Effective damp-proofing in the Forest of Dean
Damp-proofing is often required in older properties in the Forest of
Dean as they may have been built without a physical damp-proof course
(such as in stone built cottages etc) or the existing damp-proof course
has failed.
Forest Dampbusters use a variety of different methods to combat rising
damp but the most popular with our clients in the Forest of Dean and Wye
Valley is to pressure inject a chemical damp-proofing solution into
brickwork or masonry. This damp-proofing fluid is intended to cure
across the thickness of the wall and form a barrier and restrict the
upward passage of moisture. However stone built properties in the Forest
of Dean and Wye Valley are sometimes not suitable for this form of
chemical damp-proofing as the damp-proofing fluid can often run away
within the rubble infill and often the only thing that is preventing
dampness internally is the waterproof render that is applied to all damp
walls. Forest Dampbusters therefore offer two different methods which
have proven to be very successful in preventing rising damp in stone
built properties.
One of these systems is a frozen damp-proof course (Freezteq) which
involves inserting frozen pellets of damp-proofing fluid into
pre-drilled holes and on thawing the damp-proofing fluid gently diffuses
into the masonry ensuring that the whole cross-section of wall is
saturated with the damp-proofing fluid which reverses the capillary
effect of the masonry and forms an effective damp-proof barrier which
will prevent rising dampness from the ground. This system comes with a
20 year guarantee against the occurrence of rising damp.
Another highly effective method is with the use of damp-proofing
injection mortar. Holes are drilled at an angle on both sides of thick
stone walls and then a waterproof slurry is injected into the walls. The
slurry contains sodium bentonite which has excellent waterproofing
properties and this expands in the wall to fill any pores and cracks
within the wall. The slurry starts to solidify within an hour of
injection and on curing will form an impermeable barrier against rising
damp and provide a highly effective damp-proof course. This injection
mortar damp-proofing system also comes with a 20 year guarantee against
the recurrence of rising damp.
Another alternative method is an electro-osmosis damp-proofing systems
which provide a small electrical charge repels rising moisture molecules
down the walls and back into the ground. Providing this tiny positive
charge is maintained, the protected walls will stay dry and damp free.
We can also install physical damp-proof course by removing sections of
the wall, fitting a membrane and then re-building the wall. Other
environmentally friendly, chemical free methods of damp-proofing are
promoting better drainage around the base of external walls and the
fitting of French Drains.
A highly advertised form of chemical free damp-proofing is often seen in
the press promoting a Dutch damp-proofing system which involves drilling
holes and installing specially designed bricks fitted into the outside
walls. According to manufacturers of this Dutch damp-proofing system,
these bricks allow air to flow into the air chambers and the airflow
causes moisture to evaporate which will lead to walls drying out. There
is no scientific evidence to confirm that the Dutch damp-proofing system
is as effective as the manufacturers claim and some cynics say that they
are no better than air bricks and they are heavily reliant on which way
the wind blows.
Manufacturers of the Dutch damp-proofing system claim that there is no
need for any internal works such as replastering or replacement of
skirting boards but one installation of this damp-proofing system that
we have seen in Newland Street, Coleford shows the brick inserts which
stop rising damp approximately 300mm above ground level. This means that
rising damp would still occur up to the height of the inserts which
would lead to salt contamination of plaster and dampness and possible
decay of skirtings and other timbers in contact with damp walls.
The effects of rising damp can usually damage internal plaster and any
timbers in contact with damp walls. To provide a complete service we can
also carry out any necessary replastering and timber replacement works.
Re-plastering usually means that plaster affected by damp has to removed
to a height of approximately 1.2m ( 4 feet in English) and then replaced
with a waterproof render before applying a skim finish ready for
decorating.
Timbers affected by damp such as skirting boards, floorboards and joists
etc should be removed and replaced with pre-treated softwood.
Forest Dampbusters can quote for and carry these associated works but we
leave the option open for our clients to use their own builders to
undertake these works in accordance with our specifications in order to
reduce costs. Even if the ancillary works are not carried out by Forest
Dampbusters we will still provide 20 year insured guarantees against
rising damp which you may require for you Building Society/ Bank for
mortgage purposes.
All guarantees are backed by a 20 year insurance policy and these
insured guarantees give you peace of mind in the event that Forest
Dampbusters cease trading so that your guarantee will still be honoured.
Insurance backed guarantees are issued in association with Construction
Guarantee Services who provide insured guarantees for approved
contractors in the damp-proofing and timber treatment industry which are
authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and are accepted by Banks
and Building Societies for mortgage purposes.
If you feel that your property is affected by rising damp then please
feel free to call us on 01594 837300 for free impartial advice. At
Forest Dampbusters we are happy to discuss any damp related problems
that may be having an adverse effect on your house. Usually initial
surveys are also free but if we are required to provide a report as part
of a mortgage requirement then a charge will be made. This charge
depends on the size of the property and scope of the survey but can be
offset against the cost of any work that we subsequently carry out.
Most of our work is carried out within the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
area but we are able to travel further afield and welcome enquiries from
Gloucester, Ledbury, Hereford, Abergavenny, Newport and all surrounding
areas
Please call us on 01594 837300 or email us at
enquiries@forest-dampbusters.co.uk for further information. You can also request a survey online.