Timberwise News

You’ll be amazed what you can find in a fan!

A well known store recently contacted our Timberwise Manchester team to have a look at a fan in a laundry room that did not appear to be working. As the room was used mainly for ironing it was subjected to high humidity (as a result of the steam) and without the ventilation unit working the threat of mould and loss of decoration was looming.

Our ventilation expert took a look at the unit – which externally appeared fine. Power was running to the unit and externally nothing appeared to be wrong so he decide to turn the power off to the unit and look a little closer.

What he saw next explained the reason for the failure of the fan in an instant! Having removed the external cover he found a vine growing into the unit! This creeper had grown through the external shutters into the motor housing and strangled the motor – and as a result stopping the fan turning and removing the moist air from the room.

The solution to get this fan working again was simple – the vine was removed from the unit and trimmed back externally. It was also apparent that the unit had not been maintained for some time so the unit was cleaned out thoroughly.

As a result the fan is now working fine and the threat of mould through high humidity is now reduced.

Ventilation solutions from Timberwise

Timberwise are not just experts in damp proofing, we have a range of ventilation products to suit a variety of different needs – from kitchen and bathroom fans through to positive pressure units and whole house ventilation packages  we have a solution for almost all requirements.

If you have a ventilation problem contact your local office on 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line survey request form and we will contact you to arrange for one of our surveyors to help you further.

Timberwise Devon CPD Day 2011

We are proud to be able to release details of our 2011 Devonian CPD seminar day.

For this packed CPD seminar day we have selected 3 fantastic speakers who are specialists in their fields to talk about various aspects of “Damp and Decay Solutions”. From the mysterious world of dry rot through to the changes in waterproofing with BS8102 we have something for everybody.

The seminar day will be of interest to Architects, Building Surveyors, Conservation Officers, Structural Engineers, Local Authorities and anybody who is concerned with property maintenance and repair.

The topics and speakers at this CPD event are:

Waterproofing: How the new BS8102 changes will affect you

Phil Hewitt - Phil has specialised in structural waterproofing and damp proofing since 1986 and is today considered to be one of the leading technical figures in the industry. He is a past chairman of the British Structural Waterproofing Association, and is very active in the Property Care Association.

 The Rising Damp Myth – Fact or Fiction / Dry Rot and its Control

Graham Coleman- Graham has been in private practice as an independent consultant since 1982. He specialises in laboratory and consultancy services examining dampness, timber infestation and timber decay problems in the built environment. Graham is widely recognised as one of the country’s foremost independent experts in the field of dampness and fungal decay.

 Condensation and Mould Control

Jonathan Hardman- Jonathan came to Timberwise following a varied career within local authorities and housing associations. Throughout his 30 year association with this area he has held a variety of positions from Charge Hand and Foreman to Building Officer and Building Surveyor. For the last 15 years he has been heavily involved with air quality issues within social housing.

The Venue: Sandy Park Conference Centre, Exeter

We are delighted to be hosting our 2011 Devonian CPD Seminar Day at Sandy Park which is home to the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club. Included in the CPD seminar day is lunch, refreshments and a tour of the stadium as well.

The Date: Tuesday 17th May 2011

The event will start with registration and coffee at 9.15 am and will close at 3.30pm.

To register for this free event please eMail your contact details directly to cpdevents@timberwise.co.uk or call 0870 225 7810. Early booking is advised as places are limited.

The dangers of not drying a property out after flooding

These photos show the dangers of not drying out a property after it has been subjected to flooding. Flooding doesn’t necessarily happen as a result of living near a river – in this example, from one of our Manchester timber and damp surveyors, the water tank in the property had burst whilst the property was vacant and for sale. When the leak was eventually discovered the water to the property was turned off and the excess water within the property removed. It was then that a mistake was made in the clean up process. The property was not dried out correctly and the property was left closed up. Due to the amount of moisture held within the property and lack of ventilation the perfect breeding ground for mould and fungal decay was created. As a result of the extent of mould and fungal growth within the property all timbers within the property had to be spray treated to protect against fungal attack.

Our pictures below show mould growing across the floor area in the lounge. In the kitchen area standing water can still be seen on the floor. The second photo shows more mould growth on the ceiling (possibly the early stages of dry rot) along with black spot mould formations.

What should I do if my property is subjected to flooding?

