big help in reducing moisture and discouraging mould growth, plus it won’t add to your utility bill!

If you are already using these ventilation improving tips and your home still suffers from damp conditions and mould growth, we would like to invite you to arrange for our free mould survey for London homes so we can assess the problem. Just call Damp Proofing Ltd on 020 7593 8030 during office hours or fill in the online form and we will help you make your home safe and dry!

Being underground puts the basement in any property at a higher risk of flooding, and this should be taken seriously because basement flooding doesn’t just damage your belongings and cause an inconvenience. It can quickly lead to mould growth and structural damage, turning your property into a serious health and safety hazard. However, it can be avoided if you understand the causes. This blog explores some common reasons for basement floods and effective strategies for prevention.

Poor Landscape Grading

One of the leading causes of basement flooding is the landscape surrounding the property. If this is sloped towards the building’s foundation, then water from rain or melting ice is naturally going to run towards it and pool around the base. It can then start to seep through cracks in the building’s foundations and into the basement. Poor grading can be fixed by adding soil around the property’s perimeter that slopes away from the foundation.

Clogged or Broken Gutters

Gutters and downpipes exist to prevent water from running off the roof and pooling around a building’s base. If they are broken or clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, they will not be able to divert the water properly. Regular maintenance is the key to managing this cause of basement flooding. Be sure to clean your gutters and pipes at least twice a year, and repair any damage immediately.

Foundation Cracks and Structural Issues

Water often seeps into basements through cracks in the foundation, so it is important to regularly inspect the basement walls and floors for these. Any that you do find should be professionally evaluated. Even hairline cracks should not be ignored, as they can easily widen over time due to pressure and temperature changes. Some cracks might need serious structural repairs, but most can be sealed by epoxy or polyurethane injection. Wall membrane can be applied for added protection.

Poorly Sealed Basement Windows

Sealant can degrade over time, and water pooling around basement windows can cause wet rot in wooden frames, compromising their structural integrity. These issues could eventually lead to water entering the basement. You can prevent this by regularly inspecting the caulking and seals, replacing them when needed, as well as making sure there is adequate drainage around the window to prevent pooling. You could also buy a window well cover that keeps out rain while still letting light inside.

High Water Table

In areas where soil close to the surface is highly saturated, the groundwater can exert a lot of pressure against the exterior walls of your basement, pushing water into the cracks and pores. This water can end up passing through the wall, causing damp and flooding. Tanking is a method of waterproofing for basements that can help protect against this, as can a drainage system or the use of a sump pump.

Basement floods can occur for many reasons, but most can be easily prevented by regularly inspecting your property and ensuring that it is well-maintained. For a tailored approach to flood prevention based on your property’s needs, speak to Damp Proofing Ltd today by calling 020 7593 8030.

Damp doesn’t just make your walls look bad, it can actually cause serious damage to your property if it goes untreated for too long. Spotting it early and getting it properly repaired before it is able to do much damage can save you thousands of pounds and a lot of disruption. Penetrating damp is a common type of damp in UK properties, and this guide will help you understand how to spot it and how to stop it.

What is Penetrating Damp?

Penetrating damp is usually caused when water enters the interior of a building through an opening in the external wall or roof. Rain seeping through cracked walls or damaged roof tiles could cause it, for example, but it could also be caused by leaking pipes inside a building. It is common in older buildings because weatherproofing becomes worn with time, but construction flaws and damage can cause it to happen in modern buildings too.

What Are the Warning Signs?

Openings on the outside of buildings aren’t going to fix themselves, so penetrating damp will get progressively worse the longer it is left unchecked. Being able to spot the signs early makes fixing it a whole lot easier. Often, the first noticeable signs are patches on the wall that look damp or discoloured. They usually feel cold and damp to the touch and you might notice a lingering musty smell.

Other signs to look out for are paint peeling off the walls, crumbling plaster, bubbling paint, and mould or mildew growing. Penetrating damp on the roof might cause sagging, while if it occurs at a low level, it might rot your skirting boards.

How Can It Be Treated?

If you have spotted signs of penetrating damp on your property, then you should inspect the exterior to locate where the water is getting in. You are looking for damage to the brickwork, mortar joints, guttering, downpipes, roof tiles, and window frames. If the source is not clear, or it is not something you can fix, then it is time to seek professional help from a damp proofing service.

Damp experts can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to track down hidden leaks, and they will be able to provide you with long-term damp proof solutions in addition to repairing any damage caused. Solutions for penetrating damp often include the application of external wall damp treatment or the installation of proper drainage systems.

How to Prevent Penetrating Damp

Inspecting the outside of your property regularly, especially after periods of heavy rain or icy weather, allows you to find cracks to seal or roof tiles to repair before damp sets in. Cleaning gutters and downpipes at least twice a year ensures water is properly drained away and does not overflow or pool. There are also waterproof wall coatings for preventing penetrating damp, which create an additional layer of defence against the elements.

Penetrating damp is a common problem, but it should not be underestimated. It can escalate quickly when ignored, so it is important to identify the cause and get it fixed as soon as possible. Call Damp Proofing Ltd on 020 7593 8030 to solve your penetrating damp problem and protect your property.

It is amazing just how many homeowners discover condensation and simply wipe it away and put it to one side. Then, surprisingly enough, they encounter the same thing time and time again. Condensation is caused when warm air, full of moisture, lands on a cool surface like a wall or window and turns into water. This is going to lead to big issues if not corrected, which includes damp that any property owner needs to avoid.

The first course of action that they should take is to get in touch with a condensation specialist, like our teams at London Damp Proofing. We have the equipment to find the cause of such issues and can then put it right, which can save lots of grief going forward. Those who ignore the situation will quickly see the signs of the moisture causing visible damage, while it can also get to work out of sight with serious implications. Here are 5 crucial reasons to do something about it as soon as possible.

