The show airs on Channel 4 at 8pm on Thursdays and sees homeowners address various problems with their properties. Steve Hodgson of the Property Care Association (the governing body for the damp, rot, woodworm and structural repairs industry) has also featured in some of the episodes!

Help! My house is falling down – Watch on-line!

Catch up on all the latest episodes of “Help! My house is falling down” on YouTube by clicking on the image below:

“Help! My house is really falling down!” – Request a survey!

Do you think you might have similar property issues similar to what Sarah Beeny has been helping home owners with in the TV series? If you suspect your property needs some expert care, contact Timberwise on 0800 288 8660 or request a survey online.

The cause of the leaking basement

Undercliffe Lane Community works and Children’s Centre was due for a program of alterations and partial refurbishment during the summer break of 2010. Part of the works involved the installation of a lift facility and the provision of through access into a basement class-room. The existing access to the class-room consisted of a damp, untidy basement hallway which needed waterproofing to provide a safe, dry environment.

The waterproofing system designed by Timberwise

The waterproofing project was on a tight site-program and Timberwise was invited to design a waterproofing solution for the basement hallway. Working with the architect and the contractor Timberwise designed and insulated a Type C (drained protection) waterproofing system with little preparation and the facility for the contractor to dry-line over the waterproofing system which reduced wet-trades in the schedule of works. The cavity drain waterproofing system was installed quickly with little or no disruption to the program and the works were allowed to proceed unhindered.

The cavity drain waterproofing system was designed to drain into adjacent large basement rooms which were at a lower level and had submersible sump pumps recessed in the floors.
Attention to detail with designing waterproofing systems is critical – Timberwise technicians ensured that service penetrations through the waterproofing membrane were treated effectively and that fixing points did not create any problems for the contractor. All joists were fully sealed using butyl tape and fixing points were sealed using gasket grommets to the underside of system fixing components.

Under the Code of Practice which dictates waterproofing design (BS 8102:2009 – The code of practice for protection of below ground structures against water from the ground) it is critical to design and consider future maintenance into a waterproofing system. Timberwise designed into the specification and installed cleaning ports to allow future maintenance of the waterproofing system and if required inspection of the cavity drainage system at the Community Works Nursery & Children’s Centre.

The nursery and childrens centre

Cavity drain membrane, drainage channel and inspection port

Fixings in cavity drain membrane

What should I do if I have a leaking basement?

If you are looking to waterproof a basement area and turn it in to extra dry space, the first thing you need to do is have a survey of the basement carried out by a basement waterproofing professional. Following on from the basement survey, the best form of waterproofing system for the basement will be determined.

To arrange a survey of your basement or cellar contact Timberwise on 0800 288 8660 or arrange a basement survey on-line.

Timberwise are experts in treating timbers suffering with rot, especially dry rot and wet rot amongst other form of fungal decay. Rot is one of the main causes of timber decay in properties and Timberwise are able to provide specialist rot surveys to identify the type of wood rot as well as perform the specialist treatments to get rid of the rotten wood within the property.

Below we have 2 pictures taken by our specialist rot surveyor showing 2 of the most common kinds of wood rot – Dry rot and Wet rot.

Timber rot: Dry rot

Here a leak from a dishwasher above has led to the formation of Dry rot in the sub floor void area.

Timber rot: Wet rot

Here we see wet rot in the bearing end of a floor joist with the floor boards above also showing signs of a beetle infestation. Also visible are signs of 2 previous damp proof courses (1 chemical DPC and 1 bitumen dpc) that have failed to protect the floor joists. As can be seen by the screwdriver the timber had lost strength and become weak.

What are the signs of Dry rot and Wet rot ?

The signs of Dry rot include:

- A pungent mushroom like smell

- A white fungal growth

- The timber will show signs of cracking in a cuboidal formation

Learn more about Dry rot treatments from Timberwise

The signs of Wet rot include:

- A damp smell

- Timbers will be soft and appear cracked

- A fungal growth will be present.

Learn more about Wet rot treatments from Timberwise

The cause of the water ingress

The health club is based in the basement of a large grade 2 listed art deco office building in the heart of Manchester. It was within the basement area that the problem with water ingress came to light. The source of the water ingress was traced to two “pavement lights” Pavement lights were designed to allow light into basement areas through prisms of glass. As a result of the water ingress 2 rooms in the basement area were unable to be used – resulting in inconvenience for the clubs clients and a loss of income for the clubs owner. Timberwise Manchester were called in to provide a waterproofing solution whilst providing minimum disruption for the clients.