The best plan of attack if your property has been subjected to flooding is call in the professionals at an early stage.  A reputable company experienced with flood damaged properties, such as Timberwise, would be able to diagnose the best way to ensure the property is dried out fully to avoid future problems.

There are various ways to dry a flooded property – these include:

Speed drying: This uses heaters and hot air to force the moisture out.

Dehumidification: Desiccant and heat exchange types are commonly used by flood drying companies.  Desiccant dehumidifiers operate by absorbing moisture from the air. Heat exchange dehumidifiers work by drawing air over a cold surface were water is condensed out of the atmosphere. These dehumidifiers are most effective where the air is warm and relative humidity can be held at a high level. Timberwise can also provide smaller dehumidifiers for home usage should you need one,

Fresh air:  When conditions are right large volumes of relatively dry warm air over a damp surface will be enough to achieve very effective drying. Sometimes at certain times of the year the best way to achieve drying is to open all the doors and windows and simply let the air blow through the property!

If you have a property that has been subjected to flooding give Timberwise a call to see if we can help you. Call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line survey request form.

Basement Waterproofing & Green Roof System

Our team of waterproofing experts in the South West were called upon to put there waterproofing expertise to the test with a property in Newquay, Cornwall which had a requirement for a waterproofing system with a difference.

The owners of the property were looking to create a new basement room to complement the existing property and give extra living space in the form of a home cinema. Timberwise were required to provide a specialist waterproofing system to the inside of the newly formed room as well as providing a solution for a green roof. A green roof option was required by the client to ‘mask’ the roof area of the new cinema and to allow it to blend in with the existing landscaping of the property.

What is a green roof?

A green roof is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional roofing. Green roofs also provide a high degree of insulation  and are known to provide an extremely constant temperature throughout the year (Cool in summer and warm in winter). Another key advantage is that green roofing is looked upon favourably in sensitive environments as it allows them to blend in with the surrounding area.

The diagram below shows the various components that make up a green roof system. The concrete roof initially has a liquid waterproofing compound applied. On top of this is then a layer of insulation.  A cavity drain membrane system is then fixed in place and finally a root barrier and reservoir membrane. The reservoir membrane (in this case Delta FLORAXX) stores rain water to help during periods of drought.  The membrane is then covered with soil and grass seeded providing the perfect base for the green roof to grow.

How a green roof is created

The basement waterproofing solution from Timberwise

Internally as the newly constructed room was to be used as living space a type c waterproofing solution was designed and installed. This waterproofing design involved the use of cavity drain membrane to cover the walls and floors and a drainage channel fitted around the perimeter of the basement area. The drainage channel then went to a discharge point via gravity drainage.

The pictures below show the roof prior to the waterproofing process, the liquid waterproofing compound been applied, the insulation in place and finally the cavity drain membrane and reservoir membrane application.

The basement roof prior to the waterproofing process

The waterproofing compound

The insulation in place

Cavity drain membrane and reservoir membrane

Involving Timberwise with your waterproofing project

If you have a  basement waterproofing project that would benefit from the waterproofing expertise of Timberwise don’t hesitate to get in touch! We have a variety of waterproofing techniques at our disposal to make sure that your basement will remain dry for many years to come.

Your local Timberwise office has a trained waterproofing surveyor who can advise on what waterproofing solution is right for you. To find out more about the waterproofing solutions available visit our dedicated basement waterproofing pages.

To arrange a survey simply complete our on-line basement waterproofing survey request form or call your local office on 0800 288 8660.

Damp proofing solution for Listed London Lido!

When the grade two listed Brockwell Lido in South East London had a requirement for damp proofing works as part of a refurbishment project the damp experts at Timberwise London were called upon to put a stop to their damp woes.

Damp proofing was carried out to the pool and changing room areas and in particular the Hydrosuite area. The team at Timberwise London were delighted to have the opportunity to work on this Art Deco styed local London landmark that has been at the heart of the local Herne Hill community since 1937.

Damp proofing experts for projects large and small

Timberwise are experts in damp proofing and have experience of projects of all sizes. If you have a damp problem don’t leave it to chance – choose the damp experts, choose Timberwise.

To arrange a survey call 0800 288 8660 or complete the online damp survey request form.

