Press/News

Recent research from Aviva has revealed that at the Easter bank holiday an amazing 9.5 million people intended to carry out some form of DIY around the house. The research also highlighted that although the vast majority of people are quick to spot and act on jobs within the home millions of home owners are neglecting work that needs to be carried out outside. The cost of turning a blind eye to those external DIY jobs – a potentially staggering £10,000 in the long term.

Have you checked your chimney stack recently?

If you haven’t checked your chimney stack recently you are not alone – the Aviva research uncovered that only 15% of people check for defects on the chimney stack monthly, as recommended by surveyors, and 21% of us admit to never checking it. Although it may not seem the most important of jobs defective stacks can lead to potential damp problems within the property. Another potential area of neglect is the roof – one in ten UK homeowners have never checked for signs of slipping or missing roof tiles – this once again can lead to potential damp and rot problems. A sound roof is essential to the structural integrity of a house and if a problem with tiles is ignored it can once again land you with an unwanted repair bill.

Heather Smith, Director of home insurance at Aviva said: “Many of the common and expensive problems that affect homes often begin outside the home. For example, damage from damp that seeps in through leaky external walls, standing water on flat roofs, and missing roof tiles.”

Another area of concern is the garden - here Japanese Knotweed lurks ready to cause damage to property! 46% of homeowners admit to never checking for signs of it and 43% didn’t know that it could cause serious damage to property in the form of damaged walls, drains and paving.

Give your property a health check!

To help keep your property in tip top condition here’s a list of the top things to check on your property:

1) Defective chimney stack / roof flashing’s: Check on a monthly basis for damp stains around the chimney breast area.

2) Missing or damaged roof tiles: Check every month for damp patches on interior ceilings.

3) Defective guttering:  Keep an eye out for damp patches, discolouration or salty deposits on the outside of walls. Defective and blocked guttering is a major source of penetrating damp.

4) Wet Rot and Dry Rot in timber frames: Check for the tell tale signs of wet timber or a white fungal growth.

5) Deterioration to flat roofs: Flat roofs should be checked twice a year for standing water, vegetation and the lifting / racking of joints.

6) Japanese Knotweed: Keep an eye out for th distinctive large heart shaped leaves. Be aware though that it changes its appearance through the year.

Do you suspect you have a damp problem?

If you think you have a damp issue at home the best advice is to have it checked out sooner rather than later by a qualified damp surveyor who will be able to identify the nature of the damp problem (be it penetrating damp, dampness caused by condensation or rising damp) and advise on the best course of action to remedy the problem. To arrange a damp survey simply complete our online damp survey request form or call your local Timberwise office on 0800 288 8661 who will be delighted to help you further.

One of the most common forms of dampness that people come across is penetrating damp. Penetrating dampness is usually caused by the movement of water through the walls from the outside of the building. Generally it tends to affect older buildings but not exclusively.

The causes of penetrating damp

There are 2 main causes of penetrating damp problems in buildings – Lateral penetrating damp and building defects.

Lateral penetrating damp

This is caused when the external ground against the wall is above the internal floor level.

Penetrating damp from building defects

There are many issues that fit into this category. Defective roof coverings, poorly fitted windows and door frames, cracked brick work and faulty guttering and downpipes (as can be seen in our photo!). For more photos of dampness check out our Timberwise Facebook page.

Identifying penetrating damp

There are a number of tell tales signs to help property owners determine if they have a penetrating damp problem. These signs include:

- Damage to internal decoration

- Damage to plaster work

- Signs of wet rot and decay on skirting boards and floor timbers

- Localised damp patches. Random patches of damp and varying heights that show no signs of drying out.

- Mould growth. Normally accompanied with a must smell and spoilt internal decorations. (Mould can be removed with a mould removal kit)

Tips to prevent penetrating damp

The following tips are designed to give a little guidance on what to look for is you suspect a penetrating damp problem.

- Check Downpipes, gutters, flashing, rendering and window frames for sign of damage.

- Downpipes should always be clear to allow good water flow.

- Replace any damaged guttering.