The waterproofing system

The solution to the waterproofing problem utilised a cavity membrane system, perimeter drainage channel and a SmartSump sump and pump unit. This system would allow any water that entered the room to be channeled into the perimeter drainage channel and taken to a convenient drain off point. As part of our commitment to causing minimum disruption our team of waterproofing specialists worked through the night. To get to the rooms that needed waterproofing our waterproofing team had to protect  the next door nail bar – covering all soft furnishings and carpets to protect from any dust and dirt created during the waterproofing process. At the end of each night shift the nail bar then had to be put back into a usable state ready for clients to use during the day.

The photos below show the installation of the SmartSump system (in the corner of the room) along with the drainage channel and cavity drain membrane. The complete waterproofing job from Timberwise involved the fitting of the sump and pump, perimeter drainage and cavity drain membrane system that ran from ceiling to floor. On top of this was also added plasterboard and a skim finish. The false ceiling in the 2 rooms was also replaced and the rooms then decorated back to the original specification required by the health club. The whole project was completed within two weeks.

Water ingress was caused as a result of leaking pavement lights

All public areas had to be protected from dust and dirt during the waterproofing process

The SmartSump is ready to have the pump installed - to the right of the picture is a heavily protected marble sink

The finished SmartSump unit ready for operation. The perimeter drainage and cavity drain membrane are also clearly visible

What should I do if I have a leaky basement?

If you are looking to waterproof an unused basement area and turn it in to extra living space the first thing you need to do is have a survey of the basement carried out by a waterproofing professional. Following the survey the best form of waterproofing for the basement will be determined.

To arrange a survey of your basement or cellar contact Timberwise on 0800 288 8660 or arrange a basement survey on-line.

Following a survey of the basement it was identified that there was lateral penetrating damp. Lateral penetrating dampness normally occurs on external walls where the external ground levels are at a higher level than the internal floors. As a consequence of this the dampness within the soil bearing against these walls penetrates the fabric of the walls. Basements are a typical example of lateral penetrating damp.

The solution to the dampness was the installation of a cavity drain membrane to the walls. Applied from ceiling height to ground level the membrane would provide an ideal barrier to prevent the dampness spoiling any interior decorations.  Following the introduction of cavity drain membrane to the walls plasterboard was applied and finally a skim finish leaving the basement dry and in a position for the client to decorate, safe in the knowledge that the dampness would not comeback!

The pictures below show the various stages in the waterproofing process used:

The cellar area suffering with lateral penetrating dampness prior to work commencing.

Cavity drain membrane is applied to all the walls within the cellar area.

Following the cavity drain membrane plasterboard is fixed in to place. The cavity drain membrane will prevent dampness 'spoiling' the plaster board.

A skim finish is applied.

Following the waterproofing done by Timberwise the client was then able to decorate safe in the knowledge that the dampness would not return!

What should I do if I want to convert a cellar?

In an effort to reduce radon gas levels the HPA has introduced a new Target Level. Until recently, the HPA recommended that only if the level of radon in a property was over 200becquerels per cubic meter (BQ/m3) did action need to be taken to reduce radon levels. Following a review of the latest advice on the risks from radon gas from the Internal Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) the HPA have now also launched a Target Level of 100 Bq/m3.

Why introduce a radon gas Target Level?

As there is now a much better understanding of the risks to health on people exposed to radon gas levels of 200 Bq/m3 and below the Target Level was introduced to increase the awareness of the dangers of radon gas and to encourage people to take remedial action to reduce the levels of radon in their properties. It is recommended that Action Levels and Target Levels  apply also to public buildings (where the public spends more than 2000 hours / annum) and all schools.

Radon Affected Areas

The new HPA report also focuses on the common misconception that radon gas is only in certain parts of the country. The HPA now classifies areas as Lower, Intermediate or Higher risk radon areas. The definition of Higher risk areas been that there is at least a 10% chance of exceeding the radon Action Level. Homeowners in areas classed as Intermediate or Higher are actively encouraged to have radon gas testing carried out to determine the true radon risk they are exposed to.

Radon gas and basements

Home owners with basements are now advised that their basements stand a high risk of containing higher than average radon gas levels regardless of where they are in the UK. A radon test should be carried out in the basement area to confirm the concentration of radon gas and where needed remedial action taken to lower the radon gas level. Remedial action can take different forms depending on the levels of radon found. Timberwise offer a range of remedial solutions to lower radon levels from radon sumps to positive pressure ventilation systems.

