Danford Brewer & Ives - Specialists in Damp Proofing - Free Surveys

We can assess Dampness, Timber Problems, Wall Stabalisation and Basement Conversion works with a free survey carried out by our own fully qualified surveyors CSRT, (Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatments).

Rising Damp

Rising damp is not the most common form of dampness encountered in buildings; this is left to condendsation, however, it is very likely that a high proportion of older buildings are affected by rising damp to some degree or another, and it does cause problems. With positive identification, appropriate remedial action and ancillary works can be carried out.

Rising damp in buildings may be defined as the vertical flow of water up through a permeable wall structure, the water being derived from ground water. The water rises through the pores (capillaries) in the masonry by a process loosely termed 'capillarity'. In other words the masonry acts like a wick.

Ground Water

Ground water also contains small amounts of soluble salts, the most significant of which are chlorides, nitrates and sulphates.

These pass with the water in solution up the wall and are left behind when the water evaporates. Over many years of active rising dampness large quantities of these salts accumulate within the masonry and decorative surface.

It is essential when investigating the potential for rising dampness to eliminate other sources of water ingress. A guide to the approach to be adopted for a damp survey is given below. Care must be taken to eliminate other potential sources of moisture especially condensation in the colder months, and it is therefore essential to ensure that a full investigation is always undertaken.

If any other sources are identified then these must be first eliminated before a proper assessment of any rising dampness can be made as it can be very difficult to distinguish between two or more interfering sources of water ingress.

Should it be noted that previous damp-proofing works have been undertaken then it is essential to take great care ensuring that the evidence of dampness is correctly evaluated.

The following gives a guide to onsite routine procedures for the survey:

1. EXTERNAL EXAMINATION
   
   
   1. External rainwater goods, valleys, flat roofs.
   2. Condition of brickwork, stone, mortar, plinths, rendering, weatherproof finish etc.
   3. Wall construction, cracks in masonry, copings etc.
   4. External timbers including windows and doors.
   5. Air vents; their position and condition.
   6. Chimneys and flashings.
   7. Position of any remedial DPC installation including spacing and depth of holes where chemical systems have been used.
   8. High ground levels, abutting gardens walls, steps and position and integrity of any DPC system.


2. PRIMARY INTERNAL EXAMINATION: VISIBLE SIGNS
   
   
   1. Fungal decay in skirting and/or other timbers
   2. Peeling/blistering wallpaper, peeling/blistering paintwork
   3. Efflorescence
   4. Mould growth, staining
   5. Damp/wet patches, water droplets, water runs


3. SECONDARY EXAMINATION
   (With use of properly functioning and calibrated electrical moisture meter)
   
   
   1. Examine both perimeter and centre of solid/timber suspended floors.
   2. Check moisture content of timber skirting (top and base).
   3. Examine and check condition of the floor/wall junction, edge of DPM of floor.
   4. Check any remedial DPC installation including position and depth of holes (if inserted from inside)
   5. Note distribution of moisture meter readings both vertically and horizontally on the surface of the walls.
   6. Check for efflorescence beneath wallpaper finishes
   7. Note any use of polystyrene sheet/metal foil beneath wallpaper.
   8. Note any new plasterworks, height of replastering and its condition and if possible its type, e.g., renovating, sand/cement, lightweight premix gypsum etc.
   9. Lift floorboards and thoroughly examine timbers and subsite.
   10. Check for suitable subfloor ventilation
   11. Look for any internal plumbing defects and water dripping from cold pipes, etc. as the result of condensation


4. OTHER
   
   
   1. Check (if possible) on history and use of property
   2. Evaluate 'lifestyle' e.g., use of central heating, paraffin or flueless gas heaters, drying washing and cooking, degree of ventilation etc.

Once any form of dampness has been identified then it is essential that the risk of decay to any timbers is assessed and appropriate remedial measures undertaken. Remember, a combination of dampness and wood leads to potential rot.

Depending on what the survey reveals, we may recommend and quote for suitable treatments. These may involve repairs and maintenance to the building, and or damp proofing and specialist re-plastering works. These will be all seperately identified and costed. There are different methods and products for damp proofing, choices and reasons for recommendations can be explained.

Wood Preservation

We have products and procedures to treat timbers against attack by wood boring insects and wood destroying fungi. A survey can be carried out to examine structural timbers and recommend relevant treatments.