Client: Domestic
Our client, a homeowner in Perth, contracted Timberwise to replaster their hallway cupboard after a case of damp damage. This property was a ground floor flat of cavity brick construction with external render, and was both occupied and furnished at the time of our inspection. The weather conditions were sunny.
Challenges
Our initial survey was limited to the understairs cupboard during our initial visit, and was restricted by furniture and stored items. This is a regular occurrence for our surveyors, and they are well-equipped by their experience to work around such challenges to ensure any property is diagnosed and treated correctly first time.
Observations
Our surveyor conducted a brief investigation of the property, beginning with the external wall opposite the internal damage. Here, our surveyor identified high external ground levels around a staircase leading to the upstairs flat. Raised floors such as these can cause lateral damp penetration, where surface moisture soaks into the wall. This damp can bridge over a Damp Proof Course (DPC), rendering it useless at preventing rising damp.
Another likely contributor of damp could have been the external render applied to the walls. If this were in contact with the floor, it could allow moisture to bypass the DPC as well. However, this was not conclusive as the raised floor level prevented access to the wall to confirm this.
Internally, our surveyor identified large spots of black spot mould within the entrance cupboard. This is prevalent in areas of high moisture such as bathrooms or kitchens, but is also found in cupboards or wardrobes where a lack of ventilation prevents atmospheric moisture from dissipating, causing condensation on cooler walls and windows.
Having taken a humidity reading with a hygrometer, our surveyor measured a reading of 73%. This indicates that ventilation within the cupboard was not sufficient to allow moisture build-up to escape. Our surveyor did confirm that ventilation throughout the remainder of the property was adequate, and the presence of central heating would allow the property to remain heated above the moisture dew point, preventing further mould growth throughout the rest of the property.
Our surveyor also used an electronic conductivity meter to assess the moisture content within the cupboard walls. This device only gives a true reading on timber, but can be used to indicate the presence of damp on masonry or plaster. High moisture content was identified within the external-facing walls, which also showed initial evidence of plaster failure. This was concluded to be the result of damp from the external defects leaving historic salts in the plaster, which were constantly drawing moisture back into the wall over time.
Solutions
In collaboration with our client and our technicians, our surveyor developed a treatment plan to remedy the cupboard and prevent further recurrence of mould in future.
Our technicians first hacked off the existing plaster. This not only removed the existing mould, but also the historic salts that were drawing moisture back into the plaster. They then cleaned and sterilised the area to remove any remaining mould residue.
After cleaning the wall of plaster, our technicians first installed a coat of isotherm wall insulation. This product creates a membrane on the surface of the wall that prevents moisture ingress, while also being vapour-permeable, helping walls to breathe and control condensation in enclosed spaces.
Once the isotherm coat was dry, our technicians re-plastered the wall with our DryTek salt retardant specification. This plaster prevents new salts from being deposited into the plaster if a future damp concern were to arise.
Our surveyor also recommended additional work on the exterior of the property be completed be a reputable specialist. They recommended removing the raised section of flooring beside the external side of the wall. This would allow the DPC to function as intended once more, preventing future damp ingress. If bridging plaster was found behind the raised floor, our surveyor also recommended that this be removed as well to prevent moisture from bridging over the DPC.
Results
Our client was delighted with the work conducted by our team of surveyors and technicians. They were satisfied with Timberwise’s clean and efficient approach, allowing them to use the cupboard for storage while reducing the likelihood of future mould outbreaks. They also spoke of our team’s willingness to recommend additional work, even if it did not result in more business for them. This shows our team’s willingness to work with other tradesman to provide a complete remedial solution for every client, no matter the size of the job.
Do You Want Help With a Damp Solution?
Our dedicated and experienced team in Perth 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.
