Services Offered

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  Rising Damp

  Rising damp causes are a regularly asked question , in short it is when water occurs from the ground and rises up through the bricks and mortar via capillary action. Water basically rises through porous walls in the same way a sponge soaks up water in a sink.

  Any structure unprotected by a properly installed damp course is susceptible to rising damp this is where capillary action will rise through pores of masonry.

  Usually depending on the severity of the rising damp , we would hack off plaster back to brick work at least 1 metre high , install a new damp proof course at the lowest point (depending on ground levels) on the inside of the property and at least 6 inches from the outside of the property, will then be rendered with a water proof sand and cement , and finished with a smooth plaster finish ready to decorate.
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  Condensation treatment/Mould

  Living in a property affected by condensation and mould formation with a damp smell makes for an uncomfortable and unhealthy home. Damp problems must be sorted out immediately after encountering them. Condensation also destroys plaster-work, the interior walls, window frames and timber including skirting boards. Condensation can be seen in any building during winter when cold air condenses on the cold surfaces of the materials.

  What causes condensation?

  There are many reasons for the mould to appear and infest. During winter, for instance, air inside the building is warm and as the warm air comes into contact with the cold surfaces like walls and windows, it cools down below the dew point and condensation occurs along with mould. Condensation is usually witnessed during winter months and is mostly caused due to:

  -Poor heating
  -Lack of ventilation while showering or cooking
  -Wet clothes hung up to dry
  -Leaking drain or water pipe
  -Roof leak
  

  Preventing condensation involves proper ventilation and heating of your home, to release moist air from the rooms. Condensation disappears after cold months. Hence it is advisable to stay alert during the winter months to overcome any condensation problems. Kitchens and bathrooms are more prone to condensation than other rooms in the house. Dehumidifiers in the home can prevent condensation forming as it draws in air, cools it and reheats it to recirculate.Our experts at Solidry Damp Proofing Ltd will quickly assess the dampness in your home, diagnose the exact source and type of dampness and treatment to safeguard your property and the health of its occupants.

  Mould Mould spores are a natural part of our environment, however after water damage mould spores increase at a rapid rate. A high spore count can identify structural damage, water leaks and condensation, which are often not visible to the naked eye. It is a vital part of our process in mould remediation to check the mould spore count to identify any underlying damage. There are various requirements for mould to grow; here are some examples: - Organic food source, Stagnant Air,Time,Moisture.

  If you have noticed mould on the surfaces of walls, ceiling or perhaps even your contents than the cause need investigating and rectify as fungi especially moulds produce potentially harmful substances called mycotoxins to protect against other microorganisms. Mycotoxins create a variety of allergic responses or sickness in humans.

  Some people are more sensitive to mould than others, including: - Babies and children,Elderly peopleThose with existing skin problems, such as eczema,Those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma,Those with a weakened immune system, such as those having chemotherapy

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  Basement tanking

  Tanking is a cementitious form of basement waterproofing that has been applied to basements, cellars and other underground spaces for decades. Tanking was developed to hold back hydrostatic pressure from the earth surrounding the basement level of a property. Without tanking , underground walls would often crack or leak.

  HOW DOES BASEMENT TANKING WORK? In the simplest terms, tanking involves applying a cement or bitumen slurry coat or membrane which is waterproof to the basement's walls and floor. The tanking application will result in a waterproof coat on the existing wall surface which is reliant on the soundness of the substrate to cope with potential water pressure when applied to the inside face of the basement wall. Where a waterproof slurry coat or membrane is applied directly to the structure this waterproofing system is known as a Type A system. This type of waterproofing system will create a barrier to prevent water penetration.

  One of the crucial determining issues which must be considered before selecting the most appropriate tanking style is the condition of the existing basement walls and floors. If a waterproof membrane is going to be added to the wall's surface then it is essential that the existing wall is in a stable enough condition to take this treatment.

  For tanking to be successful, it must be applied to walls and floors which are in a sound and stable condition and the flow of any free water is reduced prior to application. It is also critical that considerable attention is given to the weaker points within the space, such as the floor to wall joint. When utilising the services of a qualified team who install professional tanking systems, they will understand the importance of preparing the existing wall and floor surface to achieve a dry basement.

  There are some instances where tanking directly onto the surface is not the appropriate solution to introduce to a property. This could be due to a poor wall surface which may not allow the waterproof coating to find a strong base or evidence of wall movement which may cause cracking. If a Type A system is not appropriate for your property due to the outlined reasons above, there are a variety of other waterproofing methods which could be more appropriate.

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  Dry/Wet Rot

  Dry rot is a form of timber decay caused by fungal growth. It is a severe decay and can cause serious issues to your property including structural integrity and it spreads aggressively fast to other areas quickly. Even though being named dry rot it usually needs to flourish and grow through moisture and can start from a small leak and if left untreated will only worsen.

  Wet rot is not the same as dry rot even though dry rot is a more severe timber decay wet rot is equally a problem in need of treatment. Wet rot occurs in an environment of constant moisture from leaking pipes bad plumbing , when excess moisture infiltrates timber it can allow fungal spores to germinate and grow, this will eventually weaken the strength of the timber.

  For both wet rot and dry rot similar treatments are necessary each job is very different but the main idea is to replace any affected timber replaced and treated depending on the size of the area and any leaks will have to be stopped to eradicate this problem we also use leading chemicals to protect the affected areas in the future.

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  Woodworm

  Woodworm is typically found in properties with exposed timber and our seasonal pests and thrive from April to October . Woodworm is the name for wood boring beetle at the larvae stage. Woodworms typically feed on the cellulose of the timber leaving a network of tunnels and depending on the amount of infestation can lead to the structure of the timber to loose its integrity. Usual treatments would require replacement of timber if severely damaged and sprayed with high pressured pump with leading woodworm treatments.