- If the rendering is cracked as well as re-sealing any gaps that may be evident around window frames.

- Check window sills and in particular the drip groove. This is designed to shed rain water prior to it reaching the house wall. Any dirt of forms of blockage on the drip groove need to be removed.

Further penetrating damp help

Should you require advice call your local Timberwise office on 0800 288 8660 to arrange a damp survey or complete our on-line dampness survey request form. Our surveyor will visit the property at a time convenient to you and give an experts opinion on how to solve your damp problem.

Here we have a photo case study from one of our surveyors that highlights the dangers of ignoring leaking bath and shower seals. An insurance company contacted Timberwise Cheltenham to visit a property that showed signs of dampness and fungal decay.

From the initial survey it was very apparent that the water leak had on-going for some considerable time (between 6 and 9 months) which had allowed plenty of time for problems to occur behind the scenes. Damage had taken place to the master bedroom floor, bathroom floor and landing floor as well at the kitchen ceiling below. Wet rot was found in parts of the property as a direct result of the water ingress allowed by the faulty bath seal. The Wet rot known as Coniophora puteana is one of the most common forms of decay found in the UK and occurs when wood has become soaked through water leakage.

All the Wet rot infected timbers were replaced and precautionary treatments applied to the remain timbers. The pictures below show the devastation that was caused:

With the bath removed the damage caused by the Wet rot is clear to see. Black mould can also be seen on the wall.

The chipboard floor has lost any strength it had as a result of the water damage.

The landing floor is ruined as is the plasterboard partition. More black spot mould can also be seen.

What should you do if you suspect a leaking bath / shower seal?

Ideally you must sort the seal out as soon as possible to avoid a water ingress and Wet rot problem as seen in the photos above. To help, below is a handy video showing the correct way to seal a bath to make sure that you stay leak free!

Do you have a Wet rot problem?

If you suspect Wet rot in your property don’t panic! Timberwise are experts in treating properties that have been subjected to dampness and Wet rot. To arrange a survey from one of our timber surveyors simply complete our on-line survey request form of call your local Timberwise office on 0800 288 8660.

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.

Every home owner dreads finding damp in their home. To help home owners avoid damp problems in their home here are Timberwises top 5 tips to avoid damp problems in the future:

Top 5 ways to avoid damp problems

1. Regular external maintenance:Keep gutters and other rain water goods clean and free of leaves and other debris. Also seal any leaking joints as these could lead to damp problems.
2. Routine property inspections:Have a thorough inspection by a qualified surveyor every couple of years to identify potential damp problems such as water ingress through leaking gutters.
3. React fast!: If you do discover a damp problem with your home dealing with the damp issue sooner rather than later will save you money in the long term. The longer the damp problem is left the worse it will become.
4. Control the moisture within the building: Condensation within a property is one of the major types of dampness found within properties. Condensation can be controlled through ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens or by using such methods as positive pressure units to control the ventilation of the whole property.
5. Check seals:Seals around baths, showers and sinks can all eventually perish. Check the seals and where needed renew to prevent damp problems  occurring.

Further help to prevent damp problems

Timberwise have been treating damp problems for over 40 years. More help and information about damp problems can be found on our damp related web pages:

• Damp proofing advice
• Controlling condensation
• Penetrating damp
• Rising damp advice
• Basement waterproofing

If you find you do have a damp problem that needs some expert attention simply call 0800 288 8660 or request a damp survey on line by completing our damp survey request form.

Are you looking for a property care company you can trust to care for your property? Do you have rising damp or condensation problems and not sure which way to turn or who to trust?

To help show why Timberwise are the property care company of choice for many we have compiled a short animation that looks at what makes Timberwise different from everybody else. From our skilled surveyors and technicians to our office based teams all at Timberwise are dedicated to providing the best quality service for you and your property.

Timberwise have over 4 decades experience in the caring of properties – from damp, rising damp and dry rot through to basement waterproofing  and woodworm our highly skilled surveyors are able to diagnose a solution to suit your needs. As members of the Property Care Association

Don’t just take our word for it though! To become one of the many satisfied clients of Timberwise simply complete the survey request form or call 0800 288 8660.

