Basement waterproofing for a Yorkshire hotel

When a prestigious hotel in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, needed a waterproofing solution they could trust they turned to Timberwise to provide the ideal waterproofing solution to suit their needs.

The Harrogate based Rudding Park Hotel is in the process of extending the fantastic facilities that they already offer by building a new bedroom wing, a spa are as well as a gymnasium. Timberwise were appointed as waterproofing experts to waterproof the new construction.

The waterproofing solution involved the use of  a Bentonite waterproofing membrane. Bentonite membrane benefits from a unique surface Bentonite impregnation which makes for an exceptional waterproof barrier with impermeable lap joints. A continuous layer of natural Sodium bentonite is sandwiched within the waterproof membrane. Sodium Bentonite expands when wet and absorbs several times its dry mass in water. The membrane gives basement waterproofing protection to grades 2, 3 and 4 as defined in BS8102 making for a totally dry basement.

Timberwise are experts in waterproofing and can help convert dark damp cellars and basements in to usable living space and have an extensive range of basement solutions available. From the design of the basement waterproofing solution through to the installation of the waterproofing solution  you can have peace of mind that your property is in the hands of the waterproofing experts – Timberwise. For more information on our range of waterproofing solutions visit our basement waterproofing solutions section.

Timber repairs for an historic village church

The church of St Mary Magdalene has stood at the heart of the village of Geddington near Kettering for over 1000 years. Over time the building has stood firm against all the British weather can throw at it but when a problem was discovered with timber decay in the oak beams in the roof Timberwise were on hand to help.

Geddington Church

Upon inspection of the timbers there were 3 damaged beams that were showing signs of wet rot decay at the bearing ends as a result of a leaking parapet gutter. Timberwise were asked to provide a specification to repair the damaged timbers invisibly. As experts in timber repair we had the perfect timber repair solution for this problem!

Our timber repair specification involved the cutting back of the rotton ends of the timber. At the sound end of the timber beam steel reinforcement bars  were to be installed into the timber. A “shutter” then needed to be  formed and a new solid resin end put in place. The pictures below show how this method of timber repair was done as well as demonstrating how it was done with minimum disruption to the very old and complex roof structure.

Internal view of a timber beam end

Internal view of timber beam with support bracket in place

Internal view of timber beams and roof structure

External view of timber decay to timber beam end

Steel bars and shutter prior to resin application

External view showing the removed parapet stone work

For timber repairs trust the timber repair experts – Trust Timberwise!

Timberwise have many years experience in the treating of damaged timbers and using timber resin repairs on rotted wood. For more information on our expertise in timber engineering visit our timber engineering  pages or call 0800 99 11 00

Basement waterproofing advice from the basement waterproofing experts

Not only are Timberwise experts in rising damp, damp proofing and fungal decay such as dry rot but we are also able to provide expertise in basement waterproofing. Timberwise are partners of Basement Systems, leaders in basement waterproofing technology and experts in keeping basements clean and dry.

Basements leak due to high water tables, poor existing drainage,  previous failed basement waterproofing systems and after severe winters when there has been much snow the snow thaw can also be a contributing factor.

To help explain how the Basement Systems basement waterproofing products work below is a short video that shows a failed basement with various points of water ingress leading to an unusable, damp basement. The Basement Systems range of waterproofing products include WaterGuard, a perimeter drainage channel, sump and pump units that pump water away from the basement and cavity drain membrane that is hung on walls and floors.

For expert basement waterproofing advice trust the experts, Trust Timberwise!

On our website we have dedicated pages that give advice and information on how best to deal with a damp, leaky basement. From information on our range of sump pump units to perimeter drainage channel and cavity drain membrane you are sure to find out every thing you need to know about waterproofing your basement!

Don’t let the big freeze cause a plumbing nightmare!

