Client: Domestic
Our client, a homeowner in Cheshire, tasked Timberwise with treating their period property for problems associated with rising damp. This property was a semi-detached house of solid brick construction, and was both unoccupied and unfurnished at the time of our inspection. The weather conditions were sunny.
Challenges
Our inspection was limited by fitted units. This is a common obstruction that our surveyors face daily, especially when surveying residential properties, and they use their experience backed by 55 years of Timberwise’ industry knowledge to ensure a property is assessed correctly prior to treatment beginning.
Observations
As our client had previously had their issue surveyed by another specialist, our surveyor conducted a brief inspection to confirm the findings of this report.
They began by assessing the internal walls of the property with an electronic conductivity meter. These devices are used to detect true moisture levels within timber, but are also used by our surveyors to detect an indication of damp within plaster or masonry. This allows our surveyor to plot the spread of damp, and the likely cause.
After assessing the ground floor walls, our surveyor identified rising damp within the kitchen and both reception rooms. This is caused by water bypassing a damp proof course, rising through the masonry through capillary action, and releasing into the interior wall plaster. Rising damp also often brings with it ground salts, which are then deposited into the plaster, drawing moisture back into the wall. Over time, the plaster eventually fails, either bubbling or sloughing away from the wall entirely.
The likely cause was attributed to a failed slate damp proof course (DPC). This is a common fault in properties of this age, and is usually caused either by deterioration over time or incorrect installation.
Solutions
After assessing the condition of the property, our surveyor designed a treatment plan to restore the damp proofing measures within the property.
To begin, our technicians removed a 1 metre band of the existing wall plaster throughout the ground floor. This is a necessary step to remove any salt contamination from the walls, which could lead to future condensation issues once the property was furnished and occupied.
With the masonry exposed, our technicians then installed a new DryTek Damp Proof Course. This is a chemical injection DPC, which involves drilling holes into the mortar bed above floor level, and then filling these with a silicone-based cream. Once dry, this creates a waterproof barrier that would prevent water from rising through the wall. As an additional measure, vertical barriers were installed to prevent moisture abridgement from any adjoining masonry. More information on chemical injection DPCs is available on our damp proof course page.
Once the DPC was installed, our technicians completed the treatment by replastering the walls with the DryTek Finishing System. This is a salt-retardant plaster finish that prevents residual salt migration into the plaster. Once completed, the plaster could then be redecorated to our client’s preference.
Results
Our surveyor identified a rising damp concern, and installed a new horizontal damp proof course to reduce rising damp to low and acceptable levels. Our technicians also successfully remediated historic salt contamination, protecting the decorative surface of the interior walls from atmospheric moisture. Provided with a 20-year guarantee, our client had peace of mind that their property would remain moisture free for decades to come.
Do You Want Help with a Rising Damp Solution?
Our dedicated and experienced team in Cheshire are ready to talk to you about your options for property preservation. Don’t hesitate to call us on 01606 569 487, or you can request a survey online.
