Client: Domestic
Our client, a homeowner in Shrewsbury, contacted Timberwise to install a damp proofing solution to repair damage caused by rising damp. After having a previous survey conducted, our client had confirmed the damp concern was present in two chimney breasts, one in each ground floor reception room of the property. These chimney breasts were built into the party wall shared with the adjacent property. This was a semi-detached house of solid brick construction (c. 1930), and was both occupied and furnished at the time of our inspection. The weather was overcast and wet.
Observations
Our surveyor first corroborated the findings of the previous survey by taking readings with their own electric conductivity meter. These meters only give an indication of damp in masonry such as the brick chimney breast, but can provide insight into the presence of damp. After a quick inspection of the affected areas did identify sections of damp near to the floor.
Chimney breasts can suffer from damp issues for several reasons, including fault roof flashings, condensation from poor ventilation inside the chimney, or from rising damp in the property’s foundations. In this case, and backed by the prior survey, our surveyor confirmed the issue to be related to rising damp.
Solutions
Having confirmed the findings from the previous survey, our technicians installed a solution that would combat the spread of damp in both chimneys and the adjoining wall. The solution was similar in both cases: First, our technicians removed the offending plaster from both chimneys, creating a clean slate from which to work. This also removed any historic salts which might have drawn atmospheric moisture back into the plaster and eventually cause it to fail.
Once cleared, our technicians installed our complete DryTek solution, consisting of a new Damp Proof Course (DPC) and a salt retardant plaster finish. First, holes were drilled into the mortar bed of the wall, just above floor level and at regular horizontal intervals. These holes are then injected with a water-resistant cream, which creates a waterproof barrier within the mortar join once dry. This prevents moisture from being able to rise in the wall and penetrate the facing wall plaster.
Once installed, our technicians re-coated the walls, first with a waterproof slurry, and then with a plaster finish. The DryTek plaster finish is salt retardant, meaning that it does not allow salt to populate the plaster if water were to ingress through another method.
Results
Our client was happy with the result of their finished chimney breasts, and was pleased that our surveyor was mindful of the previous survey before designing their solution. This also goes to show that no job is too small – whether we’re working on a small patch of wall in a home or a renovated cathedral, every property receives the due care and attention it deserves. Our surveyors and technicians act upon over 55 years of Timberwise experience to deliver the ideal solution to our customers every time.
Do You Want Help with a Rising Damp Solution?
Our dedicated and experienced team in Shrewsbury are ready to talk to you about your options for property preservation. Don’t hesitate to call us on 01743 493 243, or you can request a survey online.