Radon Test Kits

Radon testing kits are available from Timberwise. We supply 90 day radon test kits that proven to give a more accurate reading than other radon test kits that can be done over a shorter time frame. Kits are available to buy on-line using our shop facility and cost £45 inc VAT and free delivery.

Summary of new HPA Radon Guidance

The putting in place of a new Target Level of 100 Bq/m3. All existing and new homes should be beneath this level

The new Target Level is also relevant to all schools and public buildings

The introduction of risk areas – Lower Risk, Intermediate Risk and Higher Risk

ALL basements are at risk of increased radon levels regardless of location in the UK

It is advisable to test for radon gas rather than rely solely on probability estimates

The full report from the HPA – HPA Advice on the LImitation of Human Exposure to Radon is available from the HPA

The Waterproofing System

The waterproofing system used in this instance incorporated a cavity drain membrane system that was applied to the walls and the floors, a perimeter drainage channel that channeled water from the basement to a sump pump unit. The sump pump unit is designed to pump the water away from the basement to a convenient drain off point. This system does not stop the flow of water coming into the basement but instead controls the flow of water.

The video below shows the various stages in the waterproofing of the basement – from start through to the final skim of plaster going on the walls.

Could you convert your basement?

Many Victorian houses, and older types of properties which have basements lend themselves to having basement or cellar conversions.  Timberwise are experts in basement waterproofing and have experience in converting basements of all sizes into dry living space. If you have a basement that you are thinking of converting don’t hesitate to get in touch. Timberwise can carry out a basement survey to identify the best basement waterproofing system for your basement conversion. For more information on basements visit our basement waterproofing pages on this website.

Our timber repair specification involved cutting back of the rotten end of the timber. Slots were then formed in the existing beam end to accept steel reinforcement bars that are pre-attached to the new beam end.   A “shutter” was then formed and resin injected. Finally the timber repair was sanded down and all the brick work and plaster  made good. The pictures below show step by step how this method of timber repair was done. Simply click on an image and the photo will enlarge.

Timber repair CPD seminar day

Timberwise are hosting a timber repair CPD at the David Gower Suite on June 23rd 2010. Our speakers, Neil Hartley and David Moore are experts on timber repair techniques and it gives an ideal opportunity to learn from the timber repair experts. If you are interested in attending call our team at our Leicester office on 0116 269 3960 or eMail leics@timberwise.co.uk

Dry Rot – a name that normally strikes fear into property owners!

This photo taken by a Timberwise surveyor shows a wooden floor that has been attacked by True Dry Rot – or to give it its correct name Serpula Lacrymans.

Clearly visible on the floor boards are Rhizomorphs. Rhizomorphs and cords of mycelium growth that conduct nutrients and water back to the body of the Dry Rot outbreak - basically Rhizomorphs feed the Dry Rot growth when it has run out of a food source.

Rhizomorphs can be up to 6mm in diameter and can be relatively brittle when dry.

Also visible in the photo is the red spore dust from the Dry Rot fruiting body (Sporophore). The fruiting body is created when the Dry Rot becomes stressed due to temperature, humidity or a lack of nutrients.

What should you do if you suspect Dry Rot in your property?

Dry Rot adapts well to to the environment within buildings. As such Dry Rot is one of the fastest forms of decay and one of the most difficult to eradicate. If you suspect you have a Dry Rot outbreak in a property you need a Dry Rot specialist to survey the problem and recommend the best cause of action to treat the Dry Rot problem.

Dry Rot treatment from the experts

Timberwise have been treating Dry Rot problems for over 40 years and our team of experienced surveyors are experts in their field. To contact Timberwise to arrange a Dry Rot survey call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line Dry Rot survey request form.

Although it is common to see  holes left behind by woodworm from previous infestations it is always worth seeking the opinion of a woodworm specialist to see if the infestation is current and needs treatment or not. In this case the surveyor also found some live woodworm indicating that the infestation was active.

The photo above shows one of the purlins in the roof where exit holes from the woodworm are clearly visible. We are now in the woodworm flight season (this runs roughly in the warmer months say May to September) and it is now that the woodworm are “coming out of the wood work” so to speak! For people who are interested in further information about woodworm we have a document written by our “Woodworm Expert” available for free as well as a woodworm video podcast looking in detail at the life cycle of woodworm.

What to do if you have a woodworm problem in your property

Timberwise have been treating woodworm problems for over 40 years and our highly skilled surveyors will be able to advise you on the nature of the woodworm infestation within the property. To arrange a woodworm survey call 0800 288 8660 or complete our woodworm survey request form.