Damp Proofing
Medway - Rochester, Strood, Chatham, Gillingham
Damp always has a cause that can be identified during an inspection. Contrary to popular belief and regardless of the age of a property all damp can be remedied.
Occupying a damp property, even for a very short period can have adverse effects on health. This is most notable in children, the elderly and those with underlying respiratory conditions. Prolonged exposure to stachybotrys or 'toxic black mould' can have dire consequences. Independent research has confirmed a correlation in severely reduced life expectancy and exposure to damp, mould and mildew.
The term rising damp refers to a breach or bridging of DPC (damp proof course) and the resultant moisture permeating upwards through the masonry; the consequences of which can appear catastrophic.
Do not believe the commonly hyped myth that there's no such thing as rising damp. This is complete nonsense and appears to have achieved credence due to misconceptions, insufficient knowledge and misunderstanding terminology.
After a period of wet weather, find a wall with a visible and effective DPC. You will observe that the brickwork below DPC remains damp in appearance with the brickwork above staying dry. This illustrates that moisture-content below ground level rises upwards through the masonry. The DPC in-situ prevents moisture permeating the brickwork above.
Rising damp constitutes an 'ingress'
An ingress refers to permeation of masonry via an external source. An ingress can equally occur as a result of external porosity of brickwork, a roofing issue or leaking drainage.
Stachybotrys (toxic black mould) is the most common form of mold in found in damp property with penicilllium growth being the second most common. Stachybotrys growth occurs on damp surfaces as the result of restricted ventilation; it is easily identifiable as mottled grey or black discolouration on walls, ceilings and fabrics. Specific legislation relating to mould and mildew in rented property is enforceable by law.
To prevent damp, a property requires: ventilation, heating, damp proof course, damp proof membrane (if floors are concrete) adequately low external ground level, brickwork with sufficient repellency, functioning drainage and plumbing without leaks and a roof in a good state of repair.
The certification most companies provide is worthless.
A 2016 nationwide survey estimated that a shocking 60% of damp proofing works fail in the first 5 years.
The majority of damp proofing companies will recommend chemical injection DPC as a guaranteed solution to damp regardless of the cause. Equally, installing a vent is often promoted as a cure to the most severe ingress. This is because their surveyors have little or no practical experience; they inspect a property with the intention of recommending works that are quick and easy to undertake for the contractor, but expensive for the customer.
Surveyors are routinely taught to fob-off complaining customers when works fail. The surveyor will often return to a property and insist that the recurrence of damp is due to an alternate cause and therefore not covered by the guarantee.
To indefinitely rectify damp in a property requires considerable knowledge and experience. Skills that encompass all the trades used in construction are prerequisite for the damp specialist.
We guarantee 100 cessation of ingress within your property for 20 years. If damp, mould or mildew return to any treated areas, we will return without cost to rectify the issue.
