Client: Domestic
Timberwise was called in to survey this ground floor flat on Whittingstall Road in London. The property was unoccupied and partly furnished, made from a solid brick construction, and the client wanted to know if a basement waterproofing solution would be suitable for the property.
At the time of the inspection the weather was sunny, dry and our surveyors had unrestricted access to the property. Our client did not request an inspection of the external features of the property as part of the survey.
Damp Observations
Rising dampness was found on the ground floor elevation, and internal dampness (not caused by rising damp) was discovered in the cellar.
Moisture readings were taken from the internal walls of the ground floor using a non-destructive conductivity meter. These meters only give an indication of moisture content when used on masonry but give a true reading on timber. Destructive testing can give a more precise moisture reading and can be carried out with the written permission from the owner. High moisture readings in the ground-floor internal walls meant a highly probable case of rising damp. This led the investigation to the cellar.
A thorough inspection of the cellar was requested by the client as this area was part of a refurbishment in the property. They had told our surveyor that there was water entering from around an old coal chute. This was a dry storage area with very little moisture ingress at the time of the survey.
Solutions
The vertical timber supports were carefully removed and refixed after floor membrane, and a chipboard floating floor solution had been laid down. Our technicians recommended a liquid membrane be applied over the concrete base of the cellar walls, prior to the re-bedding of the slabs into position.
A Delta air gap membrane was supplied and installed into the lining of the walls and floors of the cellar, sealed and secured using corner strip tape and quick-seal plugs.
A positive air pressure unit was installed, which channelled moist air out through the rear open vent, so that the cellar would be viable as a dry storage space.
Results
The cellar was waterproofed using our DryTek membrane, lining was applied to the floor corners and wall joints and an air pressure unit was installed. Our works concluded and our client was pleased our technicians work and provided after-photos of the now-painted plaster in the cellar.
Do You Need Help with a Basement Waterproofing Solution?
Our dedicated and experienced team in London are ready to talk to you about your options for property preservation. Don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 288 8660, or you can request a survey online.