Help stamp out damp with our damp advice

Damp is one of the most common problems in UK property. Ignore damp at your peril – it quickly leads to mould and mould in turn leads to rot , such as dry rot. Below are some handy pointers on some of the more common forms of dampness that are found in properties and some handy tips on what to do is you suspect you have a damp problem:

Rising Damp

As the name Rising Damp suggests, this damp rises from a water source below. The most common cause of rising damp is the breakdown of an existing damp proof course, or not having a damp proof course at all. Some older properties were built without a damp proof course at all. Blocked up chimneys, hermetically sealed windows or tight fitting doors can also cause problems.

Tips on spotting and avoiding Rising Damp

- Don’t block natural ventilation – especially in older houses.

- Ensure drains are clear- saturated soil can let water seep into the house.

- Make sure there are no large trees within 20m of the property. Roots can cause damage to drains and footings.

- Check all guttering and downpipes for blockages.

- If the property has a cellar, check the condition of the underside of the joists and floorboards.

What to do if you suspect you have a Rising Damp problem

Timberwise are experts in identifying and recommending the best solutions to Rising Damp related problems and have been for over 40 years. All houses are different and  have a variety of different damp proofing methods at their disposal. From chemical damp proof courses through to electro osmotic damp proofing you can be sure that Timberwise will accurately diagnose and suggest the best course of action for your property. To arrange a survey simply call your local Timberwise office on 0800 288 8660 of complete our on-line damp survey request form and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time for a survey. For more advice check out our Rising Damp advice page.

Penetrating Damp

This enters properties through walls and around windows either horizontally or from above. The most frequent cause is a leaking roof or blocked gutters and downpipes. Water may travel down beams through natural gullies, down electric cables and along joists before it finally appears on the wall. Further information on Penertrating Damp can be found on our Penetrating damp page.

Tips on spotting and avoiding Penetrating Damp

- After rain fall look for external damp patches where most of the wall has dried but a damp patch is left.

- Feel the walls for signs of dampness.

- Pay special attention to ceilings and around windows- especially dormer windows and roof lights.

- Inspect the loft and check the underfelt. Turn of the lighting in the loft area and check for any signs of daylight coming through. This easy check highlights areas where water could be coming in.

- With the aid of a pair of binoculars check the condition of the roof. Study carefully the ridge tiles and the area around the base of the chimney stack.

- Look for any signs of algae or mould on exterior walls. Mould can be a sign of a recurring damp problem.

Accidental Damp

This form of dampness is caused by accidental water leakage – for example a leaking water tap or pipe. Older pipework is particularly susceptible to leakage from joints, and as a majority of pipework is hidden this can be difficult to identify. This is where you may need the skills of a good plumber to spot any potential leaks. Another area to check is around baths and showers where the seals may need renewing.

Tips on spotting and avoiding Accidental Damp problems

- Always turn the stop cock off if the property is going to be vacant for any long periods.

- Drain the water and central heating system of any property that is vacant – especially during the colder winter months. Frozen pipes can mean expensive repairs.

- Keep a look out for signs of leakage around all areas where water is used.

- Get a qualified plumber to give you an informal assessment of the state of the water and central heating system in the property.

Looking for some ideas on what to do with that damp basement? Look no further!

To help fuel your imagination on what you can do with your basement we have designed our ‘Timberwise 3D Basement Solutions’  package to give you some ideas on what you can convert that cold, damp basement into.

The virtual reality experience allows you to explore 6 fully finished basement waterproofing scenarios, viewing them fully from different angles or allowing the computer to take you on a tour – all at the click of a button!

To visit our 3D Basement Solutions simply click here

From a fantastic family kitchen to a luxurious home cinema there is something to appeal to everybody. The list of room ideas featured includes:

Family Room / Guest Bedroom / Home Cinema / Kitchen / Home Office / Wet Room

On your tour of the cinema don’t forget to click on the ticket when you walk in to the cinema!

If your basement tour gives you the inspiration to want your basement dreams to become a reality please don’t hesitate to make contact with us. We specialise in basement waterproofing and turning damp basements in to fantastic dry living space. Have a look at some of our basement waterproofing case studies to see how we have helped turned peoples dreams in to reality!

Arranging a basement waterproofing survey

To arrange a survey of your basement  from one of our qualified waterproofing surveyors simply call: 0800 288 8660 or click here to book a basement waterproofing survey on-line

(The tour is best viewed in screen resolution 1024×768.  To run the software you will need to download the plug in when prompted.)