1. What might seem like an aesthetic issue when plaster, paint, or wallpaper start to show signs of damp caused by the condensation is much more serious than that. Once the moisture gets into wood, it can lead to it starting to rot and warp. This can have serious consequences for the whole structure and lead to danger. Having its structural integrity breached can cost a lot of money to put right, which would be saved by making a simple phone call.
2. Our team of experts would arrange a visit to deliver a rapid diagnosis and be able to deliver an estimate while on site. They would likely carry out a condensation survey there and then to put your mind at ease, especially if there are signs of mildew and mould growth. Apart from being unsightly, they can have health implications, especially for anyone with a respiratory condition, not to mention the horrible, musty smell that they fill the air with.
3. You don’t have to have a pre-existing respiratory condition to suffer discomfort and health issues once mould and mildew are left to thrive, as those with allergies might feel skin discomfort. Once they are inhaled, the problems begin, which is why it is essential to call out the professionals as soon as condensation becomes apparent.
4. There are several condensation solutions available that we can implement or advise upon, which include having better ventilation in the home and opening windows whenever possible, as well as drying clothes outside. Living somewhere damp and stuffy also makes living in the home uncomfortable.
5. Why invest in a property and then see its value fall? That’s exactly what happens when condensation is allowed to create havoc, especially for those who may be looking to sell and can’t ask the price that they want.

Condensation can lead to large-scale problems for a homeowner, which is why we advise that you give us a call on 020 7593 8030 so that we can resolve the issue for you.

Properties that have a basement provide lots of possibilities to a homeowner. Many in the past might have been used for storage, but with the high demand for space in London, there are lots of ways in which it can be utilised. Those who decide that they wish to work from home can convert it into a workshop, or maybe a private office if it has a separate entrance down the steps at the front of the building. If it has, why not convert it into a flat that can be rented out to bring in additional income?

All these ideas are good ones, but it is important to remember that basements may require rising damp treatment before any plans are carried out. Older buildings in London are prone to such conditions owing to the high-water levels below ground and should be thoroughly checked out at the first signs of any damp, which can include a tide mark and discolouring on a wall. The solution is often tanking the basement to ensure that damp no longer becomes an issue. Here are the reasons to act.

• Climate change continues to become a concern as higher levels of rainfall lead to increased chances of flooding. If damp penetrates the building and gets into its foundations, it can cause structural damage, which is not only dangerous but can be expensive to put right. Therefore, waterproofing it makes a lot of sense so that any possessions in the basement are protected and can be stored down there with confidence.
• Basement tanking is one solution. Here at London Damp Proofing, we are just a phone call away if you have any concerns and will arrange for a visit to carry out a rapid diagnosis to put your mind at rest. Suddenly, adding an extra living space to the property becomes a possibility which might be converted into a games room, or that man’s cave that’s always been dreamed about to relax in and invite friends to spend time in.
• The spiralling cost of living is linked to energy bills, which continually go through the roof. Any rest bite to finances is always welcome, which becomes a possibility once the basement is properly waterproofed. Damp often creates gaps in a building, sometimes because the property is showing signs of ageing. Those who have work carried out will see that the repairs will keep heat inside the home rather than escaping, which then lowers the price of the bills.
• Our team of experts might arrive with a basement tanking kit as well as their high-tech equipment to do a guaranteed job. This will ensure that the property is protected against damp and will also increase its value, which makes the work an excellent investment, especially for those who may be looking to sell and be able to ask the maximum price.

Basement tanking is a great way to protect against damp and structural damage. Our team, who can be contacted on 020 7593 8030, are waiting to assist you.

There are many challenges to overcome when owning a small business. What might start by spotting an opportunity, perhaps while being employed elsewhere, is often attacked with gusto. The early enthusiasm makes going into work each day seem a pleasure before things begin to settle down, and the realisation that it’s time to build a client base beyond those already known is necessary.

One of the biggest outlays for a commercial business is finding the right premises from which to operate. Ideally, it will have good footfall and be convertible into whatever it is required for. Such investments are likely to put a dent in the finances, so ensuring they are in good condition and won’t need too much outlay thereafter makes sense. One of the most sensible courses of action anyone can take, particularly in older buildings with basements, is damp proofing.

Many of London’s older buildings stand on clay, and what with the Thames and its many hidden tributaries, it means that below the surface of the capital, there is a high proportion of water. Those who are in possession of such a property want to ensure that they have protection against structural damage, which is something that damp can cause if not protected against. It’s not only below the surface and the potential of rising damp to consider. Global warming has seen a big increase in erratic weather patterns, with large spells of unseasonal rainfall leading to damage to buildings, which leads to damp penetration in basements becoming an issue. Those without adequate protection can see stock being damaged, which can severely affect their bottom line.

Rotting plaster and timber caused by damp in basements happen in conditions which are perfect for mould and mildew to thrive. The musty smell is something else to be avoided as it can have effects on the health of employees. One way to act upon this is to give us a call at London Damp Proofing, as we have vast experience in dealing with such issues. We will arrange for a rapid diagnosis for anyone with concerns and ensure that they get an on-site estimate so that they can plan their budget around the work. It might include a DPC membrane being used to usher damp to the tradesman’s entrance.

The improved air quality will be appreciated by customers and employees alike, as they will not have any fear of being in an unpleasant and unhealthy environment. The costs of running a business can sometimes cause an owner to get into a panic over their financial situation. One way of helping with this is calling out damp repair services so that they become more energy efficient and save money on their bills, as gaps in the structure are repaired so that appliances do not have to work overtime to keep people warm.

Damp proofing a business premises is a smart move which saves money and improves the working environment. Call us on 020 7593 8030 so that we can arrange a visit.