The rising damp expert from Timberwise

Meet “The Expert” This man of mystery is an experienced surveyor with a wealth of knowledge to share. ”The Expert” now turns his attention to Rising Damp and looks in detail at how rising damp occurs and how modern damp proofing methods can control it.

Does rising damp exist?
Reading certain articles in a number of newspapers one would think not – it is a myth! Unfortunately the journalists have failed to appreciate the extensive research over many years into rising damp by the Building Research Establishment, the recognised testing and research authority, and other such authorities which clearly show rising damp does exist, and there are easily applicable diagnostic techniques to identify this particular form of dampness.

So what is rising damp?
It is the rise of water up through walls, the water originating from ground water: basically the wall acts like a wick.

How does it occur?
Simply think of ‘suction’ – if the suction of the wall is greater than the suction of the ground then water will rise to a greater or lesser extent. If the suction of the ground, however, is greater than the wall then water will not rise, whether a damp proof course is present or not. Once rising damp occurs, depending on the ‘suction’, it can rise to above 2 metres. However, one more commonly expects around 1200 mm and less.
 

For rising damp advice contact damp specialists Timberwise

What problems does rising damp cause?

Rising water causes problems of decorative spoiling and especially rot in skirtings, floor joists, floorboards and wall plates where present. Significantly, ground water salts will be deposited within the masonry and the surfaces especially plasters and decorative finishes. Most ground water only contains very small quantities of salts at levels which are generally at an acceptable level. However, as the water rises within the wall these salts are carried up into the wall and left behind as the water evaporates. Over, say, periods in excess of 50 years the continual water rise and evaporation cause these salts to build up to quite significant quantities. And here is where a further problem with long term rising damp occurs. A proportion of the salts are hygroscopic. This means that they can absorb water from the air. In some cases these salts are concentrated to such levels that sufficient water is absorbed from the air to cause contaminated finishes to appear damp. This will cause future problems in that if the rising damp is stopped, materials may still remain damp solely due to the hygroscopic nature of the contaminated material. Any decorative finish applied to such contaminated substrates would almost certainly spoil with time.

Have a damp problem? call damp specialists Timberwise

How is rising damp controlled?

To effect a dry, non-spoiling decorative surface free from water and salt contamination the control of rising damp has to be a two-part process. There is no other way!

Part 1- The injection of a damp proof course to control the rising water. A number of systems are available for this purpose, most being chemical injection systems. Most control the rising water by forming a water repellent barrier at the base of the wall thereby controlling the rise of water: some provide a pore blocking action to control rise. Chemical injection systems, and their installation are covered in British standard 6576:2005 ‘Code of practice for diagnosis of rising damp in walls of buildings and installation of chemical damp-proof courses’ ‘.

Part 2 - the removal and replacement of potentially salt contaminated plasters and finishes. This is undertaken to form a long-uncontaminated surface, and prevent any residual moisture/salts causing future spoiling. The importance of the removal of the old plaster and the reinstatement with new plaster cannot be understated.

Diagnosing dampness in buildings
Prior to introducing any water control methods it is vital to correctly diagnose the actual source of dampness. Is it rising damp, condensation, penetrating damp, or simple floor/wall junction bridging? Get the diagnosis wrong and remediation is likely to be wrongly specified. Dampness will then persist, and costs incurred in treating the ‘wrong’ dampness will be totally wasted.

It is therefore essential that the specialist damp surveyor has the knowledge, experience and appropriate instrumentation to clearly identify the different causes of dampness. We at Timberwise have that expertise and decades of experience. Our surveyors are trained in the nationally recognised qualifications, the Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatment. Whatever the cause of dampness, our damp surveyors will recommend the most cost effective action. We give our clients, large or small, full confidence in both the diagnosis and solution of the damp proofing problem.

For more advice on rising damp please contact the damp specialists Timberwise on  o800 288 8660 or visit our rising damp pages. We offer a range of damp proofing solutions from electro osmotic systems through to the latest in injection waterproofing.