The bitterly cold start to 2010 is causing many problems for home owners and especially with household plumbing.  As a result of the freezing cold temperatures there has been an increase in the number of home floods and damp problems caused by burst water pipes and frozen water pipes. Burst pipes can cause serious water damage not just to the contents of the building but to the construction of the property. As a result of a burst water pipe the property has to be thoroughly dried out  and treated effectively to prevent future problems such as damp and dry rot.

Mark Edwards, Chief Executive of Timberwise, comments: ” The bitterly cold weather is causing major headaches for home owners. Burst water pipes caused by the prolonged freezing temperatures can cause serious water damage which can lead to future problems.”

” By taking a few simple precautions homeowners can greatly reduce the risk of pipes freezing. Nobody wants to come back home from a Winter break to a cold, damp surprise!”

Top 10 tips to stop burst pipes and damp problems

The following tips will all keep your home free of burst pipes and damp problems:

• Insulate pipes that are most exposed to the freezing temperatures – not forgetting the corners and elbows of pipework – these tend to be exposed more than other parts. Supplies of insulation can be found at most DIY stores.
• In very cold weather, check all your taps from time to time. If little or no water flows there may be frozen water in the pipes.
• Do you know where your stopcock is? 1 in 3 home owners don’t! The stopcock is used to cut off the flow of water so make sure you know where yours is.
• Ask a friend or neighbour to check on your home if you are going away for any time. This will ensure that any burst pipes are spotted early and damage minimised.
• Turn off any indoor valves on pipes that lead to taps outside your home. Then open the outside tap and leave it in the open position to allow any water in the pipe to drain. This will make sure that there is no water in the pipe to freeze.
• Have your central heating checked and serviced regularly. A leaking radiator valve can cause water and damp problems.
• Insulate your loft, pipes and the sides of your water tank.
• Open the loft trap door on cold days to let heat in
• Re-washer dripping taps because if they freeze they’ll block the pipe. This will also it will save up to a litre of water a day and your money if it’s a hot tap.
• In very cold weather the heating will need to be on low, or set to come on a couple of times a day, especially if you’re going away. Most modern boilers have a frost protection thermostat, which turns on automatically if the temperature drops to a level that will cause your pipes to freeze.

If you discover you do have a burst pipe the advice is simple:

1. Turn off the water

2. Turn off the water heating systems

3. Turn off the electrics

4. Call a professional to repair any damage

Click here for more detailed advice on what to do if you discover a burst pipe.

Further help with damp problems

Timberwise are experts in all forms of dampness in buildings. For more information about damp and damp problems in homes visit our damp proofing web page. Here you will also find our damp proofing video designed to give you helpful advice on a variety of damp proofing problems.

Merry Christmas from Timberwise

A merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all!

YouTube: Property Care Experts Channel

For more great advice on property care issues we now have our very own channel on YouTube. Our YouTube channel, Property Care Experts, features videos giving advice on topics ranging from condensation control through to woodworm and much more.

Have a look at The Property Care Experts channel and learn more about the world of Timberwise!

Property Care Experts Channel: Advice from the Experts

Do you have condensation problems? You need condensation advice from the specialists!

It’s that time of year again when condensation rears it’s ugly head in properties! The modern menace of condensation can strike anywhere! From the tell tale signs of condensation on windows to the musty smell of hidden black spot mould behind a wardrobe it can sneak up on home owners without any notice.  To help people with condensation problems and people searching for condensation cures we have put together a Timberwise Property Focus Podcast that looks at the causes of condensation and how we can help control condensation in properties. Calling on our many years of expertise with condensation and damp problems we are able to offer a full range of condensation solutions to help cure your condensation problem. From increasing airflow with our range of ventilation products through to positive pressure units, mould eradication kits and helpful advice we can help cure your condensation issue.

If you have a condensation problem and need help finding the best way to control the condensation in your property help is only a call or click away! To arrange for a condensation consultaion from one of our Air Quality experts simply complete our on-line condensation survey request form or call 0800 288 8661